stevia甜菊
科学家研发出超级糖替代品，可杀死癌细胞
Researchers at Hiroshima University have found that stevia, when fermented with specific bacteria from banana leaves, gains a remarkable ability to kill pancreatic cancer cells while leaving healthy kidney cells unharmed.
广岛大学的研究人员发现，当甜菊与来自香蕉叶的特定细菌发酵后，获得了显著的能力，可以杀死胰腺癌细胞，同时对健康的肾细胞毫无损伤。
This transformation enhances the plant’s natural properties through microbial biotransformation, creating a potent compound called chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME).
这种转化通过微生物生物转化增强了植物的天然特性，生成一种强效化合物，名为绿原酸甲酯（CAME）。
The fermented stevia extract showed significant cancer-fighting potential in lab tests and may represent a new direction in probiotic-based cancer therapies.
发酵后的甜菊提取物在实验中展现出显著的抗癌潜力，可能为益生菌治疗癌症开辟了新方向。
Stevia’s Surprising Anti-Cancer Potential
甜菊令人惊讶的抗癌潜力
Stevia might offer more than just a no-calorie alternative to sugar.
甜菊可能不仅仅是无热量的糖替代品。
Scientists at Hiroshima University found that when stevia extract is fermented using bacteria sourced from banana leaves, it becomes capable of killing pancreatic cancer cells without damaging healthy kidney cells.
广岛大学的科学家发现，当甜菊提取物与来源于香蕉叶的细菌共同发酵后，它能够杀死胰腺癌细胞，而不会损伤健康的肾细胞。
The results of their study were published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
他们的研究结果发表在《国际分子科学杂志》。
“Globally, the incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer continue to rise, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10%,” said co-author Narandalai Danshiitsoodol, associate professor in Department of Probiotic Science for Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences.
“在全球范围内，胰腺癌的发病率和死亡率持续上升，五年生存率不足10%。”——该研究的合著者、预防医学益生菌科学系副教授Narandalai Danshiitsoodol如是说。
“Pancreatic cancer is highly invasive and prone to metastasis, showing significant resistance to existing treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
“胰腺癌侵袭性强，极易转移，并对现有治疗方法（如手术、放疗和化疗）表现出明显耐受性。
As such, there is an urgent need to identify new and effective anticancer compounds, particularly those derived from medicinal plants.”
因此，迫切需要寻找新的、有效的抗癌化合物，尤其是来自药用植物的化合物。”
Fermentation Unlocks Bioactive Compounds
发酵释放生物活性化合物
Earlier research had suggested that stevia leaf extract could help fight cancer, but pinpointing and isolating the specific active compounds has proven difficult.
早期研究表明，甜菊叶提取物可能具有抗癌作用，但准确定位并分离出其活性成分一直十分困难。
Danshiitsoodol explained that fermentation can alter the structure of stevia extract, leading to the creation of new bioactive metabolites.
Danshiitsoodol解释说，发酵可以改变甜菊提取物的结构，从而生成新的具有生物活性的代谢产物。
These are compounds that can influence biological systems.
这些物质能够对生物系统产生影响。
“To enhance the pharmacological efficacy of natural plant extracts, microbial biotransformation has emerged as an effective strategy,” said corresponding author Masanori Sugiyama, professor in the Department of Probiotic Science for Preventive Medicine.
“为了增强天然植物提取物的药效，微生物生物转化已成为一种有效策略。”该研究的通讯作者、预防医学益生菌科学系教授杉山雅纪表示。
Sugiyama’s lab has isolated and evaluated the health benefits of more than 1,300 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains from fruits, vegetables, flowers, and medicinal plants.
杉山的实验室已经从水果、蔬菜、花卉和药用植物中分离并评估了超过1300株乳酸菌的健康功效。
“In this study, we aimed to compare LAB-fermented and non-fermented extracts to identify key compounds that enhance bioactivity, ultimately contributing to the efficacy of herbal medicine in cancer prevention and therapy.”
“本研究旨在比较乳酸菌发酵与非发酵提取物，以识别增强生物活性的关键成分，最终提升草药在癌症预防和治疗中的效果。”
Fermented Stevia Extract Targets Cancer Cells
发酵甜菊提取物精准作用于癌细胞
Specifically, the team fermented stevia leaf extract with plant-derived Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T strain (FSLE) and compared its effects on pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells in the lab, alongside non-cancerous human embryonic kidney cells HEK-293, to the effects of non-fermented stevia extract.
具体而言，研究团队使用植物来源的植物乳杆菌SN13T株（FSLE）发酵甜菊叶提取物，并将其对胰腺癌细胞（PANC-1）和非癌性人类胚胎肾细胞（HEK-293）的作用，与未发酵提取物进行了比较。
The cells utilized in these experiments were acquired from established commercial cell lines.
实验中使用的细胞均来源于成熟的商业化细胞系。
“Our findings indicate that FSLE demonstrates significantly greater cytotoxicity than the non-fermented extract at equivalent concentrations, suggesting that the fermentation process enhances the bioactivity of the extract,” Sugiyama said.
“我们的研究结果表明，在相同浓度下，FSLE比未发酵提取物展现出更显著的细胞毒性，提示发酵过程增强了其生物活性。”杉山说。
“Notably, FSLE exhibited lower toxicity toward the HEK-293 cells, with minimal inhibition observed even at the highest concentration tested.”
“值得注意的是，FSLE对HEK-293细胞的毒性较低，即便在最高浓度下抑制作用也极小。”
Discovery of a Powerful Cancer-Fighting Molecule
强效抗癌分子的发现
Additional analyses identified chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME) as the active anti-cancer compound.
进一步分析确认绿原酸甲酯（CAME）为其中的抗癌活性化合物。
When fermented, the concentration of chlorogenic acid in the extract dropped six-fold, indicating a microbial transformation, according to Danshiitsoodol.
Danshiitsoodol指出，发酵后提取物中的绿原酸浓度下降了六倍，说明发生了微生物转化。
“This microbial transformation was likely due to specific enzymes in the bacteria strain used,” Danshiitsoodol said.
“这种微生物转化很可能由所用菌株中的特定酶引起。”Danshiitsoodol说。
“Our data demonstrate that CAME exhibits stronger toxicity to cells and pro-apoptotic effects — which encourage cell death — on PANC-1 cells compared to chlorogenic acid alone.”
“我们的数据显示，与单独使用绿原酸相比，CAME对PANC-1细胞具有更强的毒性和促凋亡作用，即促进细胞死亡。”
Paving the Way for Future Animal Studies
为未来动物实验铺路
Next, the researchers said they plan to study the effects in a mouse model to better understand the effectiveness of various dosages across a whole-body system.
接下来，研究人员计划在小鼠模型中进一步研究其作用，以更好地理解不同剂量在全身系统中的有效性。
“The present study has substantially enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of action of the Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T strain in the fermentation of herbal extracts, while also offering a valuable research perspective on the potential application of probiotics as natural anti-tumor agents,” Danshiitsoodol said.
“本研究大大加深了我们对植物乳杆菌SN13T菌株在发酵草本提取物中的作用机制的理解，同时也为益生菌作为天然抗肿瘤剂的潜在应用提供了宝贵的研究视角。”Danshiitsoodol表示。
精选词汇
【metabolism】/məˈtæb.əl.ɪ.zəm/ n.
The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. 新陈代谢
例句：A balanced diet and regular exercise can boost your metabolism.
均衡饮食和规律运动可以促进新陈代谢。
【calcitriol】/ˌkæl.sɪˈtraɪ.ɒl/ n.
The active form of vitamin D in the body. 活性维生素D
例句：Calcitriol plays a crucial role in calcium absorption.
钙三醇在钙的吸收中起着至关重要的作用。
【chromosome】/ˈkrəʊ.mə.səʊm/ n.
A thread-like structure carrying genetic information in the form of genes. 染色体
例句：Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in each cell.
人类每个细胞中有23对染色体。
【viability】/ˌvaɪ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ n.
Ability to work successfully or to live and grow. 生存能力；可行性
例句：The viability of the cancer cells dropped significantly after treatment.
治疗后癌细胞的存活率显著下降。
【downstream】/ˌdaʊnˈstriːm/ adj.
Occurring later in a process or sequence. 下游的；后续的
例句：Downstream genes were affected by the genetic mutation.
下游基因受到了该基因突变的影响。
【selectively】/sɪˈlek.tɪv.li/ adv.
In a way that involves choosing only particular people or things. 有选择地
例句：The drug targets cancer cells selectively, sparing healthy tissue.
该药物有选择性地攻击癌细胞，保留健康组织。
【cytotoxicity】/ˌsaɪ.təʊ.tɒkˈsɪs.ə.ti/ n.
The quality of being toxic to cells. 细胞毒性
例句：Researchers measured the cytotoxicity of the compound on human tissues.
研究人员测量了该化合物对人体组织的细胞毒性。
【bioavailability】/ˌbaɪ.əʊ.əˌveɪ.ləˈbɪl.ə.ti/ n.
The degree to which a drug or other substance becomes available to the target tissue. 生物利用度
例句：The new formulation increases the drug’s bioavailability significantly.
新配方显著提高了该药物的生物利用度。
【probiotic】/ˌprəʊ.baɪˈɒt.ɪk/ n./adj.
A substance or microorganism that supports beneficial bacteria in the body. 益生菌；益生的
例句：Probiotic supplements can help restore gut flora after antibiotic use.
使用抗生素后，益生菌补充剂有助于恢复肠道菌群。
【metastasis】/məˈtæs.tə.sɪs/ n.
The spread of cancer cells from one part of the body to another. 转移
例句：Early detection is key to preventing metastasis of tumors.
早期发现是防止肿瘤转移的关键。
【biotransformation】/ˌbaɪəʊ.træns.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/ n.
The chemical modification made by an organism on a chemical compound. 生物转化
例句：Biotransformation can convert harmless substances into active compounds.
生物转化可以将无害物质转化为活性化合物。
【mechanism】/ˈmekənɪzəm/ n.
The process or system by which something happens. 机制
例句：Understanding the mechanism of action is key to developing new therapies.
了解作用机制是开发新疗法的关键。
【pharmacological】/ˌfɑː.mə.kəˈlɒ.dʒɪ.kəl/ adj.
Relating to the study of drugs and their effects. 药理学的
例句：The pharmacological effects of the compound were tested in vitro.
该化合物的药理作用在体外进行了测试。
【apoptosis】/ˌæp.əpˈtəʊ.sɪs/ n.
The natural process of programmed cell death. 凋亡
例句：Apoptosis is essential for eliminating damaged or unwanted cells.
凋亡对于清除受损或不需要的细胞至关重要。
【metabolite】/məˈtæb.ə.laɪt/ n.
A substance formed in or necessary for metabolism. 代谢物
例句：Certain metabolites serve as biomarkers for disease.
某些代谢物可作为疾病的生物标志物。
【extract】/ˈek.strækt/ n.
A substance obtained by removing part of a material. 提取物
例句：Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants.
绿茶提取物富含抗氧化剂。
【methyl ester】/ˈmiːθəl ˈes.tə/ n.
An organic compound formed by esterification of methanol. 甲酯
例句：Methyl esters are widely used in pharmaceuticals and biofuels.
甲酯广泛应用于制药和生物燃料中。
【toxicology】/ˌtɒk.sɪˈkɒl.ə.dʒi/ n.
The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. 毒理学
例句：Toxicology tests are crucial for assessing drug safety.
毒理学测试对评估药物安全性至关重要。
【compound】/ˈkɒm.paʊnd/ n.
A substance made from two or more elements chemically bonded together. 化合物
例句：This compound has shown potential in treating multiple cancers.
这种化合物在治疗多种癌症方面显示出潜力。
【efficacy】/ˈef.ɪ.kə.si/ n.
The ability to produce a desired or intended result. 功效
例句：The efficacy of the vaccine was confirmed through clinical trials.
疫苗的效果通过临床试验得到了验证。
【pathway】/ˈpɑːθ.weɪ/ n.
A series of actions or processes in a biological system. 生物通路
例句：The drug interrupts a key signaling pathway in cancer cells.
该药物干扰了癌细胞中的关键信号通路。
【fermentation】/ˌfɜː.menˈteɪ.ʃən/ n.
The chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms. 发酵
例句：Fermentation enhances the nutritional value of many foods.
发酵提高了许多食物的营养价值。
【transformation】/ˌtræns.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən/ n.
A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. 转化；变化
例句：The microbial transformation led to a potent anti-cancer compound.
微生物转化产生了一种强效的抗癌化合物。
【enzyme】/ˈen.zaɪm/ n.
A protein that acts as a biological catalyst. 酶
例句：Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions in the body.
酶加速体内的生化反应。
【resistance】/rɪˈzɪs.təns/ n.
The ability not to be affected by something, especially a disease or drug. 抵抗力；抗药性
例句：Cancer cells often develop resistance to chemotherapy.
癌细胞常常对化疗产生抗药性。
【cytotoxic】/ˌsaɪ.təʊˈtɒk.sɪk/ adj.
Toxic to living cells. 细胞毒性的
例句：The cytotoxic effects were evaluated in both cancerous and normal cells.
研究了该物质对癌细胞和正常细胞的毒性作用。
【apoptotic】/ˌæp.əpˈtɒ.tɪk/ adj.
Relating to or causing apoptosis. 促凋亡的
例句：The drug triggered apoptotic pathways in tumor cells.
该药物激活了肿瘤细胞的凋亡通路。
【bioactive】/ˌbaɪ.əʊˈæk.tɪv/ adj.
Having a biological effect on living tissue. 生物活性的
例句：Researchers are studying the bioactive components in herbal medicine.
研究人员正在研究草药中的生物活性成分。
【isolate】/ˈaɪ.sə.leɪt/ v.
To separate something from others. 分离；提取
例句：Scientists isolated a unique strain of bacteria for further study.
科学家分离出一种独特的细菌菌株以供进一步研究。
【therapeutic】/ˌθer.əˈpjuː.tɪk/ adj.
Having healing or curative properties. 治疗的
例句：The plant extract shows promising therapeutic effects on cancer.
该植物提取物在治疗癌症方面显示出良好前景。
【formulation】/ˌfɔː.mjəˈleɪ.ʃən/ n.
A specific mixture or preparation of ingredients. 配方；制剂
例句：The new formulation increases drug stability and patient compliance.
新配方提高了药物稳定性和患者依从性。
休息一下~~
