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Exciting research suggests that a common household sweetener might have the potential to be used in developing anti-cancer treatments.
Recent studies conducted by Hiroshima University in Japan have indicated that stevia leaf extract could be effective in combating pancreatic cancer cells.
Stevia extract is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) and is a natural sweet substance commonly used as a sugar substitute.
The research, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, focused on exploring the anti-cancer properties of fermented stevia leaf extract with a specific strain of bacteria.
According to the researchers, the fermented extract showed “significantly enhanced antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity” against pancreatic cancer cells in laboratory experiments.
Researchers discovered that the chemical properties of stevia plant extract could combat pancreatic cancer cells. (iStock)
These findings have led the researchers to believe that this substance could be a promising candidate for potential pancreatic cancer treatments.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, medical oncologist Paul E. Oberstein, M.D., who serves as the assistant director of the Pancreatic Cancer Center at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, shared his insights on the study.
“This study is intriguing as it evaluated a natural plant-derived substance (stevia) and demonstrated its potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laboratory settings,” he stated.
“As noted by the authors, the original stevia plant itself does not appear to have any anti-cancer properties, so a chemical process was employed to enhance its effectiveness through fermentation.”
“This is the process of how we discover new treatments – some of which turn out to be absolute game-changers.”
Oberstein advised caution in interpreting these results, highlighting the unknown potential for side effects or toxicity resulting from altering the plant.
Since the study was not conducted on humans, the oncologist emphasized that there is still much uncertainty regarding the actual impact of this substance on patients.
An oncologist noted that since the study was not performed on humans, there is uncertainty about its potential benefits for patients. (iStock)
Given that stevia extract alone does not impact cancer cells, Oberstein suggested that these findings are unlikely to lead to immediate changes in treatment protocols.
“The study suggests that by altering stevia in a laboratory setting, it may have an effect. Therefore, further testing is needed to determine if this effect translates to human subjects without causing adverse effects,” he added.
“I urge the researchers to continue exploring this potential treatment in different formats and in clinical trials.”
In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Kristen Arnold, a surgical oncologist and pancreatic cancer specialist at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, offered her perspective on the study findings.
“Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer, and despite aggressive treatments, our outcomes remain poor,” she acknowledged.
Current stevia sweetener does not show any anti-cancer benefits in its existing form. (iStock)
While Arnold emphasized the need for further research to validate these initial findings, she expressed optimism about the study’s potential implications.
“It’s too early to determine if this will be a game-changer, but it’s promising to see positive pre-clinical data emerging,” she said.
“This is part of the process of discovering new treatments, some of which could revolutionize patient care and outcomes.”
“Although not all discoveries lead to significant breakthroughs, the journey of discovery is crucial,” Arnold added.
“Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy,” an oncologist stated. “And we know that even with the most aggressive of therapies, unfortunately, our outcomes are not good.” (iStock)
For individuals with pancreatic cancer, Arnold recommended exploring suitable clinical trial opportunities as new scientific advancements are made.
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“Clinical trials play a pivotal role in shaping how we treat patients on a daily basis,” she concluded.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the study authors for additional comments.
