Xylan - Nature Cures®

Xylanases belong to the pentosanases which is a group of enzymes that break down xylan (also known as wood gum) which is a woody, mucous substance that accompanies the cellulose present in all plants. The survival of most plants, including those that people rely on for food, depends on their ability to build strong but flexible cell walls.

A key component of these walls is the polysaccharide called xylan. Plants that do not make enough xylan have weak cell walls, so they cannot grow normally and or transport life-giving water from the roots to the leaves. The proteins, IRX 10-L and ESK1/TBL29, are directly involved in xylan synthesis.

Xylan is the third most abundant glycan on Earth after cellulose and chitin, and it forms a major component of wood, foliage, biomass and dietary fibre. It is also a central component of the dietary fibre found in breads and cereals and it is vital to produce beer.

Health benefits of xylan

Xylan is a prebiotic which feeds beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which improves gut health, reduces inflammation, strengthens the gut membranes, and boosts immune function.

Xylan can help to manage weight and obesity and improve glucose tolerance. It also produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which are vital for colon health. Therefore, it may help to lower risks for developing diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Xylan has an enormous potentiality to be used as a biodegradable, environmentally friendly film and coating material for food/ fruit packaging instead of plastic.

Natural sources of xylan are found in all plants especially:

Birch trees
Carob beans
Fenugreek
Maize
Rice
Sugar cane
Whole grains (especially wheat)

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