Artificial Sweetener Found to Kill Cancer Cells, Study Reveals

Speedy Summary

• Researchers at Hiroshima University found that stevia extract, when fermented with bacteria isolated from banana leaves, kills pancreatic cancer cells without harming healthy kidney cells.
• The study was published in the international Journal of Molecular Sciences.
• Pancreatic cancer has a survival rate of less than 10% and is resistant to common treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. New treatment options are urgently needed.
• Fermentation with plant-derived Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T strain significantly enhances the bioactivity of stevia extract compared to non-fermented versions.
• Chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME), identified as the active anti-cancer compound in fermented stevia, demonstrates stronger toxicity and pro-apoptotic effects on cancer cells compared to chlorogenic acid alone.
• Researchers plan further studies using mouse models to evaluate whole-body system effectiveness for dosages.

indian Opinion Analysis

This innovative study highlights the potential global impact of medicinal plants such as stevia in battling diseases like pancreatic cancer. Given India’s rich biodiversity, including traditional medicinal knowledge systems such as Ayurveda, this research could inspire domestic advancements in using fermentation techniques or probiotics for anti-cancer treatments. Additionally,it emphasizes scientific approaches toward improving herbal medicine efficacy through microbial change. If applied effectively beyond laboratory conditions, similar strategies might foster new directions in Indian pharmaceutical development or bolster India’s position as a leader in nature-based health innovation.

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