Process for extraction of beta-glucan from cereals and products obtained therefrom

Abstract

A method for lowering serum cholesterol levels, healing a wound, modulating glycaemic response, alleviating constipation, or stimulating the immune system. The method includes administering to a subject in need β-glucan obtained by forming flour from the cereal grain; mixing the flour with water at a temperature in the range of 25-65° C. to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of β-glucan and a solid residue; separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue; removing water from the aqueous solution by evaporating or ultrafiltration or combinations thereof to give a concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan; and forming a β-glucan gel from the concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan.

1 - 41 . (canceled)  
   
   
       42 . A method for lowering serum cholesterol levels in an animal including administering to the animal β-glucan obtained by a process including: 
 forming flour from the cereal grain;    mixing the flour with water at a temperature in the range of 25-65° C. to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of β-glucan and a solid residue,    separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue;    removing water from the aqueous solution by evaporating or ultrafiltration or combinations thereof to give a concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan; and    forming a β-glucan gel from the concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan.    
   
   
       43 . A method for healing a wound in an animal including administering to the animal β-glucan obtained by a process including: 
 forming flour from the cereal grain;    mixing the flour with water at a temperature in the range of 25-65° C. to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of β-glucan and a solid residue;    separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue;    removing water from the aqueous solution by evaporating or ultrafiltration or combinations thereof to give a concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan; and    forming a β-glucan gel from the concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan.    
   
   
       44 . A method for modulating glycaemic response in an animal including administering to the animal β-glucan obtained by a process including: 
 forming flour from the cereal grain;    mixing the flour with water at a temperature in the range of 25-65° C. to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of β-glucan and a solid residue;    separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue;    removing water from the aqueous solution by evaporating or ultrafiltration or combinations thereof to give a concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan; and    forming a β-glucan gel from the concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan.    
   
   
       45 . A method for alleviating constipation in an animal including administering to the animal β-glucan obtained by a process including: 
 forming flour from the cereal grain;    mixing the flour with water at a temperature in the range of 25-65° C. to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of β-glucan and a solid residue;    separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue;    removing water from the aqueous solution by evaporating or ultrafiltration or combinations thereof to give a concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan; and    forming a β-glucan gel from the concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan.    
   
   
       46 . A method for stimulating the immune system in an animal including administering to the animal β-glucan obtained by the process of a process including: 
 forming flour from the cereal grain;    mixing the flour with water at a temperature in the range of 25-65° C. to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of β-glucan and a solid residue;    separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue;    removing water from the aqueous solution by evaporating or ultrafiltration or combinations thereof to give a concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan; and    forming a β-glucan gel from the concentrated aqueous solution of β-glucan.