Cat & Dog - Mannose and Acemannan (Biological Response Modifiers)

What are mannose and acemannan?

Mannose and Acemannan are described as 'biological response modifiers'. They are large sugar (immune polysaccharides) or sugar and protein molecules (glycoproteins) that interact with the receptors on the surface of immune system cells.

These receptors coat the surface of every cell in the body, helping to facilitate communication between cells.

Essentially, immune polysaccharides and glycoproteins are used to stimulate the immune system.

Why recommend administration of mannose and acemannan to my pet?

Because these molecules are thought to increase the ability of white blood cells (macrophages) to destroy infectious organisms and may possess bone marrow stimulating activity.

They also help promote the destruction of solid tumours such as fibrosarcomas and have proven very useful in the treatment of immune deficiency disorders of cats such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection.

Acemannan is derived from the Aloe vera cactus, and is an immune polysaccharide. It is unusual among herbal extracts in that it has been well researched and consistently found to improve immune function in a variety of disorders.

Acemannan also helps stimulate the immune system to fight certain infections more vigorously, including fungal infections, Feline leukemia and Feline immunodeficiency virus.

Part of the improvements seen in infections comes from acemannan's specific stimulation of macrophages (the first cells to confront and attack a foreign invader in the body).

In one study of cats with advanced FIV, acemannan treatment resulted in a reversal of the usual swings in white blood cell counts. The overall survival rate was 75%, with some of those cats surviving over one year at the end of the study.

Ample evidence also supports the use of acemannan in the treatment of cancer. In a study of its use in fibrosarcoma, 50% of animals treated with weekly acemannan injections demonstrated tumour shrinkage and necrosis (cell death). Following surgical resection and radiation therapy, animals survived an average of one year, with some patients surviving over two years.

In another study, acemannan was injected directly into a variety of tumours. Twenty-five  showed marked improvement, with 50% of treated animals overall benefiting from acemannan treatment. Improvement was characterised by tumour shrinkage and necrosis, due in part to acemannan's effect of stimulating tumour necrosis factor secretion in the body.

Finally, acemannan can be used to stimulate bone marrow function. Following acemannan administration, all cell lines in the bone marrow are stimulated.

Compared with acemannan, very little research has been conducted on the glycoprotein mannose. Most research has been conducted in the poultry industry, where mannose appears to have a probiotic effect.

How much experience is there with the use of biological response modifiers in pets?

These molecules have been studied for about 20 years in dogs and cats. While not the cure-all originally hoped for, many pets show improvement when treated with them. Glycoproteins and immune polysaccharides vary in their effectiveness depending upon the severity of the case. In general, holistic doctors are pleased with clinical results.

What species of animals are being treated regularly with biological response modifiers?

Dogs and cats are the pets mainly treated. These supplements appear safe to use in many species, including birds.

How safe are biological response modifiers?

The biological response modifiers discussed above are very safe. For pets being treated with the most commonly used modifiers, side effects are not expected.

Where do I get biological response modifiers and do I need a prescription?

If you would like to investigate the use of acemannan or mannose in your pet, please talk to one of the vets. We would be happy to source the product for you. A prescription is not required.