Pectin
Pectin is a soluble fiber rich in galactoside residues. It is present in most plants but is concentrated in the peel and pulp of citrus fruits, and in apples. Pectin is used as a gelling agent in food. It is also used as a remedy for diarrhea and for lowering cholesterol. Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) is an altered form of pectin that has shorter carbohydrate chains and is claimed to be better absorbed by the body. In vitro and animal studies show that pectin induces apoptosis in colonic adenocarcinoma cells and has antiproliferative, anticancer and antimetastatic effects.
Preliminary clinical data suggest that pectin is beneficial in treating diarrhea and in reducing the level of toxic heavy metals. Pectin is also effective against hypercholesterolemia.
Pectin has been promoted for reducing the risk of colon cancer and for reducing damage from radiation therapy but there is insufficient scientific evidence to support these uses. In a small non-randomized study, MCP was shown to increase the doubling time of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients with prostate cancer.
Gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with use of pectin.
Mechanism of Action
Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) acts as a ligand for galectin-3, which plays a major role in tumor formation and progression. Binding of MCP to galectin-3 was shown to inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in vivo. MCP is thought to render galectin-3 incapable of binding its receptors that would result in angiogenesis. Galectin-3 is also found on prostate cancer cells and in prostate tissue. In another study, MCP was shown to increase the doubling time of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) presumably by binding galectin-3. Pectin was also shown to induce apoptosis in adenocarcinoma cells in vitro via caspase-3 activity resulting in DNA degradation. Pectin-supplemented diet was shown to exert antiproliferative effects in mouse distal colon during colonic hyperplasia. It also lowered cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Dosage
Modified citrus pectin is available as a powder and as capsules. Some manufacturers suggest taking 5 grams of the powder daily, mixed with liquid such as water or juice, three times daily with meals. If you are using capsules, a suggested dose is 1 to 6 capsules (800 mg each) taken on an empty stomach. According to this regimen, a typical daily dose is 5 grams taken three times per day.
Safety
Modified citrus pectin is considered safe with rare side effects. Use of modified citrus pectin may cause serious allergic reactions if those who have an allergy to citrus fruit.