Larch Tree

Larch tree (Larix sp.) is a member of the pine family. A powdered extract is obtained from the heartwood of the tree, which is rich in arabinogalactan. It is extracted under pressure, purified, and then spray dried to yield a fine white powder.

Health Benefits

Larch tree extract may work as a dietary fiber because it is rich in non-digestible carbohydrates, which stimulate beneficial microflora in the gut and produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, that are an important factor for colon health.1,2 Larch tree extract may also play an important role in the immune system by increasing the number of helpful immune cells (e.g., Natural Killer cells, monocytes).1,3 Furthermore, Larch tree extract may aid in preventing the common cold.4

References

  1. Kelly GS. Larch arabinogalactan: clinical relevance of a novel immune-enhancing polysaccharide. Altern Med Rev. 1999 Apr;4(2):96-103. Review. PubMed PMID: 10231609.
  2. Velázquez OC, Lederer HM, Rombeau JL. Butyrate and the colonocyte. Production,absorption, metabolism, and therapeutic implications. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1997;427:123-34. Review. PubMed PMID: 9361838.
  3. Larch arabinogalactan. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Oct;5(5):463-6. PubMed PMID: 11056416.
  4. Riede L, Grube B, Gruenwald J. Larch arabinogalactan effects on reducing incidence of upper respiratory infections. Curr Med Res Opin. 2013 Mar;29(3):251-8. doi: 10.1185/03007995.2013.765837. Epub 2013 Jan 22. PubMed PMID: 23339578.