Pectin is a complex carbohydrate that is abundantly present in citrus fruits. Modified Citrus Pectin  contains a patented, low molecular weight citrus pectin that can pass through the intestinal barrier so it can work systemically. Pectin in its natural form cannot be absorbed by the body and is considered a type of soluble dietary fiber, whereas modified pectin can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Modified Citrus Pectin  enters the circulatory system and reaches targeted areas of the body.

Modified Citrus Pectin Benefits

Modified citrus pectin may reduce the metastasis of certain types of cancers, including lung, prostate, and breast. The constituents of Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) that are believed to be responsible for its beneficial properties are the galactosyl fractions. A number of cancer researchers have focused on a particular galectin-3  that has been found to be directly involved in the progression and spread of several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, and colon cancer. Galectin-3 plays an important role in cancer cell growth and spread, but modified citrus pectin works to stop that growth. Galactin-3 may do more than just help cancer cells interact—it may also play a role in angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels needed to feed tumors. A new blood test, which measures circulating levels of galectin-3, has been approved by the FDA and most health insurance as a useful tool in helping to determine cardiovascular disease risk and prognosis, as well as risks of cancer metastasis.

Animal studies and a couple of uncontrolled human studies have found that Modified Citrus Pectin may inhibit the spread of prostate cancer and melanoma to other organs. Melanoma Studies have reported that Modified Citrus Pectin may also decrease the metastasis of various melanoma cancerous cells. Binding to melanoma cells  and human breast carcinoma cells has been demonstrated in vitro .

Breast Cancer An in vitro study reported that Modified Citrus Pectin decreased the adhesive qualities of malignant breast carcinoma cell lines when incubated with blood vessel endothelia, thus decreasing metastasis. Results of a mouse study published in 2008 showed that MCP fed to mice that had been injected with colon cancer cells inhibited the spread of cancer to the liver. A more recent human study examined galectin expression in 27 patients with invasive breast cancer. The study revealed that increasing histologic grades of breast cancer exhibited a decrease in galectin-3 expression, possibly resulting in increased cancer cell motility and metastasis.

They reported a statistically significant increase in PSA doubling time among 13 patients with prostate cancer treated with MCP following surgery and/or androgen-deprivation therapy. MCP has the potential to moderate interactions between cells, which helps to maintain healthy tissues. Its ability to bind to galactose-binding lectins is the proposed mechanismby which it supports healthy cells. In a clinical trial of Modified Citrus Pectin for prostate cancer published in ‘Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases‘ in 2003, men with prostate cancer who took Modified Citrus Pectin had slower production of PSA, a marker of cancer growth. Pectin was also shown to induce apoptosis in adenocarcinoma cells in vitro via caspase-3 activity resulting in DNA degradation.

Modified Citrus Pectin contains polysaccharide components that researchers have shown shift T cell balance to favor Natural Killer cell activation. Modified Citrus Pectin has immunostimulatory properties in human blood samples, including the activation of functional NK cells against K562 leukemic cells in culture. Researchers demonstrated that Modified Citrus Pectin induced a dramatic ten-fold increase in NK-cell activation, and furthermore a significant 53.6% increase in the NK-cells functional ability to identify and destroy leukemia cancer cells.

Dr. Eliaz developed PectaSol® MCP as the first modified citrus pectin for human use. As the first proven natural Galectin-3 blocker, PectaSol is the only dietary supplement known to offer powerful support for healthy Galectin-3 levels. PectaSol has undergone numerous clinical tests demonstrating its ability to support healthy cell growth, and recent research published by Columbia University analyzed the positive effects of PectaSol on cellular health. The 2004 Nutrition Business Journal Product Merit Award was awarded to PectaSol, Modified Citrus Pectin.

How to Use Modified Citrus Pectin?

Modified Citrus Pectin Dosage: Dosages range from 6 to 30 grams per day in divided dosages; a typical dose is 5 grams three times daily. Modified Citrus Pectin in capsule form, 1-6 capsules (800 mg. per capsule) three times daily is recommended. PectaSol modified citrus pectin molecules are standardized to a molecular weight of 10-20,000 daltons.

Modified Citrus Pectin Side Effects

Modified citrus pectin is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence. People may have laxative effects and diarrhea at high doses. Some people may be allergic to Citrus Pectin and experience itch or rash. Modified citrus pectin may also increase the urinary excretion of metals, which may have adverse interactions with some medications to treat certain diseases or conditions. Those who wish to use modified citrus pectin for the management of prostate cancer or any type of cancer must be under medical supervision.

Nattokinase, is an enzyme that is extracted from the fermented soy food called natto. Nattokinase was discovered over 20 years ago by Japanese researcher Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi at Chicago University after testing 173 different types of food in search of an alternative to warfarin to help reduce the effect of blood clots on blood circulation. Natto is produced by a fermentation process by adding Bacillus natto, a benefical bacteria, to boiled soybeans.

Nattokinase Benefits and Studies

Evidence suggests that Nattokinase may be an effective dietary approach for supporting healthy blood flow, thereby promoting circulatory and cardiovascular health. Nattokinase has the distinct ability to breaks down the adhesive substance that makes arterial plaque very sticky. In heart attacks, stroke, thrombosis, and embolism, nattokinase destroys existing blood clots in the blood vessels. Natto has been involved in numerous studies, and the results show that it has the most potent oral fibrinolytic activity of over 200 foods tested. In this trial, 73 subjects received either nattokinase containing 2,000 FU per capsule or placebo for eight weeks. The treatment group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in heart health compared with placebo group.

Blood Thinners

Nattokinase enhances the body’s natural ability to fight blood clots and has an advantage over blood thinners because it has a prolonged effect without side effects.  Nattokinase was shown to reduce the aggregation of red blood cells in vitro in a study done at the ‘University of Los Angeles in California‘. Researchers from JCR Pharmaceuticals, Oklahoma State University and Miyazaki Medical College conducted a further study in which 12 volunteers were given 200 mg of nattokinase and then tracked their fibrinolytic activity through a series of blood plasma tests. The subjects exhibited a heightened ability to dissolve blood clots for 2 to 8 hours. A study reported in the 2010 edition of the Acta Haematologica found that nattokinase decreased blood-clot formation in animals.

Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic protease , which by nature is an enzyme whose basic function is to hydrolyze proteins. Natto acts much like plasmin, the only enzyme produced by the human body that breaks down fibrin. In vitro studies have shown that nattokinase is a more potent fibrinolytic agent than plasmin. A major difference between nattokinase and blood thinning drugs is that the drugs interfere with the production of fibrin and due to this interference, blood thinning drugs have significant side-effects. Nattokinase acts upon the fibrin itself, which is a metabolic end-product.

Blood Pressure

Various clinical studies indicate that natto is capable of lowering the body’s blood pressure through the use of inhibiting ACE or angiotensin-converting enzyme. Nattokinase dissolves existing thrombus by dissolving the fibrin that binds platelets together. Human volunteers with high blood pressure were given 30 grams of natto extract, orally for 4 consecutive days. In 4 out of 5 volunteers, the systolic blood pressure decreased on average from 173.8 to 154.8. Diastolic blood pressure decreased on average from 101.0 to 91.2. Because nattokinase is natural and safe, it has become a popular choice over other medications used to lower blood pressure.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The nattokinase in natto is believed to have the ability to degrade amyloid fibris. Studies reveal that nattokinase has the ability to dissolve the amyloid deposits that are believed to be responsible for causing Alzheimer’s disease. The build-up of plaque from beta-amyloid deposits is associated with an increase in brain cell damage and death from oxidative stress. The enzyme has the ability to dissolve amyloid fibrils, which build up as plaque in the brain and can lead to brain cell damage.

How to Use Nattokinase?

Nattokinase Dosage Information: A common standard is 2,000 FUs per day, which is usually one or two capsules. 4,000 FU daily has been used in some clinical studies as well. The recommended dosage for nattokinase is one capsule in the morning, one capsule in the afternoon and two capsules at bedtime.

Nattokinase Dangers

Natural nattokinase or nattokinase supplements are generally safe for use. Nattokinase shouldn’t be used by people with bleeding disorders, or by people who are taking coumadin, aspirin, or any other drug that influences blood clotting. Since this dietary supplement contains a large amount of K vitamin, it will reduce the effectiveness of your medications such as coumadin, which will certainly slow down the improvement of your overall health condition. Recently, a case of a cerebral hemorrhage provoked by combined use of nattokinase and aspirin in a 52-year old woman with cerebral bleeds has been reported. Those who have suffered from intracranial bleeding, or who have nueral surgery or ischemic stroke in the last six months should not take Nattokinase. Those who have a history of heart disease, ulcers, stroke, or have had a surgery in the recent past should avoid consuming nattokinase.

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C)  is a naturally occurring phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbageand kale. Indole-3-carbinol is converted in the gut to diindolylmethane (DIM). Indole-3-Carbinol can help to maintain healthy hormonal balance for both men and women and therefore may support the health of the breast, prostate, and other reproductive organs. The results of 94 studies on the association between cruciferous vegetables consumption and cancer risk have demonstrated that a high consumption of cruciferous vegetables containing Indole-3-Carbinol is associated with a decreased risk of all types of cancer. Among all the indoles, indole 3 carbinol and its metabolites offer the most powerful antioxidant protection.

Indole 3 Carbinol Benefits

Data from clinical trials show that Indole-3-Carbinol is effective in treatment of precancerous cervical dysplasia and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. DIM, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown in animal studies to help maintain normal levels of a potentially damaging estrogen called 4-hydroxyestrone. Human reproductive cancers may be affected by estrogen levels, and Indole-3-Carbinol may prevent these by both reducing estrogen levels and blocking estrogen receptors. In a review published in the journal ‘In Vivo’ in 2008, DIM was recommended as a chemoprotective agent for both breast and prostate cancer. In addition, in a small double-blind trial, supplementation with 200 or 400 mg of indole-3-carbinol per day for 12 weeks reversed early-stage cervical cancer in 8 of 17 women.

Studies indicate that Indole-3-Carbinol has potential value as a chemopreventive agent for breast cancer through its estrogen receptor modulating effect. There is also evidence to support the fact that I3C has a different mechanism of action than tamoxifen and that these two substances can be used synergistically. Indole-3-Carbinol initiates a series of reactions in the body that culminates in the elimination of estrogen. Researchers have observed that metabolism of estrogen occurs via one of two pathways:  The ‘harmful’ metabolic pathway, 16 alpha-hydroxylation, or the ‘beneficial’ metabolic pathway, 2-hydroxylation.

Indole-3-Carbinol helps to regulate cell growth rates, and helps to change a strong and inflammatory form of estrogen  into a safer, less aggressive form. Oral ingestion of Indole-3-Carbinol has shown to alter the metabolism of estrogen in a beneficial manner. In a  clinical study published in ‘Nutrition and Cancer’ in 2004, women with a history of breast cancer who took DIM for 30 days had positive changes in estrogen metabolism compared to a placebo group.

Indole-3-carbinol is also known to support the liver’s detoxification processes as well as normal cellular reproduction. Since the liver is the only organ in the body capable of regeneration, Indole-3-carbinol also encourages healing and repair when a part of the liver endures damage. Reports indicate that Indole-3-carbinol supports the natural elimination of toxins from the liver, increases the body’s natural metabolism of hormones and helps maintain normal hormone levels.

Indole 3 Carbinol Dosage

In general, Indole-3-Carbinol has been well tolerated by individuals at dosage ranges between 400 and 800 mg daily.  Therefore, antacids, H2 blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors may impede its effectivenes.

Indole 3 Carbinol Side Effects

In very high doses, indole-3-carbinol can cause equilibrium imbalances, tremor and nausea. However, at doses of 800 mg or higher, there has been one report of three episodes where some adverse effect from Indole-3-Carbinol was note. The conversion of I3C to its active metabolites requires stomach acid. Indole-3-carbinol might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Do not attempt to treat cervical dysplasia, or any other precancerous or cancerous condition, without physician supervision.