From Fruit Peel to Cancer Fighter
By - Message her FlagPectaSol-C® Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) is a natural product that is derived from the peel pith of citrus fruit. It is formulated to:
The founder of EcoNugenics, Dr. Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, L.Ac. has devoted his life's work to finding effective ways to support cellular health and longevity. One result of his extensive research is a powerful nutraceutical known as PectaSol-C® Modified Citrus Pectin.
For over twenty years, PectaSol-C® Modified Citrus Pectin has provided tens of thousands of people with an all-natural method of protecting and promoting cellular health, and removal of heavy metals and toxins. Thorough scientific research has demonstrated that Modified Citrus Pectin of the correct molecular weight has a strong ability to support prostate health, breast health and overall cellular health.
A major advance in understanding the effects of modified citrus pectin (MCP) on cancer cells was reported by scientists at Columbia University in a paper published in May, 2010. The clinical study showed that MCP stops the growth of prostate cancer (PC) cells in the test tube. Most significantly this effect was seen in both hormone-dependent and hormone-independent forms of the disease. There are very few treatments for hormone- independent PC, and so a report of likely benefit from a simple nutritional agent is highly significant.
Dr. Jun Yan and Dr. Aaron Katz tested two versions of modified citrus pectin, PectaSol and PectaSol-C, both invented by Dr. Isaac Eliaz. In general, the new form of product outperformed the earlier version. The authors looked at apoptosis (the most prevalent form of programmed cell death) as well as at the inhibition of cell growth. A one percent solution of PectaSol-C was toxic to five cell lines. After four days of treatment, the total destruction of cancer cells ranged from 23.0 to 52.2 percent. The authors concluded that PectaSol and PectaSol-C both inhibited cell proliferation and apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines.
Since Modified Citrus Pectin is not a carefully defined term in the dietary supplement industry, beware that there are multiple citrus pectin products on the market that will not have the same effect as seen in studies.
Many people consume citrus pectin on a regular basis--but don’t confuse it with the extraordinary compound you get in PectaSol-C®. While you can find this soluble fiber in fruit peels, its pectin chains are too large to enter the bloodstream and provide benefits on a cellular level to support prostate, breast, and lung health, among others.
Developed by Dr. Isaac Eliaz in a laboratory using a cutting-edge enzymatic modification process, PectaSol-C® Modified Citrus Pectin fiber chains are shorter, with less cross linking, and thus more bio-available. When taken as a dietary supplement, PectaSol-C® is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, binding with harmful sticky cell surface proteins called galectins. Galectins are found in large amounts in almost all abnormal cell division. They’re harmful since they attach to tissue and attract blood vessels, which provide nourishment for abnormal cells to grow, thrive, and spread. By binding to the galectins on these cells, PectaSol-C® can promote the health of your cells.
Pectin is a soluble dietary fiber composed of galacturonic acid and varying amounts of galactose, glucose, rhammose, and arabinose. In its natural state, the galacturonic groups are found esterified. Regular pectin is not absorbed due to its large size, but it nevertheless plays a key dietary role in supporting digestive and cardiovascular health. It is also commonly used as a gelling agent in foods.
PectaSol-C MCP is a special class of pectin that was developed by Isaac Eliaz, MD, LAc. Dr. Eliaz has researched and published articles on citrus pectin for over a decade. MCP is protected by US patents #6,274,566, #6,462,029, and #7,026,302.
PectaSol-C MCP is produced using a scientifically validated proprietary process that carefully controls both the molecular weight (MW) and degree of esterifcation (DE). The specific low molecular weight size range of PectaSol-C® MCP allows easy absorption into the bloodstream with the effective range of molecular size and esterification.*
Pectin as an Alternative Ligand for Galactin-3
Aberrant cells that have lost control of their cell cycle tend to proliferate, spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), and stimulate new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). Researchers have proposed that the invasive tendencies of such cells are supported by the over expression of galectin-3 molecules on their surface. Aberrant cells of the prostate, breast, colon, lung, lymphatic system, skin, brain, larynx & others have been found to express increased numbers of galectin-3 molecules.*
Pectin as an Alternate Ligand for Galectin-3
Galectin-3 molecules function by binding to galactose residues on neighboring cells and blood vessels allowing aberrant cells to aggregate and spread. De-esterified pectin is an alternate ligand (binder) for galectin-3 (receptor) molecules. When galectin-3 binds to the galacturonic acid in pectin, it is unable to adhere to other cells.*
Early Research on MCP
In the 1990's researchers demonstrated that oral administration of citrus pectin modified to be less than 10kD and with a low DE would interfere with the ability of aberrant cells to proliferate adhere to each other, or adhere to the inner walls of blood vessels.* Their research suggested that MCP, as an alternate ligand for galectin-3, could be a valuable nutritional supplement for supporting cellular health.*
Pre-Production Research on PectaSol® MCP
Dr. Eliaz developed the PectalSol® brand as the first modified citrus pectin for human use. This MCP is designed to be a superior ligand for galectin-3 and involved extensive preproduction research. A cell culture model using aberrant prostate cells was used to help determine the optimal MW and DE by demonstrating cytotoxicity (cell death).* After optimization, PectaSol® was immediately tested clinically.
Clinical Trials
PectaSol® is the only brand of modified citrus pectin that has been validated in human clinical trials. PectaSol-C® MCP is an integral part of Dr. Eliaz' Healthy Cellular Support Protocols.
Recent Developments
The modification process has been improved to now produce more pectin molecules in the effective lower range of molecular weight. The drying process has also been improved to produce a finer particle size as well, with more than 90% below 100 microns. This means a better absorbed product.* The new recent developments have been clinically demonstrated to benefit the quality of life of advanced state conditions.
The new product is called PectaSol-C® to differentiate the improved modification.
Other Benefits
A clinical trial demonstrated PectaSol®’s ability to bind and remove toxic heavy metals and while not affecting essential minerals.* Heavy metal removal with PectaSol® has been shown in case studies to play a possible role in the clinical outcome of chronic diseases.15* A recent study reported that PectaSol significantly decreased lead levels in children (ages 5 to 12) who suffered from severe lead poisoning.
PectaSol-C® MCP contains polysaccharide components that researchers have shown shift T cell balance to favor Natural Killer (NK) cell activation.*
MCP contains galactose, which has been shown to suppress cancer metastases. A recent study concluded that supplementation of Modified Citrus Pectin increased the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time. Oral intake of MCP also reduces lung metastases in rats with prostate cancer. According to the authors, "MCP can act as a potent agent for the treatment of cancer." Further clinical and basic science research, the authors conclude, is absolutely warranted.
Contraindications
Research has shown no adverse effects or toxicity even with long term use. Since MCP is a dietary fiber; some individuals may experience loose stools at the start of use. Although there are no known drug interactions with MCP, it is recommended that it be taken 2 hours before or after medications or other supplements because dietary fibers have the potential of binding to drugs and may affect absorption.
PectaSol-C® MCP is buffered with potassium or sodium. In the production of PectaSol-C® MCP, the ratio of sodium to potassium is carefully controlled to resemble the ratio naturally present. People with a health condition requiring the restriction of potassium should consult their health care provider before using this product.
Quality Control
PectaSol-C® MCP is produced under cGMP manufacturing guidelines. Every batch of PectaSol-C® MCP is tested to ensure its quality and purity.
Yan J, Katz AE. PectaSol-C Modified Citrus Pectin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibition of Proliferation in Human and Mouse Androgen-Dependent and -Independent Prostate Cancer Cells. Integr Cancer Ther. 2010. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20462856 [Accessed May 14, 2010].
