Anti-cancer properties found in the most shocking place

In the gut bacteria of a Japanese tree frog, researchers have found new hope for treating cancer, in which one bacterial strain killed tumors in mice without any severe side effects.

Scientists at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology researched amphibians and reptiles out of an observation that these creatures rarely suffer from cancer.

They screened 45 bacterial strains from frogs, newts, and lizards to test the ability of the microbes to stop the development of cancer.

Nine different strains demonstrated high anti-tumor activity; however, one strain stood out from the rest.

A bacterium discovered in the Japanese tree frog, Ewingella americana, completely eradicated tumors in treated mice after just one dose.

Whereas other strains had temporary activity, E. americana did not allow the tumors to return after 30 days, even when cancerous cells were reintroduced.

The mice did not develop any tumours in the following month.

Further study revealed that the bacterium attacks the tumors directly and, at the same time, strengthens the immune system, thus activating T cells, B cells, and neutrophils.

Researchers believe its effectiveness may be because it is able to survive in low-oxygen environments, just like tumors, where many immune cells and chemotherapy drugs cannot work effectively.