Beta-mannan
What is Beta-mannan?
Beta-mannan is a natural dietary supplement that takes certain extracts of the aloe vera plant that promote immune function and package them in pill form. Beta-Mannan is a proprietary supplement manufactured in the United States and created by Dr. Joe Glickman, Jr.
What’s Inside?
Beta-mannan consists of long-chain, mannose, mucopolysaccharide molecules, also referred to as beta-mannans and beta-glucans found in the aloe vera plant. Although there are a number of other compounds present in aloe vera, Beta-mannan has no other compounds from Aloe vera. These mucopolysaccharide molecules are said to support normal immune function and for that reason can be found in supplements used to treat HSV-1 and HSV-2. Beta-mannans have not been found to be allergenic and also do not have laxative effects.
In addition to the beta –mannan concentrates, which are listed as a proprietary blend, the ingredients of Beta-mannan include, in each serving of 2 capsules: Natural Vitamin E, Microcrystalline Cellulose, and a gelatin capsule of a vegetable source. The gelatin capsule is a brand name capsule called a Vegi-cap which is a 100% vegetarian capsule made from pure carbohydrate gum derived from natural cellulose pulp of the soft tissue of pine trees.
Benefits
Aloe vera has been somewhat of a magic healer since ancient times. It is well documented that these beta-mannans exist in aloe vera and some suggest that they are highly effective immune system boosters. A healthy immune system and proper dietary health are the two main factors in controlling herpes outbreaks. The fact that Beta-mannan is a dietary supplement with no reported allergic reactions ever reported makes it a pill just about anyone could take and see improved control of herpes or herpes-related symptoms.
Drawbacks
The same risks exist with this product as all other natural medications. The research supporting their relationship to the immune system may be solid but the direct effect on the herpes virus is thin at best. This is even more true with Beta-mannan because it makes use of a substance that is not widely used to treat HSV-1 or HSV-2. You run a legitimate risk of paying for a product that will have no direct effect on the herpes virus or its symptoms.
Conclusion
You have to admit this is a cool product. I think that mostly because it is different. There are a number of natural herbs being sold on the market claiming to boost immune function but the use of beta-mannans is relatively new. I like companies that push the limits of known medicine to try and find better ways to treat us. That being said, just because its new doesn’t make it better. Whenever you decide to buy an untested product you run the risk of being the sucker who bought a worthless supplement. There is not a lot of research into the effects of this product directly on herpes. It may be a better choice if you are looking to improve overall health rather than for a specific treatment.
