Pectin Causes Self-Destruction of Prostate Cancer Cells

According to a study conducted by the University of Georgia, pectin kills prostate cancer cells. Pectin is a form of fiber that is commonly found in vegetables and fruits and it is also used as an additive in jelly and other foods.

The results of the study were published in the journal Glycobiology's August issue according to a press release by the University of Georgia. In the study, researchers found that by exposing prostate cancer cells to pectin while under laboratory conditions killed up to 40 percent of the cells. Interestingly enough, the pectin also affected cells that are resistant to hormone therapy and therefore are the most difficult to treat.

When the prostate cancer cells were exposed to the pectin, they underwent a process known as apoptosis, where the cell self destructs.

"What this paper shows is that if you take human prostate cancer cells and add pectin, you can induce programmed cell death," said Debra Mohnen, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology. "If you do the same with non-cancerous cells, cell death doesn't occur."

Pectin's effect on prostate cancer cells is just one of the many uncovered benefits of the fiber. Pectin has also been shown to lower cholesterol and glucose levels in humans. Cancer studies conducted on rats and those consisting of cell cultures have found that pectin can prevent lung and colon tumors. Another study suggests that pectin can also kill colon cancer cells.

The researchers tested three types of commercially available pectin. The cancer fighting abilities of the pectin varied greatly, although it was increased when heat was applied.

Pectin is a very complex molecule, with the ability to bind to cells and cause different cellular reactions. Mohnen and her team is working to identify the smallest part of the pectin molecule that could cause cancer cell death in an attempt to create pectin based drugs to treat cancer.

However, until the drug is created, Mohnen encourages everyone to eat the natural form of pectin found in fruits and vegetables.