Biological activity of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and their relationship to health

ABSTRACT

The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni has nutrients and phytochemicals, which make it an adequate source for the extraction and production of functional food ingredients. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest therapeutic and pharmacological applications for stevia and their extracts because they are not toxic and exhibit several biological activities. This review presents the biological activity of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and their relationship to antidiabetic, anticariogenic, antioxidant, hypotensive, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Consumption and adverse effects were also reviewed.

KEYWORDS:

• Stevia rebaudiana
• extracts
• steviol glycosides
• bioactivity

Funding

This publication forms part of the projects “Evaluación del efecto hipoglucemiante de las hojas de Stevia rebaudiana” funded by Programa de Mejoramiento al Profesorado-PROMEP-SEP and “Funcionalidad biológica de extractos de hojas de Stevia rebaudiana y su incorporación a productos de panificación con uso potencial para diabéticos” funded by Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México.