Immunomodulatory Effect of Pleuran (β-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) in Children with Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections

Authors:
Milos Jesenak, Juraj Majtan, Zuzana Rennerova, Jan Kyselovic, Peter Banovcin, Martin Hrubisko

Journal:
International Immunopharmacology, 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2012.11.020

Study Design

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial across 19 pediatric departments in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Treatment lasted 6 months, followed by a 6-month observation period.

Participants

175 children aged 2–10 years with a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs). Children were randomized into two groups: one received pleuran + vitamin C, and the other received vitamin C only.

Intervention

Children received Imunoglukan P4H® syrup daily (10 mg pleuran and 10 mg vitamin C per mL; 1 mL per 5 kg body weight) or placebo syrup (vitamin C only) every morning on an empty stomach for 6 months.

Outcome Measures

• Number and severity of respiratory tract infections
• Immune parameters: immunoglobulin levels, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T cells, NK cells
• Incidence of flu, lower RTIs, and antibiotic use
• Tolerability and side effects

Summary

This double-blind clinical trial found that pleuran (β-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) significantly reduced the number of respiratory infections in children with RRTIs. At the end of the 6-month treatment, 36% of children in the pleuran group experienced no infections, compared to 21% in the placebo group. Improvements were also seen in humoral immunity, including increases in IgG, IgA, and IgM levels, and a rise in NK cell counts. No significant adverse effects were observed. The study supports pleuran as a safe, effective immunomodulator for reducing respiratory infections and improving immune markers in children.