PectaSol-C Cancer Guide

Modified Citrus Pectin MCP and Cancer

Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, and Retired Pharmacist

PectaSol is a form of modified citrus pectin (MCP) derived from the pith (the white, spongy layer between the outer peel) of citrus fruits. It has been modified to a specific molecular weight and structure to ensure bioavailability and systemic benefits. PectaSol is known for inhibiting galectin-3, a protein that promotes cancer growth and metastasis and cancer.[i]

How Does PectaSol Work?

PectaSol works by blocking galectin-3, which is involved in cancer cell adhesion, proliferation, and metastasis.[ii] By inhibiting galectin-3 and galectin-8,[iii] PectaSol can help prevent cancer cells from spreading and support the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and cancer treatment. MCP, given orally, inhibits carbohydrate-facilitated tumor growth, angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), and metastasis in the body via its effects on galectin-3 function.[iv]

Pectasol Effectiveness Against Cancer*

At the time of publication, research has shown that PectaSol is effective against various types of cancer, including:

• Bladder Cancer:[v]
• Breast Cancer: [vi] [vii]
• CML Chronic Myeloid Leukemia:[viii]
• Colorectal Cancer:[ix]
• Colon Cancer: [x]
• Liver Cancer:[xi] [xii]
• Lung Cancer:[xiii]
• Melanoma: [xiv] [xv]
• Ovarian Cancer: MCP enhances the effectiveness of paclitaxel chemotherapy.[xvi]
• Prostate Cancer: Studies have demonstrated that MCP can reduce prostate cancer cell spread and improve patients' PSA levels.[xvii] MCP sensitizes prostate cancer cells to cisplatin treatment.[xviii]
• Thyroid Cancer:[xix]
• I expect other cancers may be impacted that have the , but they have not been studied at the time of publication.

MCP Dosage Instructions

For optimal results, it is recommended to start taking PectaSol one week before a biopsy and continue for three weeks after the procedure. The suggested dosage is 15 grams per day (one scoop or six capsules), divided into three doses of 5 grams each.

MCP can also be taken long-term at the suggested dosage of 15 grams per day, divided into three doses of 5 grams each (one scoop or six capsules).

Importance of Taking MCP on an Empty Stomach

Taking PectaSol on an empty stomach is crucial for its effectiveness. It should be taken at least 30 minutes before or after food, supplements, or medications to ensure proper absorption and bioavailability.

Pectasol is available through the Fullscripts Store. 

References

[i] Apoptosis and Autophagy Induction as Mechanism of Cancer Prevention by Naturally Occurring Dietary Agents; Mukhtar E.,et al; Curr. Drug Targets. 2012;13:1831–1841. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9657392/

[ii] Liu HY, Huang ZL, Yang GH, Lu WQ, Yu NR. Inhibitory effect of modified citrus pectin on liver metastases in a mouse colon cancer model. World J Gastroenterol. 2008;14(48):7386-7391. doi:10.3748/wjg.14.7386 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2778124/

[iii] Shuai M, Li Y, Guan F, et al. Breaking barriers: How modified citrus pectin inhibits galectin-8. Food Funct. 2024;15(9):4887-4893. Published 2024 May 7. doi:10.1039/d4fo00285g https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/fo/d4fo00285g

[iv] Nangia-Makker P, Hogan V, Honjo Y, et al. Inhibition of human cancer cell growth and metastasis in nude mice by oral intake of modified citrus pectin. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2002;94(24):1854-1862. doi:10.1093/jnci/94.24.1854 https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article-abstract/94/24/1854/2906798?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false

[v] Fang T, Liu DD, Ning HM, et al. Modified citrus pectin inhibited bladder tumor growth through downregulation of galectin-3. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2018;39(12):1885-1893. doi:10.1038/s41401-018-0004-z https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6289393/

[vi] Wang L, Zhao L, Gong FL, et al. Modified citrus pectin inhibits breast cancer development in mice by targeting tumor-associated macrophage survival and polarization in hypoxic microenvironment. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2022;43(6):1556-1567. doi:10.1038/s41401-021-00748-8 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9160294/

[vii] Jiang J, Eliaz I, Sliva D. Synergistic and additive effects of modified citrus pectin with two polybotanical compounds, in the suppression of invasive behavior of human breast and prostate cancer cells. Integr Cancer Ther. 2013;12(2):145-152. doi:10.1177/1534735412442369  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1534735412442369?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed

[viii] Ramachandran C, Wilk BJ, Hotchkiss A, Chau H, Eliaz I, Melnick SJ. Activation of human T-helper/inducer cell, T-cytotoxic cell, B-cell, and natural killer (NK)-cells and induction of natural killer cell activity against K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cells with modified citrus pectin. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:59. Published 2011 Aug 4. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-59 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3161912/

[ix] Ferreira-Lazarte A, Fernández J, Gallego-Lobillo P, et al. Behaviour of citrus pectin and modified citrus pectin in an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced rat colorectal carcinogenesis model. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021;167:1349-1360. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.11.089 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813020350145?via%3Dihub

[x] Hayashi A, Gillen AC, Lott JR. Effects of daily oral administration of quercetin chalcone and modified citrus pectin on implanted colon-25 tumor growth in Balb-c mice. Altern Med Rev. 2000;5(6):546-552.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11134977/ 

[xi] Leclere, L., Fransolet, M., Cote, F., Cambier, P., Arnould, T., Cutsem, P. V., & Michiels, C. (2015). Heat-Modified Citrus Pectin Induces Apoptosis-Like Cell Death and Autophagy in HepG2 and A549 Cancer Cells. PLOS ONE, 10(3), e0115831. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0115831

[xii] Huang ZL, Liu HY. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2008;28(8):1358-1361.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18753060/

[xiii] Leclere, L., Fransolet, M., Cote, F., Cambier, P., Arnould, T., Cutsem, P. V., & Michiels, C. (2015). Heat-Modified Citrus Pectin Induces Apoptosis-Like Cell Death and Autophagy in HepG2 and A549 Cancer Cells. PLOS ONE, 10(3), e0115831. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0115831

[xiv] Dange MC, Srinivasan N, More SK, et al. Galectin-3 expressed on different lung compartments promotes organ specific metastasis by facilitating arrest, extravasation and organ colonization via high affinity ligands on melanoma cells. Clin Exp Metastasis. 2014;31(6):661-673. doi:10.1007/s10585-014-9657-2  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10585-014-9657-2

[xv] Platt D, Raz A. Modulation of the lung colonization of B16-F1 melanoma cells by citrus pectin. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1992;84(6):438-442. doi:10.1093/jnci/84.6.438 https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article-abstract/84/6/438/1019001?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false

[xvi] Hossein G, Keshavarz M, Ahmadi S, Naderi N. Synergistic effects of PectaSol-C modified citrus pectin an inhibitor of Galectin-3 and paclitaxel on apoptosis of human SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2013;14(12):7561-7568. doi:10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.12.7561 https://journal.waocp.org/?sid=Entrez:PubMed&id=pmid:24460334&key=2013.14.12.7561

[xvii] Keizman D, Frenkel M, Peer A, et al. Modified Citrus Pectin Treatment in Non-Metastatic Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Phase II Study. Nutrients. 2023;15(16):3533. Published 2023 Aug 11. doi:10.3390/nu15163533 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10459199/

[xviii] Wang Y, Nangia-Makker P, Balan V, Hogan V, Raz A. Calpain activation through galectin-3 inhibition sensitizes prostate cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Cell Death Dis. 2010;1(11):e101. Published 2010 Nov 18. doi:10.1038/cddis.2010.79 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3032324/

[xix] Menachem A, Bodner O, Pastor J, Raz A, Kloog Y. Inhibition of malignant thyroid carcinoma cell proliferation by Ras and galectin-3 inhibitors. Cell Death Discov. 2015;1:15047. Published 2015 Nov 2. doi:10.1038/cddiscovery.2015.47 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4979473/