A Review of Metabolic Effects of Stevia in Diabetes Mellitus

Stevia rebaudiana (SR) is used in the food industry as a sweetener. In that steviol glycoside is present and that content, which is a help in decreasing the calorie. Further, both in clinical and pre-clinical studies indicate that stevioside glycosides and the extracts are gives the beneficial effect on diabetic condition as well as reduced the cholesterol level. In this article reviews the antihyperglycemic effects of the majority of glycosides and aqueous/alcoholic/methanolic extracts from the leaves, flowers, and roots of the SR. These compounds can serve as a natural and alternative treatment for diabetes and it is associated with metabolic syndrome, thus benefaction to health promotion. Stevia is available in market, but detailed studies involving their metabolic effects are lacking. Stevia may have important metabolic effects as well as pharmacological interaction with anti-diabetic agents. However, no detailed studies are available assessing the effects on chemical mediators like cytokines.