India, Aug. 7 -- A popular sugar substitute found in many kitchens may one day contribute to cancer treatment. A new study from Hiroshima University in Japan has revealed that stevia leaf extract, when fermented with specific bacteria, could help fight pancreatic cancer cells.

Stevia, derived from the plant Stevia rebaudiana, is widely used as a natural sweetener. However, the study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences on 26 March 2025 focused on what happens when the extract is fermented.

Researchers found that this version of the extract showed strong antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects against pancreatic cancer cells in lab tests. These findings suggest that fermented stevia extract could be a promisi...