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

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Almaty Technological University, Tole bi 100, Almaty, Kazakhstan

2 Higher School of Electric Power Engineering and Information Systems, Rudny Industrial University, 50 Let Oktyabrya 38, Rudny, Kazakhstan

3 M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Tauke Khan Avenue 5, Shymkent, Kazakhstan

4 Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Avenue Al-Farabi 93Г/5, Almaty, Kazakhstan

5 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

6 International Engineering Technological University, Tole bi 109, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Abstract

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 (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.

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 24, Issue 3
July 2026
Pages 661-670

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