Stevia Rebaudiana Research Articles

Immunomodulatory effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaves and commercial stevia on rats: a comparative study

Stevia is herbal native to South-America that is renowned for its natural sweet leaves containing stevia glycosides. Our study aimed at examining and comparing the immunomodulatory effects of the Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and of commercially-available stevia products in rats. Our experiment involved the preparation of Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and the use of market-available stevia obtained from the local-market. Stevia rebaudiana leaf extraction was meticulously performed, and 60 healthy adult male rats were randomly separated into three groups: untreated control, commercial stevia treatment (25 mg/kg), and Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract treatment (25 mg/kg). The rats were orally administered the treatments for 60 days, after which blood samples were collected for analysis. Our results revealed a significant rise in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels in rats treated with the Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and the commercially-available stevia when compared to the control group. Additionally, immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels exhibited a notable increase in both stevia-treated groups, with the Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract-receiving group showing higher IgA levels than the commercially-available stevia-treated one. Our findings suggest that stevia may influence the immune response, particularly the regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and the IgA levels. This study contributes valuable insights into stevia’s effects on the immune system.

Hepatotoxic effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and commercial stevia on rats: a comparative study

The popularity of stevia is high, especially among diabetics and those looking to reduce their calorie-intake. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a commercially-available stevia and of a Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract on the liver function and histology of rats. After preparing the Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract, 60 healthy adult male rats were randomly separated into three groups: untreated control, commercial stevia treatment (25 mg/kg), and Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract treatment (25 mg/kg). Our results show that after 60 days of treatment (oral administration), a significant elevation of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was observed in the commercial stevia-treated group, suggesting potential effects on liver function. The Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract-treated group also exhibited increased ALT levels. Moreover, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were found significantly increased in both of these treatment groups (when compared to the control group). Alkaline phosphatase levels were not found altered between groups. Histological-examinations, in spite of the elevated ALT and AST levels, exhibited no abnor¬malities in the liver. Although stevia is generally regarded as safe, this study underlines the importance of considering the type and form of stevia when evaluating its effects on liver health. Further study is warranted so as to elucidate the specific components and mechanisms responsible for the observed variations in liver enzymes, and to confirm the overall safety of stevia products.

Exploring the impact of stevioside and stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni (SRB) extract on the TyG index in male rats

Exploring the impact of stevioside and stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni (SRB) extract on the TyG index in male rats

Indonesian Perspective: Identification of Stevia Plant (Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni M.) as Medicine Prospects

Stevia plant has the potential for development as a source of natural sweeteners, a plant from South America and indigenous of Paraguay, has shown several advantages including the level of sweetness that reaches 100-200 the sweetness of sugar cane and low calorie also constituting a source of many substances with a nutritional effect on the human beings. Folk medicine of Indonesian indigenous tribes recommends it particularly as a substance strengthening the heart, the circulatory system and regulating blood pressure. It exhibits antibacterial, antifungal and anticaries properties. This stevia study aimed to educate people about the efficacy and safety of the stevia plant as a sweetener to replace sugar and medicines by diabetic patients as a part of Indonesia perspective the aims also to enrich information about the stevia plant which has the potential for development as a source of natural sweeteners, and as a medicine for diabetes with a bright prospects in the future.

Comprehensive Analysis of Antioxidant and Phenolic Profiles of Thai Medicinal Plants for Functional Food and Pharmaceutical Development.

Medicinal plants, are resources of traditional medicines, have played a significant role in human culture throughout history. The connect of traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific findings, display the potential of these plants for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. This study aimed to investigates the antioxidant activity and phenolic compositions of seven medicinal plants (Kaempferia parviflora, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, and Stevia rebaudiana) from Kalasin Province, Thailand. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to evaluate the the antioxidant activities. The qualitative method was used for the phytochemical screening. Additionally, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis reveals their phenolic compositions. Results revealed that phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids were found in all medicinal plants studied, with flavonoids and phenols most predominant. Notably, P. emblica and T. bellirica show significant antioxidant properties and high levels of phenolics and flavonoids. P. emblica had the highest phenolic acid concentrations, with ρ-coumaric (79.43µg/g), chlorogenic (45.22µg/g), and ferulic acid (29.58µg/g) being dominant. The research emphasizes the value of these plants in developing functional foods and pharmaceuticals, underlining the importance of conserving biodiversity and traditional knowledge for future health product innovation.

Influence of the Nitrogen Fertilization on the Yield, Biometric Characteristics and Chemical Composition of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Grown in Poland.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a plant native to South America that has gathered much interest in recent decades thanks to diterpene glycosides, called steviosides, which it produces. These compounds are characterised by their sweetness, which is 250-300 times higher than saccharose, and they contain almost no caloric value. Stevia is currently also grown outside the South American continent, in various countries characterised by warm weather. This research aimed to determine whether it is viable to grow Stevia rebaudiana plants in Poland, a country characterised by a cooler climate than the native regions for stevia plants. Additionally, the impact of adding various dosages and forms of nitrogen fertiliser was analysed. It was determined that Stevia rebaudiana grown in Poland is characterised by a rather low concentration of steviosides, although proper nitrogen fertilisation can improve various characteristics of the grown plants. The addition of 100 kg or 150 kg of nitrogen per hectare of the field in the form of urea or ammonium nitrate increased the yield of the stevia plants. The stevioside content can be increased by applying fertilisation using 100 kg or 150 kg of nitrogen per hectare in the form of ammonium sulfate. The total yield of the stevia plants grown in Poland was lower than the yield typically recorded in warmer countries, and the low concentration of steviosides in the plant suggests that more research about growing Stevia rebaudiana in Poland would be needed to develop profitable methods of stevia cultivation.

The effect of the Stevia rebaudiana Morita II on the warts caused by fowl pox in Meleagris gallopavo as model study

O Objective: to evaluate the effect of leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Morita II on swelling caused by fowl pox in backyard turkeys of the Meleagris gallopavo species. Design/methodology/approach: Different percentages of ground stevia leaves (5.5, 15, 20 and 25%) combined with ground corn were evaluated and the reduction of avian pox in turkeys was evaluated. Results: The diet with 5% stevia leaves with corn was the most accepted combination by the turkeys; it also leads to immunomodulation to eliminate avian pox in a period of 30 days. Limitations on study/implications: One of the main limitations is the production of stevia matter, however, due to the required amount, it has the possibility of being applied in the feeding of these animals, this study has applications in animal health and food safety in turkeys. Findings/conclusions: The use of stevia in combination with corn could represent a natural alternative for the treatment of fowl pox and be profitable enough to prevent the death of turkeys.

Identification of geographic, climatic, and soil factors dominating Stevia rebaudiana yield and quality

Raising crop yields and quality through plant ecological research has become an important approach to sustainably improving crop products. Stevia rebaudiana is widely introduced and cultivated around the world because of the continuous increase in demand for steviol glycosides. When selecting regions or plots suitable for high-yield and high-quality cultivation, it is necessary to understand the main ecological factors that contribute to the formation of S. rebaudiana yield and quality. In this study, sampling plots from different geographic and climatic regions in Xinjiang and Jiangsu were selected for S. rebaudiana cultivation. The geographic, climatic and soil ecological factors were analyzed based on a PLSR (partial least squares regression) model to discover the potentially influential factors in the yield and quality formation of the crop. The results suggest that not all geographic and climatic ecological factors contributed to yield formation; however, these factors, such as latitude, altitude and annual sunshine duration, had high or moderate influences on the concentration of each steviol glycoside and total steviol glycoside. Soil organic matter (OM), total potassium (TK), available potassium (AK), zinc (Zn), and catalase (CAT) had high or moderate effects on the concentrations of each steviol glycoside and total steviol glycoside. However, the other soil factors showed variability in the extent to which they drove the steviol glycosides. The study contributes to a more profound understanding of the ecological driving mechanisms of S. rebaudiana yield and quality formation. The yield or steviol glycoside concentrations of sweetleaf may be improved by modifying certain key ecological factors.

Ent-kaurane glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana and their α-glucosidase inhibition

Phytochemical investigation of the water soluble fraction of the plant Stevia rebaudiana led to isolation of 10 ent-kaurane glycosides, including two new derivatives namely stevibiosides A and B (1 and 2). Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of their 1D, 2D NMR, and HRQTOF mass spectra as well as quantum chemical calculations. Conformation studies and DFT-calculated chemical shifts combined with simple (R2, MAE) and DP4+ statistical analyses allow for the complete characterization of compounds 1 and 2. Among isolates, stevibioside A (1) exhibited potent α-glycosidase inhibitory effects with IC50 value of 8.9 ± 0.45 μM. Inhibitory kinetics analysis indicated that 1 had effect with an uncompetitive inhibition type and the Ki value of 2.18 ± 0.81 μM. In addition, docking studies were then used to analysis of the binding modes of the compounds 1 and 2 over the crystallographic structure of yeast α-glucosidase (pdb 3A4A) active site in comparison with acarbose as a standard inhibitor of this enzyme.

Identifying Potential Sources of Phthalate Contamination in the Leaves of Stevia Rebaudiana (Bertoni) and the Development of Removal Technology.

Steviosides extracted from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana are increasingly used in the food industry as natural low-calorie sweeteners. Phthalates in food are often assumed to arise from food containers or packaging materials. Here, experiments were carried out to identify the potential sources of DMP, DBP, DIBP, and DEHP in the leaves of stevioside through investigation of their content in native stevioside tissues, soils, and associated agronomic materials. The results show that phthalate contamination was present in all the samples tested, and the influence of regional factors at the provincial level on the content of plasticizers in stevia leaves was not significant. Phthalates in stevia leaves can be absorbed into the plant body through leaves and roots. Using resin removal, the phthalate content in stevioside glycosides was reduced to less than 0.05 ppm, and some indicators were far lower than the limit standard in EU food.

Exploring Stevia: A Natural Sweetener with Multifaceted Health Benefits

Natural sweeteners, especially those derived from plants, have become popular as low-calorie options compared to traditional sweeteners. Such discussion explores the world of natural sweeteners, emphasizing the growing demand for alternatives to artificial ones like saccharin and cyclamates. These sweeteners, sourced from plants, fruits, and honey, provide a healthier choice with fewer calories. Stevia, extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, is a notable natural sweetener due to its zero-calorie content and strong sweetness. The review explores the background of Stevia, its glycoside compounds, and how it attains its sweetness. The pharmacological aspects of Stevia are also explored, highlighting its potential benefits in managing Type 2 diabetes, reducing blood pressure, alleviating inflammation, acting as an antioxidant, and showing anticancer properties. Studies suggested that Stevia’s active ingredients, are primarily Stevioside and Rebaudioside A, contribute to its sweetness. The chemical composition of these active ingredients is influenced by factors like geographical location, cultivars, and processing methods. Stevia offers advantages such as low caloric content, suitability for diabetics, and benefits for dental health, making it an appealing sugar substitute for those focused on weight management and a health-conscious lifestyle. However, it is important to note potential drawbacks, including a bitter aftertaste, individual sensitivities, and regulatory considerations. Some commercial Stevia products may contain additives that impact their nutritional profile. Despite these factors, high-purity Stevia extracts have received safety approvals from global food safety authorities. In summary, Stevia emerges as a natural sweetener with the potential to address health-related concerns linked to traditional sugar consumption.

POTENTIAL RESTORATION OF FATTY LIVER ENZYMES WITH STEVIA REBAUDIANA

Background: Obesity is a prevalent issue affecting a growing number of individuals globally. It is a systemic disorder with complications and co-morbidities. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disastrous outcome of metabolic syndrome induced by obesity. Objective of this study was to find the effect of Stevia leaves in restoration of liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, and Bilirubin) in obese Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: This animal experimental study was carried out in the Physiology Department, in collaboration with the Pathology Department of Islamabad Medical and Dental College, and National Institute of Health, Islamabad on 90 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats over a period of 14 weeks. The animals were divided randomly into three groups of 30 rats each. Group 1 was given normal diet while Groups 2 and Group 3 were given high fat diet. Stevia leaves were further added for six weeks in the diet of Group 3. Results: High fat diet induced NAFLD in rats was ameliorated significantly on treatment with stevia. On comparison of liver function tests in obese control with stevia treated group, the values of ALT and AST were significantly decreased (p<0.05). However, ALP and bilirubin were not decreased significantly. Conclusion: Stevia rebaudiana exerts hepatoprotective effect in restoring liver damage due to high fat diet induced NAFLD in Sprague Dawley rats. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(1):22-5

A Brief Account of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Asteraceae) is a shrub like plant.it is also known as candy leaf plant because its leaves contain sweeteners like glycoside – stevioside, steviolbioside, rebaudiosides A, B, C, D, and E and also Dulcoside which is 100-300 more time sweetner than sucrose. Stevia rebaudiana is a versatile herb. Its leaves powder and extract are extremely intensive natural health promoting sweetener. Its high phenolic and flavonoid content are used as a good source of antioxidant. There are many minerals like sodium, potassium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, iron, nickel etc. present in the leaves of stevia. It is beneficial in the regulation of blood pressure, regulation of glucose, control the obesity and multiple health benefits to humans including hypotensive, antidiabetic, anticariogenic, antioxodative, antimicrobial, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory.

Genome-wide analysis of the C2H2-ZFP gene family in Stevia rebaudiana reveals involvement in abiotic stress response

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a natural sweetener plant that accumulates highly sweet steviol glycosides (SGs) especially in leaves. Stevia is native to humid areas and does not have a high tolerance to drought which is the most serious abiotic stress restricting its production worldwide. C2H2 zinc finger proteins (C2H2-ZFPs) are a group of well-known transcription factors that involves in various developmental, physiological and biochemical activities as well as in response to abiotic stresses. Here we analyzed C2H2-ZFP gene family in stevia and identified a total of 185 putative SrC2H2-ZF proteins from the genome sequence of S. rebaudiana. We further characterized the identified C2H2-ZF domains and their organization, additional domains and motifs and analyzed their physicochemical properties, localization and gene expression patterns. The cis-element analysis suggested multiple roles of SrC2H2-ZFPs in response to light, phytohormone, and abiotic stresses. In silico analysis revealed that the stevia C2H2-ZFP genes are interactively expressed in different tissues and developmental stages and some C2H2-ZFP genes are involved in response to drought stress. This study provides a background for future exploration of the functional, and regulatory aspects of the C2H2-ZFP gene family in S. rebaudiana.

Selective biosynthesis and evaluation of rebaudioside M8 with improved organoleptic property and significant inhibition on inflammatory factor TNF-α

Steviol glycoside (SG), derived from Stevia rebaudiana leaves, is the third-largest global source of sweetener. However, its lingering bitterness and metallic aftertaste limit its applications. Enzymatic glycosylation of natural SGs is a promising approach for resolving this flavor-related issue. Herein, a novel mono β-1,6-glycosylated rebaudioside D (Reb D) derivative Reb M8 was selectively produced from Reb D using glycosyltransferase UGT94E13 from Gardenia jasminoides. Next, the sweetness and bioactivity of inhibitory effects of this derivative on the inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), involved in various diseases, were primarily studied. Electronic tongue analysis indicated that the construction of a β-1,6-glucoside bond at the C-13 position of Reb D improved sweetness. Furthermore, Reb M8 exhibited inhibitory effects on TNF-α, implying its potential application in the treatment of various diseases. Overall, this study presents a selective method for producing a new SG Reb M8 with improved sweetness and the ability to inhibit TNF-α, which makes it a promising candidate for several applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The Effect of the Amount of Stevia Leaf Powder (Stevia rebaudiana) and Drying Time on the Quality of Snake Fruit Padang Sidempuan Dried Candied

The Effect of the Amount of Stevia Leaf Powder (Stevia rebaudiana) and Drying Time on the Quality of Snake Fruit Padang Sidempuan Dried Candied

Glucose ingestion before and after resistance training sessions does not augment ribosome biogenesis in healthy moderately trained young adults

PurposeResistance training-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy seems to depend on ribosome biogenesis and content. High glucose treatment may augment ribosome biogenesis through potentiating resistance training-induced adaptations. This was investigated with total RNA and ribosomal RNA abundances as main outcomes, with relevant transcriptional/translational regulators (c-Myc/UBF/rpS6) as a secondary outcome.MethodsSixteen healthy, moderately trained individuals [male/female, n = 9/7; age, 24.1 (3.3)] participated in a within-participant crossover trial with unilateral resistance training (leg press and knee extension, 3 sets of 10 repetitions maximum) and pre- and post-exercise ingestion of either glucose (3 × 30 g, 90 g total) or placebo supplements (Stevia rebaudiana, 3 × 0.3 g, 0.9 g total), together with protein (2 × 25 g, 50 g total), on alternating days for 12 days. Six morning resistance exercise sessions were conducted per condition, and the sessions were performed in an otherwise fasted state. Micro-biopsies were sampled from m. vastus lateralis before and after the intervention.ResultsGlucose ingestion did not have beneficial effects on resistance training-induced increases of ribosomal content (mean difference 7.6% [− 7.2, 24.9], p = 0.34; ribosomal RNA, 47S/18S/28S/5.8S/5S, range 7.6–37.9%, p = 0.40–0.98) or levels of relevant transcriptional or translational regulators (c-MYK/UBF/rpS6, p = 0.094–0.292). Of note, both baseline and trained state data of total RNA showed a linear relationship with UBF; a ∼14% increase in total RNA corresponded to 1 SD unit increase in UBF (p = 0.003).ConclusionGlucose ingestion before and after resistance training sessions did not augment ribosomal RNA accumulation during twelve days of heavy-load resistance training in moderately trained young adults.

Determination of higenamine in common natural spices by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Higenamine (HG) is a β2 receptor agonist and was explicitly added to the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2017. This compound is prohibited in both in- and out-of-competition athletes and falls under the category of nonthreshold substances. Because of HG presence in numerous plants, as evidenced by a growing body of research data, an exception was made for HG in the TD2017MRPL document, in which adverse analytical findings (AAFs) were not reported if the urinary HG concentration was less than 10ng/mL. In this study, a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the HG content in five batches of samples from each of the 48 natural spices selected for this investigation was conducted using UPLC-MS/MS technology. Method validation was carried out in accordance with the ICH Analytical Procedures and Methods Validation for Drugs and Biologics Guidance, and the experimental results demonstrated that the method provided appropriate sensitivity, precision, stability, linearity, and accuracy. HG was detected for the first time in Houttuynia cordata, Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum cassia, Stevia rebaudiana, Piper nigrum, Siraitia grosuenorii, Platycodon grandiflorus, and Myristica fragrans. Furthermore, the content of HG was found to vary significantly among the different plant parts of Nelumbo nucifera, such as rhizomes, leaves, seeds, and plumules. This paper provides systematic and comprehensive data to support the safe use of spices in athletes' diets, thereby reducing the risk of food-sourced doping violations.

Bioinspired Stevia rebaudiana Green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for the Adsorptive Removal of Antibiotics from Water.

Green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using Stevia rebaudiana as a reducing agent were investigated as ecofriendly adsorbents for the removal of the antibiotics ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline (TET) from water. Green ZnO NPs were synthesized using a rapid novel approach that did not require annealing or calcination at high temperatures to produce mesoporous NPs with a size range of 37.36-71.33 nm, a specific surface area of 15.28 m2/g, and a negative surface charge of -15 mV at pH 5. The green ZnO NPs exhibited an antioxidant activity of 85.57% at 250 μg/mL and an antibacterial activity with MIC and MBC of 50 and 100 mg/mL, respectively, against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The best adsorption performance was achieved using a 4 g/L dose and pH 5, yielding, respectively, 86.77 ± 0.82% removal and 27.07 ± 0.26 mg/g adsorption capacity for CIP at 10 mg/L and 67.86 ± 3.41% and 15.88 ± 0.37 mg/g for TET at 25 mg/L. The green ZnO NPs achieved 79.71% ± 0.28 and 61.55% ± 0.53 removal of 10 mg/L CIP and 25 mg/L TET, respectively, in a spiked tap water binary system of the two contaminants. Adsorption of CIP and TET occurred mainly via electrostatic interactions, whereby CIP was bound more strongly than TET by virtue of its charge and size. The synthesis and adsorption processes were evaluated by a stepwise regression statistical model to optimize their parameters. Lastly, the green ZnO NPs were regenerated and reused for 5 cycles, indicating their functionality as simple, reusable, and low-cost adsorbents for the removal of CIP and TET from wastewater, in accordance with SDGs #6 and 12 for the sustainable management of water.

The Response of giving Gamal, Calliandra, and Lamtoro leaves compost fertilizer to Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) growth

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a herbaceous plant, a sweet plant that can replace cane sugar. This plant is a shortday crop that can be harvested within 40-60 DAP. Compost is an organic fertilizer that is made by utilizing the weathering process from the interaction of microorganisms and decomposing bacteria. One of the litters can be utilized include gamal, calliandra and lamtoro. The purpose was to determine the effect of the three composts on the growth and productivity of the stevia. The analysis method used a completely randomized design (CRD) with one factor and four treatments. The results showed that compost had a significant effect on all observed variables including height, diameter, number of leaves, fresh weight and plant biomass. The highest growth and productivity of stevia plants were produced by stevia plants in treatment P3 (lamtoro compost), which influenced all observed aspects, including height and diameter (21.7 and 2 cm), number of leaves (152 leaves), total wet and dry weight (16.54 and 3.58). The lowest yields were produced in treatment P0 (control), which only increases the height and diameter by 5.81 and 1 cm, with only 60 leaves and 6.25 and 1.28 grams for dry and wet weights, respectively.