University of Guilan Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences 1735-3033 24 3 2026 07 01 Detoxification properties of pumpkin pectin and pectin-enriched foods via bioassay evaluation 661 670 9145 10.22124/cjes.2025.9145 EN Sanavar Azimova Almaty Technological University, Tole bi 100, Almaty, Kazakhstan Farrukh Makhmudov Almaty Technological University, Tole bi 100, Almaty, Kazakhstan Sholpan Amanova Almaty Technological University, Tole bi 100, Almaty, Kazakhstan Gulnara Altynbayeva Higher School of Electric Power Engineering and Information Systems, Rudny Industrial University, 50 Let Oktyabrya 38, Rudny, Kazakhstan Damira Tattibayeva Almaty Technological University, Tole bi 100, Almaty, Kazakhstan Zulfiya Konarbayeva M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Tauke Khan Avenue 5, Shymkent, Kazakhstan Aiman Toktamyssova Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Avenue Al-Farabi 93Г/5, Almaty, Kazakhstan Serik Abdreshov Laboratory of Physiology Lymphatic System, Institute of Genetics and Physiology, Committee of Science, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 93 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan Assel Tautayeva International Engineering Technological University, Tole bi 109, Almaty, Kazakhstan Journal Article 2025 10 15 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, <em>Rattus norvegicus</em>. Male rats (230 ± 20 g in weight) were chronically intoxicated with lead nitrate (2.0 mg kg^-1) or cadmium chloride (2.08 mg kg^-1) over three months. Correctors, including pumpkin pectin (0.06 g day^-1), pectin-enriched bread (0.5%), and confiture (1.0%), were administered orally. Hematological and biochemical blood parameters were assessed using a Hitachi spectrophotometer and a Mindray BC-3000 analyzer. Heavy metal accumulation reduced total protein (91-95% 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. https://cjes.guilan.ac.ir/article_9145_8252d2e207bc3a772c0c1cfe9788e220.pdf