Research Library
Clinical applications of modified citrus pectin
Authors: Eliaz I.
Source: Amitabha Medical Clinic and Healing Center, Sebastopol, CA
Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) food ingredient and dietary supplement with clinical evidence for its role in fighting cancer, as well as its new application for gently chelating heavy metals. MCP is known to inhibit primary tumors and interfere with cell-cell interactions (through its interaction with galectins on the cell surface) preventing adhesion of prostate, human breast and colon cancer cells to endothelial cells, thereby reducing angiogenesis and metastasis potential. MCP has been tested in prostate cancer patients and found to significantly slow the PSA doubling time, an indicator of cancer progression. A recent clinical trial has also shown MCP to be able to reduce the total body burden of mercury, and possibly other heavy metals. With its mounting clinical evidence and established safety, MCP has potential as a complimentary therapy for most cancers, as well as for heavy metal detoxification regimens.