Nichi-BRITE - Neu-REFIX hybrid combination and health benefits

 

Nichi BRITE is a biological response modifier β-1,3-1,6-glucan produced by the AFO-202 strain of black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans.

 

Neu REFIX is a β-1,3-1,6-glucan produced by the N-163 strain of Aureobasidium pullulans.

 

While the standalone applications of Nichi BRITE for metabolic regulation, immune enhancement, and anti-cancer effects, as well as Neu REFIX for anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis, have been published, the combination of these two beta-glucans has demonstrated benefits in specific health conditions, as summarized below.

 

Effects on Healthy Volunteers

While the standalone applications of Nichi BRITE for metabolic regulation, immune enhancement, and anti-cancer effects, as well as Neu REFIX for anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis, have been published, the combination of these two beta-glucans has demonstrated benefits in specific health conditions, as summarized below.

 

Reference:

Ikewaki N, Sonoda T, Kurosawa G, Iwasaki M, Dedeepiya VD, Senthilkumar R, Preethy S, Abraham S Beta 1,3-1,6 glucans produced by two novel strains of Aureobasidium pullulans exert immune and metabolic beneficial effects in healthy middle-aged Japanese men: Results of an exploratory randomized control study. J Aging Res & Lifestyle 2023;12:61-71. doi: 10.14283/jarlife.2023.11

 

Hepatoprotective Effects in Fatty Liver Disease (NASH Model)

In a mice model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the combination of AFO-202 and N-163 significantly decreased the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) compared to other groups.

 

Reference:

Ikewaki N, Kurosawa G, Iwasaki M, Preethy S, Dedeepiya VD, Vaddi S, Senthilkumar R, Levy GA, Abraham SJK.Hepatoprotective effects of Aureobasidium pullulans derived Beta 1,3-1,6 biological response modifier glucans in a STAM- animal model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology-2022. doi: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.06.008

 

In the same study, there was beneficial modulation of the gut microbiome and metabolome. The combination of Nichi BRITE and Neu REFIX significantly increased gut microbial diversity. Post-intervention, the abundance of Firmicutes decreased, while Bacteroides increased, showing the highest levels in the Nichi BRITE and Neu REFIX combination group. Additionally, beneficial modulation of amino acids was observed—levels of isoleucine, leucine, and tryptophan decreased, while ornithine, known for its role in chronic immune-metabolic-inflammatory conditions, increased.

 

Reference:

Preethy S, Ikewaki N, Levy GA, Raghavan K, Dedeepiya VD, Yamamoto N, Srinivasan S, Ranganathan N, Iwasaki M, Senthilkumar R, Abraham SJK. Two unique biological response-modifier glucans beneficially regulating gut microbiota and faecal metabolome in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis animal model, with potential for applications in human health and disease. BMJ Open Gastroenterology 2022;9:e000985. doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2022-000985

 

Effects on COVID-19 Patients

Two clinical studies were conducted on COVID-19 patients:

1. 30-day study: The Nichi BRITE and Neu REFIX combination maintained neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), and leukocyte-to-erythrocyte sedimentation rate ratio (LeCR), along with controlled IL-6 and D-dimer levels up to day 30. CD4+ and CD8+ T cell levels were positively modulated in the Nichi BRITE and Neu REFIX combination group.

 

Reference:

Raghavan K, Dedeepiya VD, Suryaprakash V, Rao KS, Ikewaki N, Sonoda T, Levy GA, Iwasaki M, Senthilkumar R, Preethy S, Abraham SJK. Beneficial Effects of novel aureobasidium pullulans strains produced beta-1,3-1,6 glucans on interleukin-6 and D-Dimer levels in COVID-19 patients; results of a randomized multiple-arm pilot clinical study. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy 2021.sciencedirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221010271

 

2. 15-day study: Co-supplementation with the Nichi BRITE and Neu REFIX combination resulted in a significant decrease in IL-6 levels and improvements in CRP, ferritin, and D-dimer in COVID-19 patients.

 

Reference:

Pushkala S, Seshayyan S, Theranirajan E, Sudhakar D, Raghavan K, Dedeepiya VD, Ikewaki N, Iwasaki M, Preethy S, Abraham SJK. Efficient control of IL-6, CRP, and ferritin in COVID-19 patients with two variants of beta-1,3-1,6 glucans in combination: An open-label, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 2025;14. doi:10.1177/27536130251327134

 

Potential for Health & Longevity

Based on these findings, further research is underway to explore the combined effects of Nichi BRITE and Neu REFIX for specific health conditions, as well as their role in promoting health and longevity by combating inflammaging and immune dysfunction associated with aging.

 

The Nichi BRITE and Neu REFIX combination has the potential to bridge the healthspan-versus-lifespan gap and create a disease-free state, aligning with the Me-Byo phenomenon.

 

Reference:

Ikewaki N, Ichiyama K, Rajappa S, Preethy S, Abraham SJK. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a Critical Indicator of the ME-BYO Index and the Potential Role of Beta Glucans as a Modulator for Reversing ME-BYO Transitions to Disease States – Commentary on Nakamura, S., et al. (2023). Front Public Health. 2024;12:1495056. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1495056.

 

Applications in Extreme Environments

The combination of Nichi BRITE and Neu REFIX also has the potential to support astronaut health and improve resilience in individuals working in harsh environmental conditions such as deep-sea research, high-altitude expeditions, polar exploration, and radiation-prone occupations. This is achieved by modulating inflammation-associated NLR and gut microbiome-related immune regulation.

 

Reference:

Ikewaki N, Ichiyama K, Senthilkumar R, Preethy S, Abraham SJK Significance of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and gut microbiome of astronauts during space missions and suggestions for beneficial modulations using novel beta-glucans. Front Immunol. 2025;16:1538147. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1538147

 

 

Nichi Glucan range of products available in the brands, viz., Nichi Glucan, Neu-REFIX, Nichi-BRITE, and Nichi GLOW are free from any of the following notified common allergens listed as per the Consumer Affairs Agency, Government of Japan. (Japanese)

Shrimp, crab, wheat, buckwheat, egg, milk, peanut (peanuts), Almond, abalone, squid, salmon roe, orange, cashew nut, kiwi fruit, beef, walnut, sesame, salmon, mackerel, soybean, chicken, banana, pork, matsutake mushroom, peach, yam, apple, gelatin.