BioBran (MGN-3 / RBAC)
Immunomodulatory rice bran arabinoxylan that boosts NK cells, Th1 cytokines, and dendritic cells; improves QoL and may reduce recurrence as cancer adjunct.
Forms: BioBran sachets or tablets (500 mg–1 g per serving)
Simple Summary
Primarily an immune adjuvant: BioBran boosts NK function, dendritic cells, and Th1 cytokines. Small trials point to better quality of life and, in one liver-cancer RCT, lower recurrence and improved survival when added to standard therapy.
Evidence at a glance
Moderate — Small RCTs show immune/QoL benefits; one HCC trial for recurrence/survival; more trials needed.
How it may work
BioBran (modified rice bran arabinoxylan) acts as a biological response modulator. In human studies it increases natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, raises myeloid dendritic cells, and shifts cytokines toward a Th1 profile (↑IFN-γ, ↑IL-12, ↑TNF-α), enhancing antitumor immune surveillance. In a randomized clinical trial in hepatocellular carcinoma, adding MGN-3 to interventional therapy reduced recurrence, lowered AFP, and was associated with better 2-year survival; pilot trials suggest improved quality of life during chemotherapy. Preclinical work shows pro-apoptotic signaling and synergy with chemotherapy, but BioBran is primarily immunomodulatory rather than directly cytotoxic.
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
- NK Cell Cytotoxicity↑Enhances antitumor immune surveillance
- Myeloid Dendritic Cells↑
- Th1 Cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α)↑Shifts toward Th1 profile
- Quality of Life↑During chemotherapy
- Apoptosis↑Pro-apoptotic signaling in preclinical models
- Tumor Recurrence↓In HCC with interventional therapy
Often studied / combined with
Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.
- Paclitaxel: Enhances DNA damage, apoptosis, and inhibits proliferation.
- Daunorubicin: Synergistic in preclinical studies.
- Radiation: Potentiates tumor regression and reduces toxicities.
- Interventional Therapy: Reduces recurrence in HCC.
Overlapping mechanisms
- NK ↑ / Immune Modulation: Avoid stacking with other strong immune stimulants without monitoring.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, corticosteroids)AvoidMajorTheoreticalMay counteract immunosuppressive effects.
- Chemotherapy (e.g., paclitaxel, daunorubicin)ConsiderBeneficialTheoreticalSynergistic effects; enhances apoptosis and efficacy.
- Radiation therapyConsiderBeneficialTheoreticalPotentiates tumor regression and minimizes toxicities.
Timing
- With meals: To improve tolerance and absorption.
- Daily: Consistent dosing for immune modulation.
References
- PMID 21187503 — HCC RCT (recurrence/survival/AFP)
- PMID 22941038 — Myeloma (NK↑, mDC↑, Th1 shift)
- PMID 29456638 — Geriatric RCT (NK cytotoxicity; safety)
- PMCID PMC6041933 — Clinical data review
- PMCID PMC11097709 — 2024 review
- PMID 38425632 — QoL pilot
Research
No published studies for BioBran (MGN-3 / RBAC) yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Dose: as studied, not a recommendation
Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 1000–3000 mg (po) Once or divided daily. Based on human trials: 1 g/day in HCC RCT; 3 g/day in other cases; up to 45 mg/kg (~2.7 g for 60 kg) reported. For immune support in cancer, 1–3 g/day common., No Rx required. Take with meals; oncology adjunct—consult clinician. Animal doses (e.g., 25 mg/kg i.p. in rats) scale to HED ~4 mg/kg (~240 mg for 60 kg), but human trials use higher for efficacy..
Trials studying BioBran (MGN-3 / RBAC)
No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →