Stevioside (unspecified)
Synopsis of Stevioside (unspecified)
History
Stevioside, a natural sweetening compound extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, has a rich history of medicinal use, especially among indigenous peoples of South America. For centuries, the Guaraní people of Paraguay and Brazil utilized stevia leaves, known as "ka'a he'ê," not only as a sweetener for beverages like yerba mate but also in various traditional remedies. Stevioside-containing preparations were commonly used to support digestive health, relieve heartburn, and manage symptoms of diabetes due to their ability to provide sweetness without raising blood sugar levels.
In traditional folk medicine, stevia leaves were made into infusions or decoctions, sometimes combined with other medicinal herbs, to create synergistic herbal blends. Stevioside's pleasant taste made it an ideal addition to otherwise bitter herbal remedies, enhancing palatability and encouraging consistent use. Herbalists often combined stevia with digestive herbs such as mint, chamomile, or ginger to address gastrointestinal discomfort or as part of calming teas intended to support overall well-being.
Modern research continues to validate many of these historical uses, highlighting stevioside's potential antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties. Its inclusion in herbal combinations remains popular, particularly in formulations aimed at supporting metabolic health or reducing sugar intake. Stevioside’s natural origin and long-standing use in traditional medicine underscore its positive contributions to herbal health practices, offering both functional benefits and improved taste to a wide range of nutritional and medicinal products.
Traditional and scientific validation
Stevioside is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, long used by indigenous peoples in South America for its sweetening properties. Its use as a sugar substitute has gained significant attention worldwide due to its intense sweetness—estimated to be 200 to 300 times sweeter than sucrose—while contributing negligible calories. Stevioside's historical application in traditional herbal remedies and as a sweetener laid the foundation for scientific interest and modern nutritional product development.
Numerous scientific studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of stevioside. Research published in peer-reviewed journals has indicated that stevioside does not raise blood glucose levels, making it a promising alternative for individuals with diabetes or those seeking to manage blood sugar. Additionally, some studies suggest potential benefits in lowering blood pressure and exerting anti-inflammatory effects, though evidence in these areas is mixed and further research is warranted.
Regulatory agencies such as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recognized the safety of high-purity stevia extracts, including stevioside, when used as a food additive. Despite this, scientific consensus acknowledges that more long-term clinical trials are needed to fully validate all purported health effects and to understand its impact on human metabolism and gut health.
Overall, stevioside’s natural origin, safety profile, and potential for supporting healthier dietary choices make it a valuable ingredient in modern nutritional products, especially as consumers seek alternatives to traditional sugars.
Stevioside (unspecified) is used for these health conditions
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Stevioside (unspecified) is used to support these body systems
Blood (Scientific)
