New cancer-fighting gum reduces HPV levels by up to 93%

The development was based on chewing gum made from hyacinth beans (lablab), containing the natural antiviral protein FRIL. Then scientists enhanced its effect by adding the antimicrobial peptide protegrin, which destroys pathogenic bacteria.

In addition to HPV, one piece of gum almost completely eliminated two bacteria – Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Both are associated with the development of head and neck tumors. At the same time, the beneficial microflora of the oral cavity was practically not affected, which distinguishes the new method favorably from some existing treatment methods.

The study authors believe that such chewing gum could become an affordable addition to existing therapy or be used to prevent HPV infection and transmission. However, while we are talking about preclinical results, the effectiveness and safety of the development have yet to be confirmed in clinical trials on humans.