Stevia (genus)
Stevia
Stevia is a plant native to South America, particularly Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Traditionally, it has not been used for medicinal purposes in any known cultures. Scientific evidence suggests that stevia extract may have anti-inflammatory properties, as it partially alleviated spleen inflammatory injury in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, fermented stevia leaf extract showed significant inhibition of tumor growth in a PANC-1 xenograft model. Raman spectroscopy can effectively distinguish between naturally occurring and processed forms of Rebaudioside M, which is one of the sweet compounds found in stevia. In human studies, Sweelin®, a form of stevia consumed at comparable doses to regular stevia and dextrose, did not significantly affect blood glucose or insulin levels in healthy adults. No major safety issues have been recorded for stevia, nor are there any known significant drug interactions reported.
- 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