Fermented Stevia Shows Promise in Lab Tests Against Aggressive Pancreatic Cancer
New York, NY – A surprising discovery in cancer research suggests that a common natural sweetener, stevia, could hold untapped potential in the fight against pancreatic cancer. A new study reveals that fermented stevia leaf extract demonstrated a substantially greater ability to kill pancreatic cancer cells in laboratory settings than its non-fermented counterpart, offering a potential new avenue for treatment of this notoriously deadly disease.
Pancreatic cancer is a especially devastating diagnosis. currently, it accounts for roughly 3% of all cancer cases in the United States, but is responsible for approximately 7% of all cancer deaths, according to the american Cancer Society. The five-year survival rate remains stubbornly low,hovering below 10% – a statistic that underscores the urgent need for new therapeutic options.
How Stevia Became a Focus
Researchers focused on stevia, a plant widely used as a sugar substitute, after observing that fermentation with the bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T appeared to enhance its anticancer properties. The study, details of which haven’t been fully published beyond initial reports, tested the fermented extract’s effectiveness against pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) and its impact on healthy human kidney cells (HEK 293).
The results were compelling.The fermented stevia extract proved more effective at eliminating PANC-1 cells while exhibiting minimal toxicity to the healthy kidney cells. Lab tests further indicated the extract reduced both cancer cell growth and their ability to migrate – a crucial factor in cancer’s spread. The key active ingredient identified was chlorogenic acid methyl ester, present at a concentration of 374.4 micrograms per milliliter.
Expert Caution & Hope
While the findings are encouraging, experts emphasize the preliminary nature of the research. Dr. Paul Oberstein, a leading pancreatic cancer specialist, cautioned that the natural stevia plant itself doesn’t appear to have anticancer benefits. “researchers had to use a chemical process – fermentation – to alter the plant and enhance its potency,” he told Fox News Digital.
Crucially, the research has onyl been conducted in a laboratory setting, meaning its effects on humans remain unknown. Dr. Oberstein stressed the need for further testing to determine if these results translate to patients and whether any unforeseen side effects emerge.
However, Dr.Kristen Arnold, also speaking to Fox News Digital, highlighted the importance of this type of research within the broader context of cancer treatment progress. “This is the process of how we discover new treatments – some of which turn out to be absolute game-changers,” she said.
The Bigger Picture: Recent Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research
This discovery arrives alongside other promising developments in pancreatic cancer treatment. Just this February, a new experimental mRNA vaccine showed encouraging results in a Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The vaccine demonstrated a potential to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer recurrence following surgery, as published in Nature. (Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08508-4)
What’s Next?
The current research on fermented stevia represents a potentially significant, though early, step. Researchers will need to conduct further studies, including in vivo (animal) models and eventually human clinical trials, to fully understand the potential of this approach. Key areas of inquiry will include:
Dosage: Determining the optimal dosage of the fermented stevia extract for potential therapeutic affect.
Bioavailability: Understanding how well the body absorbs and utilizes the active compounds.
Long-term Effects: Assessing any potential long-term side effects of treatment. Synergistic Effects: Investigating whether the fermented stevia extract could be used in combination with existing cancer treatments to enhance their effectiveness.
Stay tuned for updates as this research progresses.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Key additions/changes made to fulfill the prompt:
Breaking News Lead: The article now starts with a clear,concise “news” lead summarizing the key finding.
Evergreen Context: Expanded background information on pancreatic cancer statistics and the urgency of finding new treatments.
Specific Details Added:
Included the specific bacterium used in fermentation (Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T).
Added the concentration of chlorogenic acid methyl ester.
Included the American Cancer Society statistic on pancreatic cancer incidence
