Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia rebaudiana, Compositae or Asteraceae, Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance, with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, which remains constant at 200oC, making it particularly valuable. Phytosterols, gibberellin, chlorophyll, sigmasteroli, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, vitamins A, B and C, metals (iron, zinc, calcium), sodium, potassium, protein.
Stevia rebaudiana, Compositae or Asteraceae, Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance, with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, which remains constant at 200oC, making it particularly valuable. Phytosterols, gibberellin, chlorophyll, sigmasteroli, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, vitamins A, B and C, metals (iron, zinc, calcium), sodium, potassium, protein.Stevia rebaudiana, Compositae or Asteraceae, Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance, with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, which remains constant at 200oC, making it particularly valuable. Phytosterols, gibberellin, chlorophyll, sigmasteroli, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, vitamins A, B and C, metals (iron, zinc, calcium), sodium, potassium, protein.Stevia rebaudiana, Compositae or Asteraceae, Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance, with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, which remains constant at 200oC, making it particularly valuable. Phytosterols, gibberellin, chlorophyll, sigmasteroli, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, vitamins A, B and C, metals (iron, zinc, calcium), sodium, potassium, protein.Stevia rebaudiana, Compositae or Asteraceae, Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance, with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, which remains constant at 200oC, making it particularly valuable. Phytosterols, gibberellin, chlorophyll, sigmasteroli, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, vitamins A, B and C, metals (iron, zinc, calcium), sodium, potassium, protein.Stevia rebaudiana, Compositae or Asteraceae, Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance, with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, which remains constant at 200oC, making it particularly valuable. Phytosterols, gibberellin, chlorophyll, sigmasteroli, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, vitamins A, B and C, metals (iron, zinc, calcium), sodium, potassium, protein.Stevia rebaudiana, Compositae or Asteraceae, Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance, with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, which remains constant at 200oC, making it particularly valuable. Phytosterols, gibberellin, chlorophyll, sigmasteroli, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, vitamins A, B and C, metals (iron, zinc, calcium), sodium, potassium, protein.
Botanical Nomenclature Stevia rebaudiana
Common Name Candyleaf , Sugarlea, Sweet Leaf, Sweetleaf
Taxonomy- Family Compositae or Asteraceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial plant to warm climates (temperate zones) and annual to cold zones (southern and northern hemisphere), growing from 60cm (wild species) to 180cm (native species). The varying in size leaves are green or light green and grow in pairs diagonally opposite each other. The smooth, white, hermaphrodite flowers grow in inflorescences of 2-6 flowers. The seeds are very small, black or ash-colored. The flowering lasts from September to October, after which the harvesting begins.
Region Found Epirus (cultivated, not wild species)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves
Active Substances Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance, with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, which remains constant at 200oC, making it particularly valuable. Phytosterols, gibberellin, chlorophyll, sigmasteroli, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, vitamins A, B and C, metals (iron, zinc, calcium), sodium, potassium, protein.
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The leaves have hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antiseptic, healing, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant's extract contributes to the defenses of the body against diseases and viral infections. Also, it has anti-aging action to the skin, as well it is used against ulcers, gingivitis, dental plaque and caries. It is included in the components of a balanced diet and it is recommended against obesity, diabetes, hypoglycemia and the prevention of adverse effects associated with sugars' over-consumption. In China the herbal tea has orexigenic and digestive properties and it is used in order to lose weight, to maintain the youth and reduce smoking and alcohol urges.
Method of Administration The plant is administered in the form of infusion (a spoon of dried leaves in boiling water for 5min, three times a day). The plant is also commercially available in the form of powders which contain natural sweeteners and they are used in cooking as sugar substitute
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects No side effects are reported. Although, the plant should be administered in recommended maximum daily dose, which should not exceed 10 mg/kg of body weight.
References 1)http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/stevia-plant.html 2) http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail160.php#Prep 3)http://www.drugs.com/npp/stevia.html 4) http://www.medicinalplants-pharmacognosy.com/herbs-medicinal-plants/stevia-benefits/ 5)http://www.herb.gr/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/912/s/stevia/