Want to know more about Woulgan?
You can read more about Woulgans mode of action, clinical documentation, user guidance and wound care in general at the Woulgan homepage.
What is Soluble Beta-Glucan (SBG)
The story behind SBG
Science of SBG
The wonders of nature
Serendipity can be said to be at play when researchers, looking for a solution to a problem, unintentionally uncover the answer to something else.
This is exactly what happened in Tromsø, Norway in 1987. Looking at how to increase the weight of salmon by testing new feed formulations and, at the same time, reduce the mortality rates in Norwegian fish farms, Professor Jan Raa’s work focused on how beta-glucans could help.
During the research the fish were affected by a bacterial disease and started dying, however, some of the fish ponds showed a significantly lower death rate than others. These fish ponds had been fed the formulation containing beta-glucan.
Tromsø University began an investigation, led by researcher Rolf Engstad, to test the theory / hypothesis that beta-glucans strengthened salmons’ natural immune system. Their research concluded that natural, yeast-derived beta-glucans had the ability to significantly improve the natural immune system in fish. After confirming the theory this research formed the basis for developing Soluble Beta-Glucan (SBG).
From the fish pond to the world beyond
The potential of these yeast cells seemed infinite, prompting ten years of extensive research and development refining SBG. Prior to the production of SBG in its purest liquid form, the beta-glucan compound was used in numerous health products and cosmetics. The now patented, pure liquid format proved so effective, it was shown to boost the body’s natural immune system by stimulating macrophages, and has since become the key active ingredient in Woulgan wound healing today.
Maximising macrophage-enhancing powers
Macrophages are 'intelligent' white blood cells that act as our bodies’ natural immune boosters. The shape of the yeast-derived SBG molecule found in Woulgan, lets it bind efficiently to the macrophages’ receptors. This binding activates the macrophages which co-ordinates and stimulates the body’s natural defense system to fight microorganisms when it is weak,- naturally and safely.
It is incredible what nature gives us, if we just know where to look.
Science of SBG
Elie Metchnikoff
Elie Metchnikoff
Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov was a Russian zoologist best known for his pioneering research in immunology. In particular, he is credited with the discovery of phagocytes (macrophages) in 1882. This discovery turned out to be the major defence mechanism in innate immunity. In immunology, he is referred to as the "father of natural immunity".
Nobel prize
Élie Metchnikoff is credited with the discovery of phagocytes (macrophages) in 1882. This discovery turned out to be the major defence mechanism in innate immunity. He and Paul Ehrlich were jointly awarded the 1908 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine "in recognition of their work on immunity". He established the concept of cell-mediated immunity, while Ehrlich established the concept of humoral immunity. Their works are regarded as the foundation of the science of immunology. In immunology, he is referred to as the "father of natural immunity".
Woulgan
Woulgan Gel contains SBG as an ancillary medicinal component. It was CE approved as a medical device class III in 2014. Since then the product has been commercialised in selected European markets. In Germany and the UK, Woulgan is reimbursed at national levels and are available for both hospital and community care with a favourable cost benefit profile. Woulgan is also accepted on selected tenders in Sweden and Finland. Through the commercialisation process the clinical documentation for Woulgan has been strengthen and expanded and the product now holds solid clinical and health economic data.
Want to know more about Woulgan?
You can read more about Woulgans mode of action, clinical documentation, user guidance and wound care in general at the Woulgan homepage.