Hypercholesterolemia is one of primary risk factors of cardiovascular disease, together with metabolic syndrome, hypertension and diabetes. Although progress has been made, the search for novel methods of preventing and treating dyslipidemia is ongoing and current therapies for cardiovascular disease induce various side effects. β‑glucans are linear unbranched polysaccharides found in various natural sources, such as mushrooms. Due to their structure they are able to interact with innate immunity receptors, however they also act as dietary fibers in the digestive tract. As there are two forms of β‑glucans, insoluble and soluble forms, they are able to interact with lipids and biliary salts in the bowel and consequently reduce cholesterol levels. Therefore, they may be developed as a suitable therapeutic option to treat patients with dyslipidemia, as they are natural molecules that do not induce any significant side effects. The current review discusses the evidence supporting the effects of β‑glucans on cholesterol levels.

• MeSH
• Anticholesteremic Agents chemistry   therapeutic use   MeSH
• beta-Glucans chemistry   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Cholesterol blood   immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Hypercholesterolemia blood   immunology   metabolism   therapy   MeSH
• Immunologic Factors chemistry   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Dietary Fiber analysis   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Anticholesteremic Agents MeSH
• beta-Glucans MeSH
• Cholesterol MeSH
• Immunologic Factors MeSH
• Dietary Fiber MeSH