Pectin biomedical properties

There are numerous reports on the biomedical effects of pectin. Antidiarrheic action is the most widely known property, and pectin has been used to treat diarrhea for more than half a century (Malyoth, 1934 Tompkins, 1938). This effect is often followed by an antivomitive action, which in babies improves assimilation and toleration, particularly of dairy products. This is a consequence of some protection and regulation of the gastrointestinal system (Pilnick and Zwicker, 1970). High-methoxyl pectins are often used to treat gastritis and ulcers. Because the stomach walls become covered with a gel-like film after swallowing pectin, a protective effect on the stomach from gastric and biliar hypersecretions occurs (Navarro and Navarro, 1985). 

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