A.J. Lanigan is a distinguished authority in immunology, pharmacology, and natural medicine, with a career that spans more than 20 years. He has made notable contributions to the research and application of beta-glucan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide known for its significant immunomodulatory effects. Having attended the University of South Carolina’s College of Pharmacy, Lanigan has committed his career to enhancing healthcare through pioneering research, product innovation, and public education.

Health E-Insights (HEI): What is your role at BWH Labs?

Lanigan: I am the chief formulator for BWH Labs. All BWH Labs products are centered around our highly purified beta-glucan.

HEI: What are the benefits of beta-glucan?

Lanigan: Beta-glucan, particularly yeast-derived beta-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a natural polysaccharide recognized for its wide-ranging health benefits.

These include: immune system support as a potent immune modulator; cancer support through its antitumor properties, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy; cholesterol reduction by binding bile acids, reducing cholesterol absorption in the intestine, and promoting heart health; diabetes management by regulating blood sugar levels, mitigating post-meal blood sugar spikes, and improving glycemic control; gut health acting as a prebiotic, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation; skin health and wound healing by promoting skin repair, hydration, and elasticity; and radioprotection by reducing radiation-induced damage, offering protection during radiotherapy.

In summary, yeast-derived beta-glucan is a versatile and powerful compound that supports immune function, heart health, diabetes management, and skin repair while offering anticancer and radioprotective benefits. Its inclusion in functional foods, supplements, and treatments continues to expand its applications for overall health and wellness.

HEI: What is beta-glucan derived from?

Lanigan: Beta-glucan is a type of dietary fiber and a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the cell walls of various organisms. It can be found in cereal grains, fungi and yeasts, seaweed and algae, bacteria, and Euglena. Its source significantly influences its molecular structure, biological activity, solubility, and potential health benefits.

HEI: Tulane University seems to be a hotbed of beta-glucan research. Several trials have included the BWH Labs ingredient.

Lanigan: Beta-glucans, particularly those derived from yeast, have been the subject of extensive research conducted by numerous prestigious universities and teaching hospitals worldwide. Notable institutions such as Harvard University, Tulane University, Cornell University, the University of Louisville, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Mayo Clinic have significantly advanced our understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of beta-glucans.

Tulane University spearheaded early research identifying the role of beta-glucans in modulating the immune response in the 1960s. The University of Louisville has furthered this knowledge through the incredible work of Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka, producing comparative studies evaluating the efficacy of various beta-glucan products, highlighting the superior immune-enhancing properties of specific yeast-derived formulations. Harvard University has contributed valuable insights by elucidating the mechanisms through which beta-glucans interact with immune cells, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications.

HEI: A pivotal moment in your career was groundbreaking research on beta-1,3-D glucan, a molecule critical for immune system function.

Lanigan: The debate over the efficacy of orally dosed yeast-derived beta-1,3-D glucans in activating immune responses was marked by significant scientific contention. Early skepticism stemmed from the assumption that beta-glucans, being large polysaccharides, would be degraded or rendered inactive by the digestive system before they could interact with immune cells. Critics argued that the absence of observable systemic immune activation in some studies suggested that oral administration was ineffective. Additionally, the lack of clarity regarding the specific mechanisms of beta-glucan absorption and immune system interaction fueled doubts.

Today, oral beta-1,3-D glucans are widely recognized as effective immunomodulators, though ongoing research seeks to optimize formulations and elucidate their full therapeutic potential. The debate underscores the importance of rigorous experimental design and the evolving nature of scientific understanding.

HEI: Another research area is the field of aloe vera. You investigated the various bioactive components of aloe vera that impact the immune system and overall health.

Lanigan: As a member of the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) for several years, I was able to develop close relationships with the top researchers from around the world, visit their labs, and manufacturing plants, and have for over 25 years used aloe vera in numerous formulations designed for topical use and for oral dosing.

Aloe vera is a renowned plant celebrated for its extensive health benefits, which stem from its rich composition of over 200 bioactive compounds. These compounds include polysaccharides, enzymes, vitamins, and anthraquinones, all of which contribute significantly to the plant’s therapeutic potential. Among these, acemannan, a key polysaccharide, plays a central role in enhancing immune health. Acemannan’s immunomodulatory properties are well-documented, demonstrating its ability to activate macrophages, promote cytokine release, and support antibody production.

Similarly, anthraquinones such as aloe-emodin and aloin exhibit potent antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, essential for combating oxidative stress and supporting immune system function. Additionally, aloe vera’s bioactive enzymes facilitate wound healing and reduce inflammation, optimizing immune responses.

HEI: You introduced ozone generators in medical settings, which is viewed as non-traditional treatment. Please discuss that.

Lanigan: I was heavily involved in designing systems using a cold spark method of producing ozone. Many early systems were huge and bulky, and costs ran from $5K to well over $20K. My system, complete with an oxygen tank and pediatric regulator, was around $2K. Later on, I began to collaborate with the International Ozone Association, writing articles and fleshing out some of the cons. They are still sound today and hold annual events.

Ozone generators, devices that produce ozone (O3), have been explored as an unconventional medical treatment due to their potential antimicrobial and oxidative properties. While traditional medicine has long relied on antibiotics and antivirals to manage infections, ozone therapy is being investigated for its ability to inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens through oxidative damage to microbial structures.

This has made ozone generators particularly intriguing in sterilizing medical environments, treating chronic wounds, and even addressing certain systemic infections. Proponents argue that ozone therapy stimulates oxygen metabolism, modulates the immune response, and enhances tissue repair processes, particularly in cases of ischemic or poorly healing wounds. However, its adoption in mainstream medical practice has been limited due to concerns over safety, regulatory approvals, and inconsistent clinical evidence.

Critics point out that while ozone has demonstrated efficacy in controlled settings, direct exposure can be harmful to human tissues, leading to oxidative stress and damage to respiratory pathways. This dichotomy underscores the challenge of optimizing dosages to maximize therapeutic effects while minimizing risks. Studies are ongoing to refine delivery methods, such as ozonized oils, topical applications, and controlled systemic administration, to address these concerns.

Furthermore, the medical community is cautious about endorsing ozone therapy due to a lack of large-scale randomized clinical trials that conclusively demonstrate its efficacy and safety across diverse patient populations.

Despite skepticism, ozone therapy has gained traction in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with notable applications in dentistry, dermatology, and even oncology, particularly in regions with fewer regulatory constraints.

HEI: What would you consider your greatest achievement?

Lanigan: One might consider my greatest achievement to be the development and promotion of Glucan 300, a highly purified and effective beta-glucan ingredient. This innovation has been supported by substantial scientific research and has had a significant impact on advancing immune health. To this day, no glucan has come close to its ability to modulate the immune system and its overall response.

Another possible achievement could be my efforts in educating both healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of immune modulation and beta-glucan’s role in improving health outcomes. My work has influenced how beta-glucan is viewed and utilized globally.