The activated macrophage is a veritable powerhouse. Over 2000 articles have been printed in scientific literature, with authors from medical centers such as Harvard and Tulane University. Research found no known side effects associated with the use of beta glucan and if used with certain pharmacological drugs it has not been shown to cause any adverse reactions. It has also been proven to lower cholesterol levels and to assist in rapid wound healing. The immune system is born in the bone marrow from stem cells and is generally made up of two classes of cells, the lymphocytes and the phagocytes.
Lymphocytes are cells that recognize antigens in a specific manner.
Phagocytes are cells that eat antigens regardless of specificity . Antigens are foreign molecules or non-self. Lymphocytes are made up of two major types of cells, T cells and B cells. Each is responsible for recognition of specific antigens. Phagocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils and mononuclear phagocytes.