D-Allose, a Trace Component in Human Serum, and Its Pharmaceutical Applicability

Author(s): Hideya Shintani, Tomoya Shintani, Masashi Sato

Abstract

Although cord blood is important in human development, its functions are not well understood. Cord blood shows high potential for use in research studies aimed at maintaining a healthy, long life, as it contains various functional components such as anticancer agents against leukemia. Recently, D-Allose, a stereoisomer of D-glucose, was found in human umbilical cord blood and sera of women. D-Allose has been shown to have anti-cancer activity, reduce reperfusion damage, and have anti-metabolic syndrome effects. Previously, Chen et al. reviewed the production and function of D-Allose but did not discuss its potential as a medical drug based on its presence in women’s serum, its safety in humans, its GMP manufacturing, its efficacy in liver injury, its influence on animal lifespan, the biological activity of its derivatives, or its applicability as a diagnostic reagent. In this review, we cite new references and describe the above points of D-Allose and its potential for pharmaceutical applications.