June 6, 2003 – Modified citrus pectin, a carbohydrate taken from the peel of fruits such as orange and lemon, may slow the growth of various types of cancer, including prostate, breast and colon cancer.
First, American researchers recruited 12 patients who were asked to take a daily dose of 15 grams of modified pectin.1. All of the participants had previously been treated – either with a prostatectomy, radiotherapy or cryotherapy treatment – for their prostate cancer.
The researchers then measured fluctuations in their subjects’ bodies in levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein that may be associated with this disease. In nine of the twelve participants, pectin markedly slowed the progression of PSA levels.
This isn’t the first time that modified citrus pectin has hinted at anticancer properties2. Recently, researchers had established that it could slow down, at least in laboratory tests, the growth, angiogenesis and spread of certain tumors, including those in breast and colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society mentions modified citrus pectin on its website along with the few studies that have investigated its potential anticancer properties. Without commenting on the efficacy of the product, ACS stresses that pectin does not seem to have any effect on the main tumor and only seems to slow the appearance of metastases.
Modified Citrus Pectin is a dietary supplement available in powder or capsule form.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
From Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients; June 2003.
1. Guess B, Jennrich R, Johnson H, Redheffer R, Scholz M. Using splines to detect changes in PSA doubling times.Prostate 2003 Feb 1; 54 (2): 88-94. [Consulté le 6 juin 2003].
2. Nangia-Makker P, Hogan V, Honjo Y, Baccarini S, Tait L, Bresalier R, Raz A. Inhibition of human cancer cell growth and metastasis in nude mice by oral intake of modified citrus pectin.J Natl Cancer Inst. 2002 Dec 18; 94 (24): 1854-62. [Consulté le 6 juin 2003].
