Botanical name: Stevia rebaudiana
© Steven Foster
Parts used and where grown
The stevia plant originally came from the rain forests of Brazil and Paraguay. It is now
grown in those areas, as well as in Japan, Korea, Thailand, and China. It is most widely used
as a non-sugar sweetener in food and drink, particularly because it does not appear to have
any calories or affect on blood sugar like most natural sweeteners (like sugar or honey). The
leaf is used in herbal preparations.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
The native peoples in South America used stevia primarily as a sweetener, a practice
adopted by European colonists. The indigenous tribes also used stevia to treat diabetes.1 During World War II, stevia was
grown in England as a sugar substitute. The greatest use of stevia as a sweetener today can be
found in Japan.
Active constituents
Various glycosides, particularly stevoside, give stevia its sweetness. Stevoside is between
100 and 200 times sweeter than sugar. Early reports suggested that stevia might reduce blood
sugar (and therefore potentially help with
diabetes),2 although this has not been confirmed in all
reports.3
How much is usually taken?
Less than 1 gram per day can be used effectively as a sweetener. Usually, the powdered herb
is added directly to tea or to food.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Extensive reviews of human and animal data indicate stevia to be safe.4 Stevia
accounts for nearly 40% of the sweetener market in Japan and is commonly used in various parts
of South America.5
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with stevia.
References:1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients
Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996,
478–80.
2. Curi R, Alvarez M, Bazotte RB, et al. Effect of Stevia
rebaudiana on glucose tolerance in normal adult humans. Braz J Med Biol Res
1986;19:771–4.
3. White JR Jr, Kramer J, Campbell RK, Bernstein R. Oral use of a topical
preparation containing an extract of Stevia rebaudiana and the chrysanthemum flower
in the management of hyperglycemia. Diabetes Care 1994;17:940.
4. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients
Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996,
478–80.
5. Blumenthal M. FDA rejects AHPA stevia petition. Whole Foods
1994:Apr;61–4.