Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells multiply at an uncontrolled rate, leading to growth of tumors or spread of cancer cells through the blood or lymph to other parts of the body. Although the National Cancer Institute reports that overall death rates for all cancers have declined since 2000, the incidence of some types of cancer, such as melanoma, leukemia and pancreatic cancer, has been increasing. Modified citrus pectin is an herbal preparation that may help lower your risk of cancer or improve the outcome if you already have cancer, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Discuss pectin with your doctor to decide if it might be helpful to you.
Pectin
Pectin is a type of soluble fiber containing complex sugar molecules and found in plant cell walls. The compound binds plant cells together, helping give plants strength and rigidity, and is used commercially to add substance to jams, puddings and other gelatinous food products. Citrus fruits are especially rich in pectin, which is concentrated in the inner parts of the rind and parts of the pulp. When citrus pectin is modified to make its basic units smaller and more easily digestible, it is called "modified citrus pectin."
Modified Citrus Pectin Properties
Modified citrus pectin, or MCP, binds to a molecule called galectin-3, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Galectin-3 is found on many types of cancer cells and helps them grow and move into nearby tissue. For example, in a laboratory study of liver and colon cancer cells published in 1999 in the "International Journal of Oncology," more galectin-3 was found on colon cancer cells as they increased in malignancy. Modified citrus pectin interferes with the action of galectin-3, potentially helping prevent growth of cancerous tumors and stopping them from invading into normal tissue.
Clinical Trials
Although laboratory studies suggest that MCP may hep prevent or suppress cancer, clinical trials are very important to verify these results in human subjects. Such a trial was conducted with modified citrus pectin and subjects with active prostate cancer. The findings, published in 2003 in "Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases," indicated that subjects who took MCP for 12 months had less increase in Prostate Specific Antigen, a cancer marker, than before they began the trial. These are very encouraging preliminary results, although larger trials with other types of cancer and MCP are still needed.
Recommendations
Modified citrus pectin is available as a supplement from health food stores, as powder or in tablets or capsules. While generally considered safe, it may cause abdominal cramps or diarrhea in some people. MCP may also interact with some prescription medicines such as cholesterol-lowering drugs. Talk to your doctor about modified citrus pectin to determine if it is a good choice for you.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Cancer Trends Progress Report - 2009/2010 Update
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pectin
- Drugs.com: New Modified Citrus Pectin Slows Cancer Progression and Stops Cancer Cells in Their Tracks; June 2008
- Drugs.com: Pectin
- "International Journal of Oncology"; Involvement of Galectin-3 Expression in Colorectal Cancer Progression...; M. Nakamura, et al.; July 1999
- "Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases"; Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) Increases the Prostate-Specific Antigen Doubling Time in Men with Prostate Cancer...; G. Guess, et al.; 2003
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