Stevia (genus)
Stevia
Stevia is a plant traditionally used in South America for its sweet taste but lacks specific traditional medicinal uses. Scientific evidence suggests potential anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, with studies showing that stevia extract may help alleviate inflammatory injury in mice by inhibiting certain signaling pathways. Fermented stevia leaf extract has also demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth in a xenograft model. In human trials, Sweelin®, a form of stevia, did not significantly affect blood glucose or insulin levels when consumed at sweetness-matching doses with dextrose. Raman spectroscopy can differentiate between naturally occurring and processed forms of Rebaudioside M, the primary sweet compound found in stevia. No major safety issues have been recorded for stevia use, nor are there any known drug interactions.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Stevia extract partially alleviated LPS-induced spleen inflammatory injury in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
- Fermented stevia leaf extract significantly inhibited tumor growth in a PANC-1 xenograft model.
- Sweelin®, consumed in amounts matching stevia and dextrose for sweetness, did not significantly affect blood glucose or insulin levels compared to dextrose in healthy adults.
- Raman spectroscopy can distinguish between naturally occurring, fermentation-derived, and enzyme-assisted bioconverted Rebaudioside M sources.
- The study evaluated behavioral and morphological responses of C. elegans to various natural sweeteners compared to sugar, but specific outcomes are not detailed here.
Frequently asked questions
What is Stevia (genus)?
Stevia (genus) (Stevia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Stevia (genus)?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Stevia (genus); the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Stevia extract partially alleviated LPS-induced spleen inflammatory injury in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
How strong is the evidence for Stevia (genus)?
The strongest finding for Stevia (genus) carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Stevia (genus) safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Stevia (genus) in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Stevia (genus) interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Stevia (genus) in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Stevia (genus)?
Stevia (genus) is also known as: Стевия.
Is Stevia (genus) a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Anti-Tumor Activity of Stevia Leaf Extract Fermented by the Plant-Derived Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SN13T in a Pancreatic Tumor Xenograft Model. literature abstract metadata
- T2 sweelin®, a novel sweet protein, does not affect blood glucose and insulin levels - a double-blind, crossover, randomized study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Stevia extract alleviated spleen inflammatory injury in LPS-stressed mice by inhibiting the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Behavioral and Morphological Effects of Natural Sweeteners on Caenorhabditis elegans. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Raman Spectroscopic Authentication of Rebaudioside M: Discriminating Natural, Fermentation-Derived, and Enzymatically Bioconverted Stevia Sweeteners. literature abstract metadata