Background <p>Beta-glucan (BG) is a diverse group of polysaccharides widely distributed in nature, including fungi, algae, bacteria, and cereals. Due to its unique physicochemical and biological properties, BG has gained significant attention in various fields, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and agriculture.</p> Main body <p>This article provides a comprehensive overview of BG’s applications and highlights their potential benefits in pharmaceuticals. BG has demonstrated significant potential as an immunomodulatory agent in the pharmaceutical field. They can stimulate the immune system, enhance the activity of macrophages, and increase the production of cytokines. This makes BG valuable in developing immunotherapeutic drugs, vaccine adjuvants, and wound-healing formulations. Additionally, BG has shown anticancer properties and has been investigated as a potential cancer prevention and treatment agent.</p> Conclusion <p>Overall, this overview highlights the diverse applications of BG in pharmaceuticals. Their functional and bioactive properties make them versatile ingredients in pharmaceuticals. The understanding of BG structure–function relationships and their mechanisms of action continues to expand, paving the way for future novel and innovative uses of these polysaccharides.</p>