Phytochemical and Pharmacological Importance of Stevia: A Calorie-Free Natural Sweetener

Singh, Dharmendra; Kumari, Meenakshi; Prakash, H. G.; Rao, G. P.; Solomon, S.

doi:10.1007/s12355-019-00704-1

Cited by 43 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…Besides these agronomic benefits, stevia has an exceptional phytocomplex composition that can be exploited in several applications, from the pharmaceutical to cosmetic and nutraceutical industry. Metabolic disorders such as type-II diabetes and obesity, associated with an excessive sugar consumption, are becoming more prevalent and stevia is the perfect sugar substitute in foods and drinks, given that its leaves contain non-calorie high-intensive sweetener compounds, namely steviol glycosides (SVglys) [9][10][11]. Its leaves also contain a complex mixture of triterpenoids, sterols, essential oils, phenols, and flavonoids, with functional and health-promoting properties [12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) as a Multifunctional and Sustainable Crop for the Mediterranean Climate

2021

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Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is a promising medicinal and aromatic plant for Mediterranean agroecosystems given its positive agronomic attributes and interesting quality features. It has both food and pharmaceutical applications, since its leaves contain sweet-tasting steviol glycosides (SVglys) and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamins. We evaluated the agronomic and qualitative performances of nine stevia genotypes cultivated, in open field conditions, for two consecutive years under the Mediterranean climate of central Italy. Growth, biomass production, and accumulation of bioactive compounds (SVglys, polyphenols, and their related antioxidant activities) were evaluated, considering the effect of harvest time and crop age (first and second year of cultivation). The results showed high variability among genotypes in terms of both morpho-productive and phytochemical characteristics. In general, greater leaf dry yields, polyphenol accumulation, and antioxidant activities were found in the second year of cultivation, harvesting the plants in full vegetative growth. On the other hand, total SVglys leaf content reached the highest values in the first year when plants were at the beginning of the reproductive phase. On the other hand, although the SVglys profile (Rubusoside, Dulcoside A, Stevioside, Rebaudioside A, C, D, E, and M) remained stable over harvest times, it differed significantly depending on the crop age and genotype. Our findings provide useful information on the influence of crop age and harvest time in defining quanti-qualitative traits in stevia, with PL, SL, BR5, and SW30 being the best performing genotypes and thus suitable for breeding programs. Our study highlighted that stevia, in the tested environment, represents a promising semi-perennial crop which offers new solutions in terms of cropping system diversification and marketing opportunities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) as a Multifunctional and Sustainable Crop for the Mediterranean Climate

2021

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“…These report the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential of stevia, as well as the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of stevioside and its anticancer effect, reduction in systolic blood pressure or improved lipid profile, glycemic control, or possible positive physiological effects on the liver [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. However, it can be seen that a common feature of these studies is that they are performed on people who already have various health problems and are primarily based on the study of the effect of stevioside on physiological parameters [ 12 ]. In comparison, fewer data refer to the influence of long-term stevioside use on healthy people and the large intestine microbiota [ 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Vitro Modulatory Effect of Stevioside, as a Partial Sugar Replacer in Sweeteners, on Human Child Microbiota

2021

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The effect of stevioside on human health is still insufficiently highlighted by recent research. The total or partial replacement of sugar with sweeteners influences the general state of health, especially the human microbiota’s response as a determining factor in the onset of type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to present the long-term (one-year) in vitro effect that regular stevioside consumption had on children’s pattern microbiota. A metabolomic response was established by determining the synthesis of organic acids and a correlation with antioxidant status. An increase in the number of bacterial strains and the variation of amount of butyrate and propionate to the detriment of lactic acid was observed. The effect was evidenced by the progressive pH increasing, the reduction of acetic acid, and the proliferation of Escherichia coli strains during the simulations. Synthesis of the main short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was interpreted as a response (adaptation) of the microbiota to the stevioside, without a corresponding increase in antioxidant status. This study demonstrated the modulatory role of stevioside on the human microbiota and on the fermentation processes that determine the essential SCFA synthesis in maintaining homeostasis. The protection of the microbiota against oxidative stress was also an essential aspect of reducing microbial diversity.

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“…Its leaves contain steviol glycosides (including stevioside, rebaudioside (A to F), steviolbioside, and isosteviol, among which stevioside, rebaudioside A, and rebaudioside C are the major metabolites [ 2 ]), polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoids [ 3 ]. Such extractives have been suggested to exert beneficial effects on human health [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], and several studies have covered their antimicrobial activity [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Nonetheless, a literature survey revealed that their antifungal/fungistatic activity has been little studied [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Antifungal Activity against Fusarium culmorum of Stevioside, Silybum marianum Seed Extracts, and Their Conjugate Complexes

et al. 2020

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Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease that poses a major challenge in cereal production that has important food and feed safety implications due to trichothecene contamination. In this study, the effect of stevioside—a glycoside found in the leaves of candyleaf (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)—was evaluated in vitro against Fusarium culmorum (W.G. Smith) Sacc., alone and in combination (in a 1:1 molar ratio) with polyphenols obtained from milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn). Different concentrations, ranging from 32 to 512 µg·mL−1, were assayed, finding EC50 and EC90 inhibitory concentrations of 156 and 221 µg·mL−1, respectively, for the treatment based only on stevioside, and EC50 and EC90 values of 123 and 160 µg·mL−1, respectively, for the treatment based on the stevioside–polyphenol conjugate complexes. Colony formation inhibition results were consistent, reaching full inhibition at 256 µg·mL−1. Given that synergistic behavior was observed for this latter formulation (SF = 1.43, according to Wadley’s method), it was further assessed for grain protection at storage, mostly directed against mycotoxin contamination caused by the aforementioned phytopathogen, confirming that it could inhibit fungal growth and avoid trichothecene contamination. Moreover, seed tests showed that the treatment did not affect the percentage of germination, and it resulted in a lower incidence of root rot caused by the pathogen in Kamut and winter wheat seedlings. Hence, the application of these stevioside–S. marianum seed extract conjugate complexes may be put forward as a promising and environmentally friendly treatment for the protection of cereal crops and stored grain against FHB.

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Phytochemical and Pharmacological Importance of Stevia: A Calorie-Free Natural Sweetener

Cited by 43 publications

References 49 publications

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) as a Multifunctional and Sustainable Crop for the Mediterranean Climate

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) as a Multifunctional and Sustainable Crop for the Mediterranean Climate

In Vitro Modulatory Effect of Stevioside, as a Partial Sugar Replacer in Sweeteners, on Human Child Microbiota

Antifungal Activity against Fusarium culmorum of Stevioside, Silybum marianum Seed Extracts, and Their Conjugate Complexes

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