Other common name(s): Citrus Pectin,
Pecta-Sol(r), MCP
DESCRIPTION
Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a form of pectin that has been
altered so that it can be more easily absorbed by the digestive
tract. Pectin is a carbohydrate found in most plants, and is
particularly plentiful in fruits such as apples, grapefruits, and
plums.
OVERVIEW
Animal studies have found that MCP inhibits the spread of prostate
cancer and melanoma to other organs, however, there have been no
clinical studies done to determine whether MCP has the same effect
in humans.
How
is it promoted for use?
Proponents claim that MCP slows or stops the growth of metastatic
prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has spread) and melanoma, a
dangerous form of skin cancer. Some also claim that a compound
found in MCP strengthens the cancer cell-killing ability of
T-cells (cells that also protect against viruses).
What
does it involve?
Modified citrus pectin is available in capsules or a powder. The
dose suggested by manufacturers for the powder is 5 g mixed with
water or juice taken 3 times/day with meals. For capsules, the
suggested dose is 800 mg for 3 times/day with meals.
What
is the history behind it?
Pectin is commonly used as a gelling agent for canning foods. It
is also used widely in the production of food and cosmetics and as
an ingredient in some antidiarrhea medicines. During the last
decade, the modified form of pectin has been investigated for
anticancer properties.
What
is the evidence?
One animal study found that MCP inhibits the prostate cancer
received MCP orally and were found to have a much lower risk of
the tumor spreading to the lungs.
A
second study examined the effects of MCP on lung metastases from
melanoma cells. Researchers injected mice with melanoma cells that
were given MCP and found that they developed significantly fewer
metastatic lung tumors than mice who didn't receive the drug. When
lung tumors did develop in MCP-treated mice, they tended to be
smaller than those which formed in untreated animals.
The
results from these two studies appear to show that MCP makes it
difficult for cancer cells that break off from the main tumor to
join together and form colonies in other organs. However, the
study results also showed that MCP had no effect on the main tumor
and that it may only be useful for preventing or slowing the
growth of metastatic tumors that are in the very early stages of
development. Animal and laboratory studies may show a certain
substance holds promise as a beneficial treatment, but further
studies are necessary to determine if the results apply to humans.
Are there any possible problems or complications?
Modified citrus pectin is generally considered safe by the FDA.
Side effects rarely occur. However, people who are allergic or
sensitive to MCP may experience stomach discomfort after taking
it.
References
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. 1995;87:348-353.
Platt
D, Raz A. Modulation of the lung colonization of b16-f1melanoma
cells by citrus pectin. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1992;84:438-442.
University
of Texas Center for Alternative Medicine Research in Cancer.
Modified citrus pectin. University of Texas-Houston Health Science
Center Web site. Available at:
http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/utcam/therapies/citrus.htm. Accessed
May 10, 2000.
Note:
This information was reprinted from the American Cancer Society's
Guide to Complementary and Alternative Methods. Copyright(c)2000,
American Cancer Society. This information may not cover all
possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions, is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor who
is familiar with your medical needs.
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