Pectina c?trica modificada

Related Terms

Citrus pectin, depolymerized pectin, fractioned pectin, MCP, modified pectin, PectaSol?, pH-modified pectin.

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.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Modified citrus pectin may increase the excretion of metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Additional study is needed in this area before a firm recommendation can be made.

 C


Modified citrus pectin may increase the excretion of metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Additional study is needed in this area before a firm recommendation can be made.

 C


Modified citrus pectin may reduce the metastasis of certain types of cancers, including lung, prostate, and breast. More research is needed in this area, especially with other types of cancer and with other criteria for prostate cancer progression.

 C


Modified citrus pectin may reduce the metastasis of certain types of cancers, including lung, prostate, and breast. More research is needed in this area, especially with other types of cancer and with other criteria for prostate cancer progression.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for modified citrus pectin. Although not well studied in human clinical trials, 6-30 grams daily in divided doses, dissolved in a small amount of water, and diluted with juice, has been used. For capsules, a dose of 800 milligrams three times a day with meals has also been used. For biopsy and cancer, a dose of 15 grams daily (5 grams three times a day) one week before procedure and two weeks after has been used. For toxic excretion, 15 grams of MCP PectaSol? (EcoNugenics? Inc.) daily for five days and 20 grams on day six has been used with some benefit.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Modified citrus pectin may significantly increase the urinary excretion of metals. Caution is advised in patients taking chelating agents.
Although not well studied in humans, pectin may lower cholesterol levels. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining modified citrus pectin with cholesterol-lowering agents.
Based on animal study, modified citrus pectin may significantly inhibit carbohydrate-mediated tumor growth. Patients taking any agents for cancer should use modified citrus pectin with caution.
Modified citrus pectin may slow or reduce the absorption of oral drugs. Caution is advised when taking medications by mouth.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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