Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a perennial shrub native to Paraguay and Brazil, known for its sweet-tasting leaves that are used as a natural sweetener. Its primary medicinal use is to help manage blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Taxonomy
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, belonging to the genus Stevia within the order Asterales, class Magnoliopsida, division Magnoliophyta, and kingdom Plantae.
The following table shows the full taxonomy of this plant.
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Stevia |
| Species | Stevia rebaudiana |
Morphology
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a perennial shrub characterized by its upright, branching stems, opposite ovate to lanceolate leaves with serrated edges, and small, greenish-white flowers arranged in clusters.
Distribution
Stevia rebaudiana is native to Paraguay and Brazil, specifically growing in the subtropical regions of the Amazon basin and the Atlantic coastal forests.
Traditional Uses
Stevia has been traditionally used for centuries in South America, particularly by the Guarani people, as a natural sweetener and for its purported medicinal properties, including reducing thirst and treating ailments such as inflammation and digestive issues.
Medicinal Systems
Stevia rebaudiana has been traditionally used in South American indigenous medicine, particularly by the Guarani and other tribes, for its sweet-tasting leaves and medicinal properties.
Phytochemistry
Stevia rebaudiana contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including steviol glycosides, which are responsible for its intense sweet taste, as well as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other phytochemicals that contribute to its potential medicinal properties.
Pharmacology
Stevia rebaudiana exhibits pharmacological properties characterized by its intense sweetness, hypoglycemic effects, and potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, making it a valuable component in herbal medicine for managing blood sugar levels and supporting metabolic health.
Botanical Identification
Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial shrub native to Paraguay and Brazil. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly known as sweet leaf or honey plant. The plant has lance-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers, and its scientific name is often cited with synonyms like Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.
Active Compounds
Stevia rebaudiana contains key bioactive compounds such as glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds work together to provide its sweet taste and potential health benefits. Flavonoids and phenolic acids may enhance the effects of glycosides, contributing to its overall pharmacological profile.
- Glycoside
- Flavonoid
- Phenolic acid
Therapeutic Indications
| System | Condidtion | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Hypertension, high cholesterol | Antihypertensive, antilipidemic |
| Endocrine | Hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar | Antidiabetic, antihyperglycemic |
| Metabolic | Obesity, weight gain | Antidiabetic, appetite suppressant |
Preparation Methods
Powder: Used for sweetening food and beverages as a natural alternative to sugar.
Extract: Used for managing blood sugar levels and as a sweetener in health products.
Infusion: Used for managing hypertension and as a mild diuretic.
Safety Profile
Stevia is generally considered safe for most people when used in moderate amounts. However, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to insufficient research on its effects during these periods.
References
- Salehi, López, Martínez-López, Victoriano, Sharifi-Rad, Martorell, F Rodrigues, Martins. "Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni bioactive effects: From in vivo to clinical trials towards future therapeutic approaches." Phytotherapy research : PTR
- Borgo, Laurella, Martini, Catalán, Sülsen. "Stevia Genus: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities Update." Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- Yadav, Guleria. "Steviol glycosides from Stevia: biosynthesis pathway review and their application in foods and medicine." Critical reviews in food science and nutrition
- D'Agostino, De Simone, Pizza, Aquino. "[Sterols in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni]." Bollettino della Societa italiana di biologia sperimentale
- Adari, Alavala, George, Meshram, Tiwari, Sarma. "Synthesis of rebaudioside-A by enzymatic transglycosylation of stevioside present in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni." Food chemistry