Abstract
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert., Asteraceae) has drawn the attention of health conscious fitness lovers all over the planet as a non-caloric sweetener. It was regarded by almost the whole world replacing saccharin. The major sweet compounds that are isolated from the stevia leaves are several glycoside compounds including stevioside, steviolbioside, rebaudiosides and dulcoside. Studies found that kaempferol can reduce risk of pancreatic cancer by 23%. Taking stevioside as a supplement can reduce blood pressure. Stevia has been studied in diabetic patients with impressive results. Stevia has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, diuretic and immunomodulatory effects. Being a non-carbohydrate sweetener, stevia would not favor the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth which is attributed to be a causative agent of dental caries and tooth cavities. An extract can be obtained as a tincture of alcohol or glycerin. The concentrated stevia extract tincture can also be dried and purified to produce a fine white powder containing the full spectrum of steviosides. The paper presents a comprehensive review on present status, plant profile, composition, structure of major active compounds, their mode of action and research studies on medicinal benefits and therapeutic implications of S. rebaudiana across the globe.
Key words: Stevia, sweetener, stevioside, diabetes, health benefits, therapeutics
Details
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| Publication Date | June 18, 2016 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2016 Volume: 2 Issue: 2 |