Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths annually. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have severe side effects on patients.

Therefore, researchers are exploring alternative methods in fighting cancer. One of these methods is the use of nisin in certain foods.

What is Nisin?

Nisin is a natural, antimicrobial peptide produced by the bacteria Lactococcus lactis. It is commonly found in dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Nisin has been used in the food industry as a preservative for over 50 years.

The Anti-Cancer Properties of Nisin

Studies have shown that nisin has anti-cancer properties. Nisin has been tested on various types of cancer such as bladder, colon, and breast cancer.

How Nisin Fights Cancer

One way that nisin fights cancer is by inducing apoptosis. Apoptosis is also known as programmed cell death, which is a natural process by which the body gets rid of damaged or unwanted cells.

Nisin triggers apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to their destruction.

Another way that nisin fights cancer is by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. It does this by disrupting the cell membrane of cancer cells, making it difficult for them to function properly.

Nisin also reduces the amount of nutrients available to cancer cells, making it challenging for them to grow and multiply.

Nisin’s Effect on Chemotherapy

Studies have shown that nisin can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

However, chemotherapy drugs can have severe side effects that can be challenging for patients to tolerate. Nisin can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs while reducing their side effects.

Nisin and Antibiotic Resistance

Nisin is also effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health concern as it makes it difficult to treat bacterial infections.

Nisin has been shown to be effective against MRSA, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Nisin-Rich Foods

Nisin is present in several foods, especially dairy products like cheese and yogurt. However, the amount of nisin in these foods is not sufficient to have the same anti-cancer effects as nisin supplements.

Researchers are exploring ways to increase the amount of nisin in foods to enhance their anti-cancer properties.

Nisin Supplements

Nisin supplements are available in the form of capsules. These supplements contain purified nisin, which is more potent than the nisin found in foods. Nisin supplements are safe for human consumption and do not have any significant side effects.

Conclusion

Nisin has significant anti-cancer properties and can be used as an alternative method to traditional cancer treatments. Nisin has several advantages over chemotherapy, including fewer side effects.

While nisin is present in certain foods, the amount is not sufficient to have the same anti-cancer effects as nisin supplements. Researchers are continuing to explore the potential of nisin in fighting cancer and other diseases.