Recent research from Hiroshima University suggests that stevia, commonly known as a zero-calorie sugar substitute, may have additional benefits, particularly in the context of pancreatic cancer treatment. The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, reveals that stevia extract, when fermented with specific bacteria from banana leaves, shows promise in killing pancreatic cancer cells without affecting healthy kidney cells.
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by its high invasiveness and resistance to conventional treatments, leading to a pressing need for new therapeutic options. Co-author Narandalai Danshiitsoodol emphasized the importance of exploring medicinal plant-derived compounds for this purpose. Previous studies hinted at the anticancer potential of stevia, but isolating effective bioactive components has been challenging. This research highlights that fermentation can alter the extract’s structure, producing beneficial metabolites.
The team specifically used the Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T strain for fermentation and compared its effects on lab-grown pancreatic cancer cells and non-cancerous kidney cells. The results indicated that the fermented extract was significantly more toxic to pancreatic cancer cells while exhibiting lower toxicity to healthy cells. This suggests that the fermentation process enhances the extract’s efficacy.
One notable finding was the identification of chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME) as a key anti-cancer compound. The fermentation process decreased the concentration of chlorogenic acid, indicating a transformation likely facilitated by the bacteria's enzymes.
The researchers plan to further investigate these findings in mouse models to assess the effectiveness of various dosages. This study contributes to the understanding of how probiotics may serve as natural agents in cancer prevention and therapy. Other contributors to the research included members of the Department of Probiotic Science for Preventive Medicine at Hiroshima University.