stevioside

Stevioside is a natural glycoside extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is primarily used as a high-intensity, non-caloric sweetener—about 250–300 times sweeter than sucrose—and is widely incorporated into food and beverage products as an alternative to sugar[3][7]. Beyond its sweetening properties, stevioside has been studied for potential therapeutic effects including anti-hyperglycemic (blood glucose lowering), antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering), anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, diuretic, immunomodulatory, and anti-diarrheal actions[3][5][8]. Its hypoglycemic effect appears to be mediated by stimulating insulin secretion and increasing insulin sensitivity through mechanisms such as upregulation of GLUT-4 synthesis and inhibition of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxy kinase gene expression in the liver[5][6]. The antihypertensive effect may involve vasorelaxation via inhibition of calcium influx into blood vessels; however, this requires higher doses than those typically consumed in foods[1][5]. Stevioside’s pharmacological effects are most pronounced when blood glucose or blood pressure levels are elevated above normal ranges. It is considered safe within established daily intake limits but questions about chemical purity remain for some preparations. The U.S. FDA recognizes certain purified forms as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in foods[7].

Other names

stevia glycosidestevia extractE960aE-960aE 960a