Background

• Arabinogalactans belong to a group of carbohydrates called polysaccharides. When consumed in the diet, arabinogalactan comes from the wood of the larch tree (Larix species) and is approved for use as a dietary fiber by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• As a dietary supplement, larch arabinogalactan is used to stimulate the immune system, to fight cancer, and as a prebiotic (a substance used to improve bacteria in the colon). Early study suggests that arabinogalactan may help grow beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. However, human study has not found that the larch arabinogalactan stimulates the immune system.
• Future uses of arabinogalactan may include simultaneous use with certain drugs, because arabinogalactan may improve drug effectiveness when used together.
• Arabinogalactans are found in the cell walls of plants and bacteria and in pollen from mugwort and ragweed that causes allergies. Although these arabinogalactans are also discussed in this monograph, there is no evidence to suggest that dietary arabinogalactans from larch or other plant species have similar effects.

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