STEVIA REBAUDIANA: AN ALTERNATIVE TO SYNTHETIC SWEETENERS

摘要

The present review supports novelty and applicability of Stevia rebaudiana through history, traditional uses, phytochemistry, phytochemical screening, pharmacological actions, human safety trials and clinical evaluation. Stevia rebaudiana contains over 100 phytochemicals including well characterized stevioside and rebaudioside A. It is well known for its application in treatment of many diseases like diabetes, hypertension, weight loss; antimicrobial in various traditional system of medicine. In recent times, the extract has been subjected to chemical, biochemical, pharmacological, clinical and toxicological investigation and many new therapeutic applications have emerged out. In addition it also contains nutrients therefore it acts as a best nutraceutical. There has been a great interest in exploration and use of this natural sweetener in the field of pharmacy. Thus, from the overall study it reveals that Stevia rebaudiana may be a versatile natural sweetener and nutraceutical if used in sweet formulatios