Biological activity of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and their relationship to health

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017 Aug 13;57(12):2680-2690. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1072083.

Abstract

The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni has nutrients and phytochemicals, which make it an adequate source for the extraction and production of functional food ingredients. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest therapeutic and pharmacological applications for stevia and their extracts because they are not toxic and exhibit several biological activities. This review presents the biological activity of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and their relationship to antidiabetic, anticariogenic, antioxidant, hypotensive, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Consumption and adverse effects were also reviewed.

Keywords: Stevia rebaudiana; bioactivity; extracts; steviol glycosides.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Diterpenes, Kaurane
  • Humans
  • Phytochemicals
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Stevia / chemistry*
  • Sweetening Agents

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Diterpenes, Kaurane
  • Phytochemicals
  • Plant Extracts
  • Sweetening Agents