Overview

• Fermented stevia leaf extract induced apoptosis in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells in vitro while sparing healthy HEK-293 kidney cells.
• Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T fermentation of stevia produced chlorogenic acid methyl ester, which demonstrated stronger cytotoxic effects than unfermented extract.
• The fermented extract exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity compared to its raw form, indicating potential extra protection against oxidative stress.
• Findings are limited to laboratory-grown cell studies, with safety and efficacy in animals or humans yet to be established.
• Researchers plan in vivo mouse model testing to evaluate whole-body efficacy and determine optimal dosage levels.