Potential Medicinal Effects and Applications of Stevia Constituents

Abstract

The application of stevia glycosides in the food industry has grown steadily in the last two decades. Besides the use of its constituents as natural sweeteners, increasing attention has been given to their potential health benefits and therapeutic applications. Whereas in some cases clinical studies have been realized (prominently, to investigate its hypoglycemic and antihypertensive activity) many of them have failed to cover the expectations from preclinical investigations. Here, we review current knowledge on stevia constituents’ pharmacokinetics (both in rodents and in humans) and some of the most profusely investigated potential medical/health-related applications: i.e. diabetes and metabolic syndrome, hypertension, antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The outcome of available clinical studies and the perspectives of Stevia therapeutic uses are discussed in connection with pharmacokinetics knowledge.