Pleiotropic Effects of Modified Citrus Pectin

Nutrients. 2019 Nov 1;11(11):2619. doi: 10.3390/nu11112619.

Abstract

Modified citrus pectin (MCP) has a low-molecular-weight degree of esterification to allow absorption from the small intestinal epithelium into the circulation. MCP produces pleiotropic effects, including but not limited to its antagonism of galectin-3, which have shown benefit in preclinical and clinical models. Regarding cancer, MCP modulates several rate-limiting steps of the metastatic cascade. MCP can also affect cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy. Regarding fibrotic diseases, MCP modulates many of the steps involved in the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis. MCP also reduces fibrosis to the kidney, liver, and adipose tissue. Other benefits of MCP include detoxification and improved immune function. This review summarizes the pleiotropic effects of MCP.

Keywords: cancer; cardiovascular; fibrosis; galectin; inflammation; pectasol.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / drug effects
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / drug therapy
  • Blood Proteins
  • Citrus / chemistry*
  • Fibrosis / drug therapy
  • Galectin 3 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Galectins
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / drug therapy
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pectins / pharmacology
  • Pectins / therapeutic use*
  • Phytotherapy

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Galectin 3
  • Galectins
  • LGALS3 protein, human
  • citrus pectin
  • Pectins