Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rebaudioside A, a key component of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana), is a non-caloric sweetener widely used as a sugar substitute. There is some scientific interest in its potential effects on blood pressure, particularly because traditional stevia extracts have long been used in South American folk medicine for various ailments, including hypertension. Modern research, however, has primarily focused on the broader category of steviol glycosides (including stevioside and rebaudioside A), rather than Rebaudioside A alone.

Available clinical studies and meta-analyses on stevia extracts containing mainly stevioside have shown modest reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure among hypertensive subjects. However, the evidence specific to Rebaudioside A is limited and less consistent. A few studies suggest that Rebaudioside A may contribute to blood pressure reduction, but the effect size is small and not always statistically significant. The mechanism is thought to involve vasodilation and mild diuretic effects, but these findings are not robustly replicated in all trials. Major regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and EFSA, approve Rebaudioside A as a safe sweetener, but do not endorse it for the treatment of hypertension.

In summary, while there is emerging scientific evidence that Rebaudioside A and related steviol glycosides may have modest blood pressure-lowering effects, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend its use as a treatment for hypertension. The scientific support currently rates at 2 out of 5 due to limited, low-quality, and sometimes conflicting data.

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