Stevia as a Natural sweetener: A Review.

Stevia rebaudiana of Asteraceae family is a perennial shurb. It is a sweetener herb also known as Sweet Weed, Sweet Leaf, Sweet Herbs and Honey Leaf, native to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The leaves of stevia are sweeter than sucrose with zero calories. Steviol, diterpenoid glycoside derivative identified from this plant is sweeter than sucrose and is safe when used as a sweetening agent. Diabetic and obese persons with hyperglycemia who are in a condition to follow strict diet can use steviosides as an alternative sweetener. In addition to its hypoglycemic property the plant also exhibited antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-fertility and cardiotonic properties. It has also documented to show good effects on clearing skin diseases such as dermatitis, acne, eczema etc. The leaves of stevia with enriched phytoconstituents could be an alternative natural sweetener for childrens, adults and old age persons who have a craze to drink beverages and eat sweetened food products in their habitual life.