Larch Arabinogalactan

Arabinogalactan is a starch-like chemical that is found in many plants, but it is found in highest concentrations in Larch trees. Larch arabinogalactan is used for medicine. Most of the larch arabinogalactan you will find in stores is produced from Western Larch (Larch occidentalis). However, larch arabinogalactan can also be produced by other larch tree species.

Larch arabinogalactan is used for infections, including the common cold, flu, H1N1 (swine) flu, ear infections in children, and HIV/AIDS. It is also used to treat liver cancer, as well as a brain condition caused by liver damage (hepatic encephalopathy). Some people use it to provide dietary fiber, lower cholesterol, and to boost the immune system.

In foods, larch arabinogalactan is used as a stabilizer, binder, and sweetener.

How does it work?

Larch arabinogalactan is a fiber that ferments in the intestine. It might increase intestinal bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, and have other effects that could be beneficial to digestive tract health. There is also information that suggests larch arabinogalactan might boost the immune system and help prevent cancer cells in the liver from growing.

High cholesterol.
Pneumonia.
Common cold.
Flu.
H1N1 (swine) flu.
Liver disease.
Earache (otitis media).
Dietary fiber supplementation.
Boosting the immune system.
Inflammation

Larch arabinogalactan is SAFE when eaten in food amounts. It's SAFE when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts for less than 6 months. It can cause side effects such as bloating and intestinal gas (flatulence). Not enough is known about the safety of long-term use of larch arabinogalactan.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking larch arabinogalactan if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Larch arabinogalactan might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using larch arabinogalactan.

Organ transplant recipients: Larch arabinogalactan might increase the risk of organ transplant rejection. If you have received an organ transplant, don't use larch arabinogalactan until more is known.