Detoxification properties of pumpkin pectin and pectin-enriched foods via bioassay evaluation

Heavy metal pollution, particularly lead and cadmium, poses significant health risks due to bioaccumulation and multi-organ damage. This study investigates the detoxification potential of pumpkin pectin and pectin-rich products in laboratory rats, Rattus norvegicus. Male rats (۲۳۰ ± ۲۰ g in weight) were chronically intoxicated with lead nitrate (۲.۰ mg kg-۱) or cadmium chloride (۲.۰۸ mg kg-۱) over three months. Correctors, including pumpkin pectin (۰.۰۶ g day-۱), pectin-enriched bread (۰.۵%), and confiture (۱.۰%), were administered orally. Hematological and biochemical blood parameters were assessed using a Hitachi spectrophotometer and a Mindray BC-۳۰۰۰ analyzer. Heavy metal accumulation reduced total protein (۹۱-۹۵% of control) and hemoglobin, and increased urea. Pumpkin pectin correction restored these parameters, with better outcomes in lead-induced rats than in cadmium-induced rats. Pectin-rich products showed moderate improvements. These findings demonstrate that pumpkin pectin serves as an effective natural chelator, mitigating the toxic effects of heavy metals. Its use is recommended for therapeutic and preventive purposes in populations exposed to chronic heavy metal pollution in industrial regions.

کلیدواژه ها:

cadmium ، Detoxification ، Heavy metals ، lead ، Pectin ، Pumpkin