Background
- Pectins are gel-forming polysaccharides from plant cell walls, especially apple and citrus fruits. Pectins are a type of viscous dietary fiber and vary in the length of their polysaccharide chains, from 300-1,000 monosaccharides. Although pectins are not digestible by humans, modified citrus pectin (MCP) is altered to increase their absorbability. Pectin from citrus rinds is depolymerized through a treatment with sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. The resultant smaller molecule is comprised predominantly of D-polygalacturonates and may be more easily absorbed by the human digestive system.
- Modified citrus pectin is most often used as an adjuvant to cancer therapy to prevent metastasis. Modified citrus pectin is still considered an experimental therapy for cancer and should be used as an adjuvant to standard cancer therapy under medical supervision. Pectins, including modified citrus pectin, have also been investigated for possible cardiovascular benefits, including lowering cholesterol and reducing atherosclerosis. Clinical studies are needed in these areas.
- Some experts caution that citrus pectin and all "modified" citrus pectins may not have the same effects as modified citrus pectin. Citrus pectin does not have the same short polysaccharide chains as modified citrus pectin, and "modified" pectin could indicate that the pectin has been altered in some way, but not necessarily have the shorter polysaccharide chains.
References
- Bresalier RS, Yan PS, Byrd JC, et al. Expression of the endogenous galactose- binding protein galectin-3 correlates with the malignant potential of tumors in the central nervous system. Cancer 8-15-1997;80(4):776-787.
- Eastwood M, Kritchevsky D. Dietary fiber: how did we get where we are? Annu Rev Nutr 2005;25:1-8.
View Abstract - Eliaz I, Hotchkiss AT, Fishman ML, et al. The effect of modified citrus pectin on urinary excretion of toxic elements. Phytother Res 2006;20(10):859-864.
View Abstract - Guess BW, Scholz MC, Strum SB, et al. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) increases the prostate-specific antigen doubling time in men with prostate cancer: a phase II pilot study. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2003;6(4):301-304.
View Abstract - Hayashi A, Gillen AC, Lott JR. Effects of daily oral administration of quercetin chalcone and modified citrus pectin on implanted colon-25 tumor growth in Balb-c mice. Altern Med Rev 2000;5(6):546-552.
View Abstract - Hsieh TC, Wu JM. Changes in cell growth, cyclin/kinase, endogenous phosphoproteins and nm23 gene expression in human prostatic JCA-1 cells treated with modified citrus pectin. Biochem Mol Biol Int 1995;37(5):833-841.
View Abstract - Kidd P. A new approach to metastatic cancer prevention: modified citrus pectin (MCP), a unique pectin that blocks cell surface lectins. Altern Med Rev 1996;1:4-10.
- Marounek M, Volek Z, Synytsya A, et al. Effect of pectin and amidated pectin on cholesterol homeostasis and caecal metabolism in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. Physiol Res 2007;56(4):433-42.
View Abstract - Modified citrus pectin-monograph. Altern Med Rev 2000;5(6):573-575.
View Abstract - Nangia-Makker P, Hogan V, Honjo Y, et al. Inhibition of human cancer cell growth and metastasis in nude mice by oral intake of modified citrus pectin. J Natl Cancer Inst 12-18-2002;94(24):1854-1862.
View Abstract - Pienta KJ, Naik H, Akhtar A, et al. Inhibition of spontaneous metastasis in a rat prostate cancer model by oral administration of modified citrus pectin. J Natl.Cancer Inst 3-1-1995;87(5):348-353.
View Abstract - Raz A, Loton R. Endogenous galactoside-binding lectins: a new class of functional cell surface molecules related to metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 1987;6:433-452.
- Strum S, Scholz M, McDermed J, et al. Modified citrus pectin slows PSA doubling time: A pilot clinical trial. Presentation: International Conference on Diet and Prevention of Cancer. May 28, 1999 - June 2, 1999.
- Terpstra AH, Lapre JA, de Vries HT, et al. The hypocholesterolemic effect of lemon peels, lemon pectin, and the waste stream material of lemon peels in hybrid F1B hamsters. Eur J Nutr 2002;41(1):19-26.
View Abstract - Vergara-Jimenez M, Furr H, Fernandez ML. Pectin and psyllium decrease the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in guinea pigs. J Nutr Biochem 1999;10(2):118-124.
View Abstract