Study: Pectin May Help Slow Progression of Prostate Cancer

Pectin, a natural substance found in the peel and pulp of citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines, may help slow the progression of recurrent prostate cancer, according to a California researchers.

Dr. B.W. Guess, an oncologist in Marina del Rey, reported in the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases on a small study in which 13 men with recurrent prostate cancer each day took pectin capsules totaling 800 mg a day.

He reported that after year to taking pectin, the time it took prostate specific antigen levels to double -- regarded as a marker of disease progression -- was significantly longer for 7 of the 10 men who completed the study.

When PSA growth is slowed, it indicates the progression of cancer is slowed, according to researchers.

Three of the men stopped taking the supplement because of mild abdominal cramps or diarrhea.

The study was sponsored by EcoNugenics, the company that sells the modified citrus pectin upplements used in the research.

Other Sources: Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases