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Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and Its Effects in Human Disease: Emphasizing Its Role in Inflammation, Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Syndrome

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial shrub with zero calorie content that has been increasing in popularity for its potential use as an adjuvant in the treatment of obesity. The level of evidence supporting general benefits to human health is insufficient. We conducted a review of the literature summarizing the current knowledge and role in human disease.

Recent Findings

Despite stevia’s minimal systemic absorption, studies have been promising regarding its potential benefits against inflammation, carcinogenesis, atherosclerosis glucose control, and hypertension. On the other hand, the growing popularity of artificial sweeteners does not correlate with improved trends in obesity. An increased intake of artificial non-caloric sweeteners may not be associated with decreased intake of traditional sugar-sweetened beverages and foods. The effects of Stevia on weight change have been linked to bacteria in the intestinal microbiome, mainly by affecting Clostridium and Bacteroides sp. populations. A growing body of evidence indicates that Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is protective against malignant conversion by inhibition of DNA replication in human cancer cell growth in vitro.

Summary

Consumption of Stevia has demonstrated to be generally safe in most reports. Further clinical studies are warranted to determine if regular consumption brings sustained benefits for human health.

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Acknowledgements

Daloha Rodríguez-Molina.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Rutgers University, 150 Bergen St, Newark, NJ, 07101, USA

    Edward Rojas, Yasaman Motlaghzadeh & Justin Mathew

  2. Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela

    Edward Rojas & Valmore Bermúdez

  3. Investigation Group High Studies of Frontier, Simón Bolívar University, Barranquilla, Colombia

    Valmore Bermúdez, Julio Contreras & Linda Pamela Mantilla

  4. Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain

    Enzamaria Fidilio

  5. Department of Medicine, St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

    Judith Faria

  6. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Joselyn Rojas

  7. Biology Department, Lone Star College, Tomball, TX, USA

    Mayela Cabrera de Bravo

  8. Nutrition School of Andres Bello University, Concepcion, Chile

    Lissé Angarita

  9. Investigation Group for Innovations and Entrepreneurship, Simon Bolivar University, Barranquilla, Colombia

    Paola Amar Sepúlveda

  10. Faculty of Health Sciences, Research, Innovation and Development Department, Simón Bolívar University, Barranquilla, Colombia

    Isaac Kuzmar

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Edward Rojas, Valmore Bermúdez, Yasaman Motlaghzadeh, Justin Mathew, Enzamaria Fidilio, Judith Faria, Joselyn Rojas, Mayela Cabrera de Bravo, Julio Contreras, Linda Pamela Mantilla, Lissé Angarita, Paola Amar Sepúlveda, and Isaac Kuzmar declare they have no conflict of interest.

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Rojas, E., Bermúdez, V., Motlaghzadeh, Y. et al. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and Its Effects in Human Disease: Emphasizing Its Role in Inflammation, Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Syndrome. Curr Nutr Rep 7, 161–170 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-018-0228-z

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