Aureobasidium pullulans
Also known as: Aureobasidium pullulans, Black yeast-like fungus, Aureobasidium
Overview
Aureobasidium pullulans is a ubiquitous yeast-like fungus found in various environments, including plants and soil. It is characterized by its phenotypic plasticity and ability to produce polysaccharides like pullulan and β-glucans, which have potential biotechnological and health applications. Research focuses on its role in agricultural biocontrol and as a source of bioactive compounds for supplements. While studies explore its β-glucan derivatives, direct use as a dietary supplement ingredient is still emerging. The evidence base includes in vitro studies, genomic analyses, and animal models, but human clinical trials are limited. It is being investigated for its potential immunomodulatory and gut health benefits, primarily through its β-glucan components.
Benefits
Aureobasidium pullulans, particularly its β-glucan extracts, offers several potential health benefits. In a mouse model of ulcerative colitis, a β-glucan extract (Polycan) significantly reduced inflammation, apoptosis, and improved intestinal barrier function (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), suggesting benefits for inflammatory bowel diseases [4]. The same β-glucan also modulated intestinal microbial composition, indicating prebiotic or microbiome-supportive properties [4]. Furthermore, A. pullulans strains have demonstrated biocontrol potential by inhibiting grapevine pathogen growth by approximately 33% in vitro and inducing plant defense responses, promoting plant resilience [2]. Genomic studies reveal high genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity, suggesting potential for strain-specific benefits [3].
How it works
The β-glucans derived from A. pullulans modulate the immune system by interacting with immune cells, influencing inflammatory cytokine production and enhancing barrier proteins in the gut lining, thereby reducing inflammation and apoptosis in intestinal tissues [4]. In agricultural applications, A. pullulans competes with pathogenic fungi, inhibiting their growth through direct interaction and potentially secreting inhibitory compounds [2]. The fungus can colonize plant surfaces and roots, persisting under various environmental conditions (pH, salinity), which supports its competitive advantage in microbial ecosystems [2].
Side effects
Limited direct human safety data exists for A. pullulans as a supplement ingredient. However, β-glucans derived from it have been used in research models without significant adverse effects reported [4]. Rarely, A. pullulans can act as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals, though this is uncommon [1]. No documented drug interactions exist, but caution is advised in immunocompromised populations due to the rare risk of infection. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable based on preclinical studies, but comprehensive human clinical trials are needed to fully assess potential side effects.
Dosage
Due to limited clinical data, there are no established dosing guidelines for A. pullulans whole organism or extracts in humans. In colitis mouse models, Polycan β-glucan was administered at doses effective in reducing inflammation, but translating these doses to human equivalents requires further study [4]. β-glucan extracts are the primary form studied for bioactivity; absorption and bioavailability depend on molecular size and formulation. Until more data is available, specific dosage recommendations cannot be made.
FAQs
Is Aureobasidium pullulans safe to consume?
Direct human consumption data is limited; β-glucan extracts appear safe in animal studies. Rare infections reported in immunocompromised patients, so caution is advised for this population.
What benefits can I expect?
Potential anti-inflammatory and gut barrier support benefits from β-glucan derivatives have been observed in animal models. Agricultural biocontrol benefits are well documented.
How quickly do effects appear?
In animal models, effects on inflammation and gut health were observed within days to weeks of β-glucan administration.
Is it a probiotic?
Aureobasidium pullulans is not a classical probiotic, but it may have microbiome-modulating effects through its β-glucan components.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/19/14773 – This animal study investigated the effects of Polycan β-glucan in a mouse model of DSS-induced colitis. The findings showed that Polycan significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and improved intestinal barrier function, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in inflammatory bowel diseases. The study also noted modulation of the gut microbiota composition.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.03047/full – This study examined the biocontrol potential of A. pullulans strain Fito_F278 against a grapevine pathogen (D. seriata). Results indicated that the A. pullulans strain inhibited pathogen growth by approximately 33% in vitro and induced plant defense genes. The study also demonstrated long-term colonization of grapevine by the A. pullulans strain.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/yea.3853 – This genomic analysis explored the genetic and phenotypic diversity of A. pullulans. The findings revealed high genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity within the species, suggesting potential for strain-specific applications in various biotechnological fields. However, the study did not include any clinical data related to human health.
- https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aac.03095-14 – This in vitro study characterized the antifungal susceptibility profiles of A. pullulans. The findings indicated that A. pullulans is an uncommon human pathogen, and the study provided antifungal susceptibility data. The clinical relevance of this study is limited to rare cases of A. pullulans infections.
