Beta -Glucan:  Dietary Sources: In it's natural state, we find Beta-glucan in yeast, barley and numerous mushrooms, seaweed and  grains. 

It is not usable in it's natural state but must be processed for it's usable benefits.  All of the grains, seaweed and mushroom walls are indigestable and this is where we find Beta-glucan.  Processing becomes necessary for the usefulness of these cell walls.

Since 1980 Beta-Glucan has been used in cancer treatments with a great ability for shrinking cancer tumors, as well as decreasing cancer activity.  Other studies have shown it can increase the effects of chemotherapy, therefore resulting in longevity in  our mortality.

Of course, adding Beta-Glucan to  the regime of  one's daily diet is complex in itself, studies that are understood by a scientist or physician but not us laymen.

Since 1990, studies have been rampted up for the application of Beta-Glucan in preventing infection.

Post (after) surgical infections are a challenge and high in the percentages.  In the the studies done with  placebo and the PGG-glucan, with results showing less post operation infections in the group given the PGG-glucan. These results were specifically significant in the colorectal surgeries.

Some significant studies to add to this data, it is found useful in reducing infectious diseases, such as anthrax. 

Below is a short list of the conditions the beta-glucan has been found to benefit:

Radiation exposure
Surgery
Septic shock
Allergic rhinitis
Arthritis
Wound healing