Fermented Stevia Shows Promise Against Pancreatic Cancer

A recent study by Hiroshima University reveals that fermenting stevia leaf extract with Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T—a probiotic strain sourced from banana leaves—can selectively destroy pancreatic cancer cells while sparing healthy kidney cells. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers, with survival rates under 10%. Researchers found that the fermented stevia extract (FSLE) exhibited significantly stronger cancer-fighting activity compared to its non-fermented counterpart. The process led to the formation of chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME), a bioactive compound more effective at inducing cancer cell death than chlorogenic acid alone. Notably, FSLE showed minimal toxicity to non-cancerous cells. The team believes this microbial transformation enhances the therapeutic potential of plant extracts. Future studies in animal models are planned to explore dosage effects and systemic responses. This breakthrough highlights the potential of probiotic fermentation in developing natural, targeted anti-cancer therapies.

31-07-2025