Stevia as a Natural Sweetener: A Review

Author(s):  
Balakrishnan Arumugam ◽  
Arunambiga Subramaniam ◽  
Praveena Alagaraj

: Stevia rebaudiana of the Asteraceae family is a perennial shrub. It is a sweetener herb also known as sweet weed, sweet leaf, sweet herbs and honey leaf, native to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The leaves of stevia are sweeter than sucrose with zero calories. Steviol, a diterpenoid glycoside derivative identified from this plant, is sweeter than sucrose and is safe when used as a sweetening agent. Diabetic and obese people with hyperglycemia who are in a condition to follow a strict diet can use stevioside as an alternative sweetener. In addition to its hypoglycemic property, the plant also exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-fertility and cardiotonic properties. It has also been documented to show good effects on treating skin diseases such as dermatitis, acne, eczema etc. The leaves of stevia with enriched phytoconstituents could be an alternative natural sweetener for children, adults and old age persons who have a craze to drink beverages and eat sweetened food products in their habitual life.

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (37) ◽  
pp. 4946-4967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna K. Kiss ◽  
Jakub P. Piwowarski

The popularity of food products and medicinal plant materials containing hydrolysable tannins (HT) is nowadays rapidly increasing. Among various health effects attributable to the products of plant origin rich in gallotannins and/or ellagitannins the most often underlined is the beneficial influence on diseases possessing inflammatory background. Results of clinical, interventional and animal in vivo studies clearly indicate the antiinflammatory potential of HT-containing products, as well as pure ellagitannins and gallotannins. In recent years a great emphasis has been put on the consideration of metabolism and bioavailability of natural products during examination of their biological effects. Conducted in vivo and in vitro studies of polyphenols metabolism put a new light on this issue and indicate the gut microbiota to play a crucial role in the health effects following their oral administration. The aim of the review is to summarize the knowledge about HT-containing products’ phytochemistry and their anti-inflammatory effects together with discussion of the data about observed biological activities with regards to the current concepts on the HTs’ bioavailability and metabolism. Orally administered HT-containing products due to the limited bioavailability of ellagitannins and gallotannins can influence immune response at the level of gastrointestinal tract as well as express modulating effects on the gut microbiota composition. However, due to the chemical changes being a result of their transit through gastrointestinal tract, comprising of hydrolysis and gut microbiota metabolism, the activity of produced metabolites has to be taken into consideration. Studies regarding biological effects of the HTs’ metabolites, in particular urolithins, indicate their strong and structure-dependent anti-inflammatory activities, being observed at the concentrations, which fit the range of their established bioavailability. The impact of HTs on inflammatory processes has been well established on various in vivo and in vitro models, while influence of microbiota metabolites on silencing the immune response gives a new perspective on understanding anti-inflammatory effects attributed to HT containing products, especially their postulated effectiveness in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and cardiovascular diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-110
Author(s):  
Rilianda Abelira

Osteoartritis (OA) merupakan salah satu penyakit penyakit degeneratif atau geriatri yang disebabkan adanya inflamasi yang melibatkan kartilago, lapisan sendi, ligamen, dan tulang yang akibatnya dapat menyebabkan nyeri dan kekakuan pada sendi. Epidemiologi OA di didunia sekitar 15% dengan usia diatas 65-75 dan diperkirakan pada tahun 2020 penderita osteoarthritis akan meningkat 11,6 juta penderita. Kejadian OA di Indonesia dari tahun 1990 hingga 2010 telah mengalami peningkatan sebanyak 44,2% dan berdasarkan usia di Indonesia cukup tinggi dengan 65% pada usia tua (lansia) atau lebih dari 61 tahun. Pengobatan secara farmakologis untuk OA dengan menggunakan Obat Anti Inflamasi Non-Steroid (OAINS) salah satu contohnya adalah meloksikam. Namun, efek samping penggunaan OAINS dapat menimbulkan beberapa masalah seperti timbulnya ulkus peptikum dan gangguan pencernaan. Hal ini menyebabkan sedang dikembangkannya pengobatan herbal untuk OA yang harapannya dapat menjadi pengobatan utama dalam mengatasi OA dengan menggunakan kurkumin. Kurkumin berperan sebagai antiinflamasi dalam kunyit putih dengan menurunkan aktivitas cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2), lipoxygenase dan menghambat produksi sitokin seperti TNF-α, interleukin (IL). Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative or geriatric disease that is caused by inflammation involving cartilages, joint lining, ligaments, and bones which can cause pain and stiffness in the joints. Epidemiology of OA in the world around 15% with ages above 65-75 and it is estimated in 2020, osteoarthritis will increase by 11.6 million. The incidence of OA in Indonesia from 1990 to 2010 has increased by 44.2% and by age in Indonesia is quite high with 65% in old age (elderly) or more than 61 years. Treatment for OA is using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as meloxicam. However, side effects of NSAID use can cause several problems such as the emergence of peptic ulcer and digestive disorders. This has led to the development of herbal treatments for OA which hopes to become the main treatment in overcoming OA by using curcumin. Curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory in white turmeric by reducing the activity of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase and inhibiting the production of cytokines such as TNF-α, interleukin (IL).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Mladenovic ◽  
◽  
Nebojsa Markovic ◽  
Ljiljana Boskovic-Rakocevic ◽  
Milena Đuric ◽  
...  

Sempervivum tectorum has a similar effect as aloe vera, which is known in the treatment of various skin diseases. This herb is considered one of the safest remedies for a wide range of skin diseases. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it also serves as an excellent first aid for burns, stings and bites, because it provides quick relief and calming. Freshly squeezed juice from the leaves of the houseplant is used in the treatment of nervous disorders, epilepsy and restless dreams. The leaves are edible and can be used as an addition to salads or stews. They are not particularly tasty, but as they are rich in water, they can be put in a juicer together with other fruits or vegetables and become a refreshing drink. It is used in folk herbal medicine and as a medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the moisture content, total extracted substances, extract density, vitamin C, organic acids and proteins in house extracts.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (3 (253)) ◽  
pp. 229-234
Author(s):  
Ts.I. Adamyan ◽  
S.M. Minasyan ◽  
E.S. Gevorkyan ◽  
L.E. Ghukasyan ◽  
K.V. Baghdasaryan

Rich in natural antioxidants, Stevia rebaudiana has immunoregulatory, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antihistaminic properties, increases the body's nonspecific defense, bioenergetic level, and improves tissue respiration. We have studied the long-term effect of S. rebaudiana on morphofunctional parameters of peripheral blood.


Author(s):  
Savita Budhwar ◽  
Manali Chakraborty

Agro-wastes are one of the major sources for nutritional and therapeutic purposes along with other beneficial properties according to some ongoing studies. Yet they are not being utilized properly; instead, these wastes are being discarded in open air, causing pollution. Conservation of such natural resources is a healthy approach, and it's economic and eco-friendly. too. Novel formulated food products from these agro-wastes can be utilized as an unconventional source of nutrients and a therapeutic weapon for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. along with normal human consumption. Utilization of such agro-wastes as food products will also be useful to combat malnourished state leading to rural development and maintenance of food security in cheap prices for a healthy seeks. It also shows a possible role as antibiotics, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, adsorbents, enzyme extracting sources, insulators, and food additives along with its contribution in solid state fermentation, beneficial in dairy industries.


2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-472
Author(s):  
M Abdus Salam ◽  
Kabir Ahmed ◽  
AJM Morshed ◽  
MK Hossain ◽  
S Yesmin Chowdhury ◽  
...  

Present study was carried out to measure the natural and artificial radionuclides of two different extract of Stevia Rebandiana Bertoni and a standard sugar solution. Factor affecting low-background Germanium Spectroscopy with HPGE Detectors, which is sensitive to all Gamma energies have been used for the measurement of natural and artifical radionuclides in stevia extracts and sugar solution. By analyzing two different types of Stevia extract samples and standard sugar solution sample, no significant presence of natural radionuclides were observed compared with background count. We also didn't find any artificial radionuclides in these three samples. So based on above observation we conclude that the leaves of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni extract is very safe to use as substitute of sugar as sweetener in foods and beverages for diabetics and obese people due to their potent sweetener stevioside and free of artifical radionuclides. Key Words: Natural radionuclides; Artificial radionuclides; Stevia extract; Sweetener; Food additives DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i4.4600 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(4), 467-472, 2009


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1801300
Author(s):  
You Chul Chung ◽  
Sung-Min Park ◽  
Jin Hwa Kim ◽  
Geun Soo Lee ◽  
Jung No Lee ◽  
...  

The Trifolium pratense L. (red clover), which blossoms, leaves and stems can be used as medicines for treatment of burns, skin diseases, diabetes and other diseases. Recently study shown that pratol (7-hydroxy-4-methoxyflavone), an O-methylated flavone in T. pratense has been evaluated to induce melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of pratol has not been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of pratol on anti-inflammation. We also studied the mechanism of action of pratol in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The cells were treated with various concentration of pratol (25, 50, or 100 μM) and 25 μM ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) was used as control. The results in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells showed that pratol significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production without any cytotoxic. In addition, pratol strongly decreased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooygenase (COX-2). Furthermore, pratol reduced proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. We also found that pratol strongly inhibited activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) by reducing the p65 phosphorylation and protecting inhibitory factor kappa B alpha (IκBα) degradation. The results suggest that, pratol may be used to treat or prevent inflammatory diseases such as dermatitis, arthritis, cardiovascular and cancer.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Abu-Darwish ◽  
C. Cabral ◽  
I. V. Ferreira ◽  
M. J. Gonçalves ◽  
C. Cavaleiro ◽  
...  

Salvia officinalisL. (Lamiaceae) is a Mediterranean species, naturalized in many countries. In Jordan, it is used in traditional medicine as antiseptic, antiscabies, antisyphilitic, and anti-inflammatory, being frequently used against skin diseases. This study aimed the assessment of the antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of its essential oils, and their cytotoxicity on macrophages and keratinocytes. The oils were investigated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the antifungal activity was evaluated against yeasts, dermatophyte andAspergillusstrains. Assessment of cell viability was made by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and thein vitroanti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide production using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophages. The main compounds ofS. officinalisoils were 1,8-cineole (39.5–50.3%) and camphor (8.8–25.0%). The oils revealed antifungal activity against dermatophyte strains and significantly inhibited NO production stimulated by LPS in macrophages, without affecting cell viability, in concentrations up to 0.64 μL/mL. This is the first report addressing thein vitroanti-inflammatory potential ofS. officinalisoil. These findings demonstrated that bioactive concentrations ofS. officinalisoils do not affect mammalian macrophages and keratinocytes viability making them suitable to be incorporated in skin care formulations for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes.


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