Image for Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)
Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright © 2012 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Summary

  • Extracts of leaves from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (SrB) have been used for many years in traditional treatment of diabetes in South America. Paraguay's rural and indigenous populations have used Stevia rebaudiana for the control of fertility. Stevia rebaudiana standardized extracts (SSEs) are used as natural sweeteners or dietary supplements in different countries for their content of stevioside or rebaudioside A. Stevia and its extracts are not generally recognized as safe (GRAS) nor approved as food additives by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). However, rebaudioside A (reb-A) is a steviol glycoside that is extracted from stevia and obtained FDA GRAS status as of December 2008.

Uses

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade*

 GRADING SYSTEM LINK

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

B

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

C

Safety

  • Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae) including plants like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and many other herbs. Use cautiously with hypotension (high blood pressure), hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Use cautiously if taking hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) drugs, hypoglycemic (blood sugar altering) drugs or insulin. Avoid with impaired kidney function or other kidney diseases. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects

  • Abdominal fullness, antihypertensive effects, asthenia, decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, dizziness, lowered blood glucose levels, muscle weakness, myalgia (muscle pain), and nausea.

Possible interactions

  • Anti-cancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral agents, birth control medications (contraceptives), calcium channel blockers, diuretics, hypocalcemic (for calcium deficiency) agents, hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic agents (blood sugaring altering), hypotensive (blood pressure altering) agents, monoketocholate (MKC), vasodilatory agents, verapamil, and herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)

  • Hyperglycemia: 1 gram of stevioside with meals has been taken by mouth.
  • Hypertension: 250-500 milligrams has been taken by mouth three times daily.

Children (younger than 18 years)

  • Not enough scientific data available.
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.