Beta-mannan
What is Beta-mannan?
Beta-mannan is a natural dietary supplement manufactured in the United States and created by Dr. Joe Glickman, Jr. The Beta-mannan formula consists of a proprietary blend of specific extracts found in the aloe vera plant that promote immune function.
What’s Inside?
The Beta-mannan blend is comprised of long-chain, mannose, mucopolysaccharide molecules, also referred to as beta-mannans and beta-glucans. These mucopolysaccharide molecules are said to support normal immune function and for that reason can be found in supplements used to treat HSV-1 and HSV-2. Beta-mannans have not been found to be allergenic and also do not have laxative effects.
In addition to the beta –mannan concentrates, which are listed as a proprietary blend, the ingredients of Beta-mannan include: Natural Vitamin E, Microcrystalline Cellulose, and a gelatin capsule of a vegetable source. The gelatin capsule is a brand name capsule called a Vegi-cap which is a 100% vegetarian capsule made from pure carbohydrate gum derived from natural cellulose pulp of the soft tissue of pine trees.
Benefits
I guess it should come as no surprise that the aloe vera plant contains agents that can be used to promote healthy skin since it seems that aloe vera has been the botanical healer of choice dating back as far as there have been dates. It is well documented that these beta-mannans exist in aloe vera and some suggest that they are highly effective immune system boosters. A healthy immune system and proper dietary health are the two main factors in controlling herpes outbreaks. The fact that Beta-mannan is a dietary supplement with no allergic reactions ever reported makes it a pill just about anyone could take and see improved control of herpes or herpes-related symptoms.
Drawbacks
The same risks exist with this product as all other natural medications. Even if you accept the fact that these beta-mannan molecules help boost natural immunity, good luck finding solid evidence linking them directly to the destruction of the herpes virus. This is even more true with Beta-mannan because it makes use of a substance that is not widely used to treat HSV-1 or HSV-2. You run a legitimate risk of paying for a product that will have no direct effect on the herpes virus or its symptoms.
Conclusion
This product probably sounds like an innovative treatment because it is new and has the coolest name. There are a number of natural herbs being sold on the market claiming to boost immune function but the use of beta-mannans is rare. It’s good to see a company push the limits of known medicine to try and find better ways to treat us but just because it’s new doesn’t make it better. Whenever you decide to buy an untested product you run the risk of being that company’s unpaid guinea pig. There is not a lot of research into the effects of this product directly on herpes and it may be a better choice if you are looking to improve overall health rather than for a specific treatment.