Pectin lnduces Self-Destruction
Pectin lnduces Self-Destruction in Prostate Cancer Cells Pectin, a plant—produced compound used in the preparation of homemade jellies, may protect men from prostate cancer, according to a report in the journal Gh/cobio/0gy* "Treatment options for androgen-independent prostate cancer cells are limited," noted the study’s research team. "Therefore, it is critical to identify agents that induce death of both androgen-responsive and androgen—insensitive cells." Pectin, produced by plant cell walls, appears to fit the bill.
Researchers added commercially obtained pectin to prostate cancer cell cultures in the laboratory. Fractionated pectin powdercaused a 40-fold increase in apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of androgen-responsive and androgen-insensitive human prostate cancer cells. The study therefore highlights the importance of consuming adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables in protecting against prostate cancer.
—DaIe Kiefer
*1ackson CL, Dreaden TlVl, Theobald LK, etal. Pectin induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells; correlation of apoptotic function with pectin structure. Gh/cobio/ogy 2007 Aug;17(8);805—19.
(This article appeared in Life Extension magazine Dec., 2007. www.lef.org)
