Acemannan

Chemical structure and properties

As noted from its structure, Acemannan is a mucopolysaccharide with mannoacetate as the monomer linked by β-1,4- glycosidic linkages Glycosidic bond (3,6). This polymer is hydrophilic: 50 hydrogen bond acceptors, 19 hydrogen bond donors and logP of -3. 27. Therefore, it’s permeability (and hence bioavailability) has been scored to be 1 according to Lipinsky’s rule of five [] (4).

Immunostimulant properties

Acemannan has been demonstrated to induce macrophages to secrete interferon (INF), tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins (IL-1) – which might help in preventing or abrogating viral infection. These three cytokines are known to cause inflammation and interferon is released in response to viral infections. In vitro studies have shown to inhibit HIV replication; however, in vivo studies have been inconclusive. Acemannan is currently being used for treatment and clinical management of fibrosarcoma in dogs and cats. Administration of acemannan has been shown to increase tumor necrosis or prolonged survival and the animals have demonstrated lymphoid infiltration and encapsulation (7). The compound is not OSHA regulated and has been found to have LD50 of >80 mg/kg and LC50 >5,000 mg/Kg IV (2).