Japanese scientists have discovered bacteria in the intestines of frogs that can destroy cancer cells.

Axar.az reports the study was conducted by scientists from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), and the results were published in the journal Gut Microbes.

During the study, scientists studied the microbiota of wild amphibians and reptiles. They isolated 45 bacterial strains from the intestines of Japanese tree frogs (Hyla japonica), Japanese newts, and agile lizards. In laboratory tests, 9 of these strains showed a strong effect against cancer.

The highest effect was recorded in the bacterium "Ewingella americana", which was found in the intestines of frogs. In experiments on mice, a single intravenous injection of this bacterium caused the complete disappearance of colorectal cancer tumors in all animals. This result was more effective than standard treatment methods, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Scientists have found that the bacteria act in two ways. On the one hand, they accumulate in the oxygen-poor environment of the tumor and directly destroy cancer cells. On the other hand, they activate the immune system, strengthening its defense against the tumor.

The researchers plan to test this method in other types of cancer in the future and develop safer methods for use in humans.