Stevia, known as a natural sweetener, may soon have a new role – fighting cancer. Researchers have discovered that fermented stevia can target pancreatic cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This finding could lead to new cancer therapies using natural plant extracts.
How Fermented Stevia Works
Scientists from Hiroshima University used a bacterium called Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T, found on banana leaves, to ferment stevia leaves. They compared the fermented stevia leaf extract (FSLE) with regular stevia extract. The fermented version proved far more effective at killing pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells, while healthy kidney cells (HEK-293) remained mostly safe, even at higher doses.
The fermentation process was carefully optimized – 72 hours of fermentation without oxygen at 37°C created the most powerful extract. This method increased the formation of a compound called chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME), which was not present in raw stevia extract.
Potent Anti-Cancer Properties
CAME showed a stronger ability to stop cancer cell growth compared to regular chlorogenic acid. It not only killed cancer cells but also forced them into apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death. Tests revealed that CAME blocked the cancer cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, stopping them from multiplying.
The compound also changed gene activity. It increased pro-apoptotic genes like Bax, Caspase-3, and Cytochrome c, which encourage cancer cells to self-destruct. At the same time, it suppressed Bcl-2, a gene that prevents cell death, and boosted E-cadherin, which reduces cancer cell migration.
Antioxidant Benefits
Besides killing cancer cells, fermented stevia worked as a powerful antioxidant. It neutralized free radicals and helped protect healthy cells from oxidative stress.
Next Steps in Research
The research team plans to test fermented stevia on mice to see if it works in living organisms. If successful, this natural compound could offer a safer and more effective approach to treating cancer.
Fermentation has transformed stevia from just a sweetener into a potential anti-cancer agent, opening new doors for plant-based medicine.
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