Certified Organic Stevia Leaf Extract
Also known as: Stevia, Sweet Leaf, Sugar Leaf, *Stevia rebaudiana* Bertoni
Overview
Stevia is an aromatic plant native to South America, revered for its remarkable sweetening power derived from its glycosides, primarily stevioside and rebaudioside. This plant is not only used as a natural sweetener but has also garnered attention for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly concerning diabetes, cardiovascular health, and conditions related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Rich in antioxidant properties, stevia extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds with diverse functions, including antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. Recent research, primarily from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, highlights the advancing understanding of stevia's health effects, although more rigorous human clinical studies are essential to fully validate these benefits. Overall, stevia's unique profile positions it as a beneficial adjunct in dietary practices aimed at improving health outcomes.
Benefits
Stevia has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, including: 1. **Antioxidant Activity**: Significant restoration of oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, TAC) in diseased models, showing improvement between 65% to 85%, particularly notable in organic extracts. 2. **Antihyperglycemic Effect**: A meta-analysis indicates that doses of 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg result in notable reductions in blood glucose levels in experimental animals. 3. **Anti-inflammatory and Anticancer Properties**: While anecdotal, bioactive compounds in stevia exhibit promise in reducing inflammation and potentially limiting cancer cell growth. Specific populations, particularly diabetic rats, experience heightened benefits in managing blood glucose levels, reinforcing stevia's relevance in diabetes care. Studies suggest that beneficial effects can manifest over several weeks to months, indicating a longer-term therapeutic potential.
How it works
Stevia's mechanisms of action primarily involve its antioxidant properties, which are linked to the ability to restore oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). Its antihyperglycemic effects may stem from regulation of key metabolic pathways including NF-κB and Nrf2, influencing glucose metabolism. Stevia engages with the body's antioxidant defenses, and while specific molecular targets remain largely unidentified, they likely include various enzymes and transcription factors that modulate oxidative stress and inflammation.
Side effects
Overall, stevia is regarded as generally safe, with the European Union classifying it as GRAS. Most adverse effects are minimal, with common experiences showing that it is well-tolerated in both preclinical and limited clinical evaluations. No significant uncommon or rare side effects have been documented. However, caution is advised due to potential interactions with diabetes and blood pressure medications, as stevia may impact these conditions significantly. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are recommended to consult healthcare providers regarding the use of stevia due to insufficient safety data in these populations. As for interactions, there is limited evidence, but a minimal risk of hypoglycemia exists when combined with blood sugar-lowering drugs.
Dosage
Preclinical studies suggest a minimum effective dose of around 200 mg/kg of stevia leaf extract for displaying significant antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects. Optimal dosing appears to fall between 200 to 400 mg/kg, while human clinical trials are essential to ascertain safe and effective dosage ranges for human consumption. Regulatory bodies have not defined a maximum safe dose for humans, but established limits exist for stevia glycosides in food additives. Continuous daily intake is likely required to retain therapeutic benefits. Methods of extraction and formulation significantly influence the bioactivity of the supplements, with organic extracts generally exhibiting superior activity compared to their aqueous or hydroalcoholic counterparts.
FAQs
Is stevia safe for long-term use?
Stevia is generally regarded as safe, but more long-term human studies are necessary to comprehensively assess its safety profile.
How often should I take stevia?
Consistent daily intake is recommended, though specific timing hasn't been well studied.
What results can I expect from using stevia?
Expect antioxidant and antihyperglycemic benefits, though the effects' magnitude and duration require further clinical validation.
Is stevia just a sweetener?
Stevia serves as a natural sweetener, but it also possesses potential therapeutic benefits, pending confirmation through clinical trials.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/15/3325 – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated antioxidant activities of stevia extracts across various studies, demonstrating substantial improvements in oxidative stress markers, particularly with organic extracts, highlighting the need for more extensive human trials.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fsn3.2904 – This meta-analysis assessed the antihyperglycemic effects of stevia leaf extracts in experimental models, confirming significant blood glucose reductions at specific doses, emphasizing the relevance of stevia for managing diabetes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37571265/ – An experimental study focusing on stevia's potential in preventing experimental cirrhosis indicated that stevia tea regulated critical metabolic pathways, revealing its multiple health benefits although limited to animal models.
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