Original Article and users' comments
Stevia probably has minimum side effects* [4]. Stevia accounts for about 40% of the
sweetener market in Japan and is widely used in South America. [5] It is suited for
diabetes*. No allergic reactions to it seem to exist. [6]
No significant side effect was observed and no deterioration of the quality of life was shown
in a 3-month, multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. [9]
[*PLEASE READ QA SECTION]
STEVIA TOXICITY
Sekihashi K et al, Safety Research Institute for Chemical Compounds Co., Ltd, Japan
evaluated the genotoxicity of steviol, a metabolite of stevia extract using a comet assay.
They found that steviol did not damage the nuclear DNA of TK6 and WTK1 cells. They also
investigated organs of mice body after oral administration of steviol at 250, 500, 1000, and
2000 mg/kg. They found no damage with stomach, colon, liver, kidney and testis. They
concluded that stevia extract and steviol did not have DNA-damaging activity in cultured
cells and mouse organs. [23]
HIGH DOSE OF STEVIA CAUSED MALE INFERTILITY IN A RAT STUDY.
A study showed that chronic administration (60 days) of a Stevia rebaudiana aqueous
extract produced a decrease in final weight of testis, seminal vesicle and cauda
epididymidis. In addition, Stevia treatment tended to decrease the plasma testosterone
level, probably by a putative affinity of glycosides of extract for a certain androgen receptor,
and no alteration occurred in luteinizing hormone level.[24]
POTENTIAL DRUG INTERACTIONS
Stevioside from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana acts as a typical systemic vasodilator. [8-
14] A 2-year study of 168 patients suffered from hypertension (aged 20-75) demonstrated
that oral stevioside (from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) decreased systolic and diastolic blood
pressure without significant adverse effects [14] Consult your doctor before taking stevia
together with other blood-pressure lowering agents and/or blood-sugar lowering agents.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENTS FROM READERS [QA]
Diana P. XXX@aol.com Fri 21 Jul 2006
Why does stevia give me a headache?
ZHION SAT 22 Jul 2006
I couldn't find any scientific report directly related the intake of stevia to heachache.
However, some web-articles suggests diziness, headache, muscle weakness, bloating,
nausea, muscle tenderness and kidney toxicity as its side effects or toxic effects. Some of
these side effects are also symptoms of hypoglycemia. Let us relate the activities of stevia,
hypoglycemia and headache together.
It is known that stevia has anti-hyperglycemic properties. In a study, researchers recruited
12 patients with Type 2 Diabetes. They found that the intake of stevioside could reduce the
postprandial blood glucose levels. In addition, stevia also has blood pressure lowering
activities. Thus, overdose or excessive intake of stevia will lead to hypoglycemia and
hypotension.
If the blood sugar levels fall below the normal range (70-110 mg/dl), episode of
hypoglycemia may occur. symptoms of mild-moderate hypoglycemia include nausa,
hunger, nervousness, coldness, rapid pulse, numbness, dizziness, headache, blurred
vision, weakness and difficulty walking. While, the basic symptoms for headache are
dizziness, nausea, fainting etc. Thus, it makes sense that excessive dose of stevia causes
headache. However, this is just my thought, experiment is need to prove this idea. Thanks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXXXXX@XXXXXXX.net Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:36:25 -0700
Hello there. I was so glad to read your article regarding STEVIA side effects. I have used
stevia for many years on a daily basis. I now have severe hypoglycemia. I am waking up
every 2 hours because my blood sugar drops. But at each meal I have stevia. I had not
related it to the stevia because everything I had read about it said it was o-glycemic index
and was even safe for diabetics. This is probably my answer that I have been looking for
almost a year. Thank you so very much.
ZHION Sept 18, 2008
Thanks for your comment; it's encouraging. My best wishes for your health.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXXXXXX @earthlink.net Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:25:29 -0400
The information currently provided on the website are not reflective of current findings.:
http://www.zhion.com/herb/STEVIA_side_effects.html
The current studies are not duplicating the effects with fertility the "Melis MS. Effects of
chronic administration of Stevia rebaudiana on fertility in rats" reported and is outdated
material (1999).
The most current finding:
Rebaudioside A: Two-generation reproductive toxicity study in rats
Leslie L. Curry, Ashley Roberts,and Nigel Brown .......There are other studies as well... this
one the newest on the question.
ZHION Sept 20, 2008
Thanks for your comment; updated. Just curious, are you related to Dr. Curry LL or The
Coca-Cola Company? Thanks again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX@gmail.com Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:41:21 -0700
I have been reading everyone post on Stevia. I think it does things on everyone differently..
plus most people will read thing and then write to say they have this or that happen to them..
to make it look like there is a problem with the plant it self. Over the year on both sides here
in Canada as well as the states there has always been way to find a better ways for
sweetener for people that are diabetic. Like everything ESL when a good thing comes
along some one got to complain and give it a bad name. I'm Diabetic and have been for
years and have been using stevia in my coffee,tea right to eating the leafs from the plant it
self. I grow it every year and have given some to people and they can't believe how good it is
and like it better.
People just don't realize a good thing when they see it. Why can't Canada and the USA see
it that this is good cause if it has been used for thousands of years do you really think
people have stopped using it..and are dieing..it's only a plant. If I felt it was unsafe I would
not be using it or eating it at all. I wish people stop there complaining or wining about
something that is good. I hate all the man made sweeteners.,they are not safe or good for
you. But people want to believe all these company who make the man made sweeteners
are best and better for you when they are the ones that have all the problems with them.
think about it Aspartame is not good cause they found out if left in the sun it can be danger
est and here is a list of all the sweeteners that are not good for you. I will not stop useing it
as it is the best thing that came into my life since my hubby gave me my first leaf.
Healthy Sweeteners Sweeteners to Avoid
Stevia * Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Canderel)
Other Low Carb Sweeteners Neotame
Evaporated Cane Juice Sucralose (Splenda, Altern)
Fruit Juice Acesulfame-K (Sunette, Sweet & Safe, Sweet One)
Rice Syrup Cyclamates
Honey Saccharin
Licorice Root (small amounts) Refined Sugar #
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) High Fructose Sweeteners #
Amasake
Vegetable Glycerin
Sugar Alcohols (xylitol, sorbitol) ^
Maple Syrup (Without Added Sugar)
Barley Malt
Key: * Safe for diabetics / # Can be used in small amounts during transition to healthy
sweeteners / ^ Use only in very small amounts - not for those with bowel disorders.
My Reply Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:18:46 -0700 (PDT)
Thank you very much for your input. Your message is very informative. I agree with you,
everybody react differently toward particular supplements and we should not overdose
ourselves. I'll share your message with other readers, as rule of thumb, I won't post your
name and email address in my website........
I wonder why people talk about stevia these days. Recently, I found out that Coca Cola
and Cargill (one of the world's largest providers of food and agricultural products) have
worked together to develop a Stevia-based sweetener for use as an additive in foods
and beverages for years. They have published a few articles on the safety of using
stevia. The FDA now allows Stevia as a dietary supplement only, not as a food additive.
The companies may be closer to getting the FDA approval they need to use Stevia in
their products. The brand name will be Truvia™.
Coca Cola has already filed 24 patent applications covering Stevia's use in products
ranging from vitamins to cereal. As a result, the world's largest beverage maker may
be seeking to corner the market on the natural sweetener.
Zhion September 29, 2008.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTIONS AND BEFORE TAKING STEVIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION DO NOT COPY THIS
ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITE(S) NOR BLOG(S) NOR ANY TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS
HOME
References
[1] Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and
Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 478–80.[2] Curi R, Alvarez M, Bazotte RB, et al.
Effect of Stevia rebaudiana on glucose tolerance in normal adult humans. Braz J Med Biol Res 1986;19:
771–4. [3] White JR Jr, Kramer J, Campbell RK, Bernstein R. Oral use of a topical preparation
containing an extract of Stevia rebaudiana and the chrysanthemum flower in the management of
hyperglycemia. Diabetes Care 1994;17:940.[4] Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural
Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 478–80.
[5] Blumenthal M. FDA rejects AHPA stevia petition. Whole Foods 1994:Apr;61–4. [6] Geuns JM.
Stevioside. Phytochemistry. 2003 Nov;64(5):913-21. [7] D'Agostino M, De Simone F, Pizza C, Aquino R.
Sterols in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1984 Dec 30;60(12):2237-40.[8] Melis MS
Stevioside effect on renal function of normal and hypertensive rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1992 Jun;36(3):
213-7.[9] Chan P et al A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness and tolerability of
oral stevioside in human hypertension. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2000 Sep;50(3):215-20.[10] Chan P et al,
The effect of stevioside on blood pressure and plasma catecholamines in spontaneously hypertensive
rats. Life Sci. 1998;63(19):1679-84. [11] Lee CN et al Inhibitory effect of stevioside on calcium influx to
produce antihypertension. Planta Med. 2001 Dec;67(9):796-9].[12] Hsu YH et al, Antihypertensive effect
of stevioside in different strains of hypertensive rats. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei). 2002 Jan;65(1):1-6.
[13]Liu JC et al Mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of stevioside in anesthetized dogs.
Pharmacology. 2003 Jan;67(1):14-20.[14] Hsieh MH et al Efficacy and tolerability of oral stevioside in
patients with mild essential hypertension: a two-year, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Ther.
2003 Nov;25(11):2797-808.[15] Curi R et al, Effect of Stevia rebaudiana on glucose tolerance in normal
adult humans. Braz J Med Biol Res. 1986;19(6):771-4.[16] Jeppesen PB et al, Stevioside acts directly on
pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin: actions independent of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and
adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+-channel activity. Metabolism. 2000 Feb;49(2):208-14.[17] Jeppesen
PB et al, Stevioside induces antihyperglycaemic, insulinotropic and glucagonostatic effects in vivo:
studies in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Phytomedicine. 2002 Jan;9(1):9-14. 18] Gregersen S,
Jeppesen PB, Holst JJ, Hermansen K. Antihyperglycemic effects of stevioside in type 2 diabetic subjects.
Metabolism. 2004 Jan;53(1):73-6.[19] Chen TH et al Mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of
stevioside, a glycoside of Stevia rebaudiana. Planta Med. 2005 Feb;71(2):108-13.[20] Yasukawa K et al
Inhibitory effect of stevioside on tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in two-stage
carcinogenesis in mouse skin. Pharm Bull. 2002 Nov;25(11):1488-90.[21] Amaro-Luis et al Isolation,
identification and antimicrobial activity of ombuoside from Stevia triflora. Ann Pharm Fr. 1997;55(6):262-
8[22] Koyama E et al. Absorption and metabolism of glycosidic sweeteners of stevia mixture and their
aglycone, steviol, in rats and humans. Food Chem Toxicol. 2003 Jun;41(6):875-83.
[23] Sekihashi K et al Genotoxicity studies of stevia extract and steviol by the comet assay, J Toxicol Sci.
2002 Dec;27 Suppl 1:1-8.[24] Melis MS. Effects of chronic administration of Stevia rebaudiana on
fertility in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Nov 1;67(2):157-61.
Stevia probably has minimum side effects* [4]. Stevia accounts for about 40% of the
sweetener market in Japan and is widely used in South America. [5] It is suited for
diabetes*. No allergic reactions to it seem to exist. [6]
No significant side effect was observed and no deterioration of the quality of life was shown
in a 3-month, multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. [9]
[*PLEASE READ QA SECTION]
STEVIA TOXICITY
Sekihashi K et al, Safety Research Institute for Chemical Compounds Co., Ltd, Japan
evaluated the genotoxicity of steviol, a metabolite of stevia extract using a comet assay.
They found that steviol did not damage the nuclear DNA of TK6 and WTK1 cells. They also
investigated organs of mice body after oral administration of steviol at 250, 500, 1000, and
2000 mg/kg. They found no damage with stomach, colon, liver, kidney and testis. They
concluded that stevia extract and steviol did not have DNA-damaging activity in cultured
cells and mouse organs. [23]
HIGH DOSE OF STEVIA CAUSED MALE INFERTILITY IN A RAT STUDY.
A study showed that chronic administration (60 days) of a Stevia rebaudiana aqueous
extract produced a decrease in final weight of testis, seminal vesicle and cauda
epididymidis. In addition, Stevia treatment tended to decrease the plasma testosterone
level, probably by a putative affinity of glycosides of extract for a certain androgen receptor,
and no alteration occurred in luteinizing hormone level.[24]
POTENTIAL DRUG INTERACTIONS
Stevioside from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana acts as a typical systemic vasodilator. [8-
14] A 2-year study of 168 patients suffered from hypertension (aged 20-75) demonstrated
that oral stevioside (from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) decreased systolic and diastolic blood
pressure without significant adverse effects [14] Consult your doctor before taking stevia
together with other blood-pressure lowering agents and/or blood-sugar lowering agents.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENTS FROM READERS [QA]
Diana P. XXX@aol.com Fri 21 Jul 2006
Why does stevia give me a headache?
ZHION SAT 22 Jul 2006
I couldn't find any scientific report directly related the intake of stevia to heachache.
However, some web-articles suggests diziness, headache, muscle weakness, bloating,
nausea, muscle tenderness and kidney toxicity as its side effects or toxic effects. Some of
these side effects are also symptoms of hypoglycemia. Let us relate the activities of stevia,
hypoglycemia and headache together.
It is known that stevia has anti-hyperglycemic properties. In a study, researchers recruited
12 patients with Type 2 Diabetes. They found that the intake of stevioside could reduce the
postprandial blood glucose levels. In addition, stevia also has blood pressure lowering
activities. Thus, overdose or excessive intake of stevia will lead to hypoglycemia and
hypotension.
If the blood sugar levels fall below the normal range (70-110 mg/dl), episode of
hypoglycemia may occur. symptoms of mild-moderate hypoglycemia include nausa,
hunger, nervousness, coldness, rapid pulse, numbness, dizziness, headache, blurred
vision, weakness and difficulty walking. While, the basic symptoms for headache are
dizziness, nausea, fainting etc. Thus, it makes sense that excessive dose of stevia causes
headache. However, this is just my thought, experiment is need to prove this idea. Thanks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXXXXX@XXXXXXX.net Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:36:25 -0700
Hello there. I was so glad to read your article regarding STEVIA side effects. I have used
stevia for many years on a daily basis. I now have severe hypoglycemia. I am waking up
every 2 hours because my blood sugar drops. But at each meal I have stevia. I had not
related it to the stevia because everything I had read about it said it was o-glycemic index
and was even safe for diabetics. This is probably my answer that I have been looking for
almost a year. Thank you so very much.
ZHION Sept 18, 2008
Thanks for your comment; it's encouraging. My best wishes for your health.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXXXXXX @earthlink.net Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:25:29 -0400
The information currently provided on the website are not reflective of current findings.:
http://www.zhion.com/herb/STEVIA_side_effects.html
The current studies are not duplicating the effects with fertility the "Melis MS. Effects of
chronic administration of Stevia rebaudiana on fertility in rats" reported and is outdated
material (1999).
The most current finding:
Rebaudioside A: Two-generation reproductive toxicity study in rats
Leslie L. Curry, Ashley Roberts,and Nigel Brown .......There are other studies as well... this
one the newest on the question.
ZHION Sept 20, 2008
Thanks for your comment; updated. Just curious, are you related to Dr. Curry LL or The
Coca-Cola Company? Thanks again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX@gmail.com Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:41:21 -0700
I have been reading everyone post on Stevia. I think it does things on everyone differently..
plus most people will read thing and then write to say they have this or that happen to them..
to make it look like there is a problem with the plant it self. Over the year on both sides here
in Canada as well as the states there has always been way to find a better ways for
sweetener for people that are diabetic. Like everything ESL when a good thing comes
along some one got to complain and give it a bad name. I'm Diabetic and have been for
years and have been using stevia in my coffee,tea right to eating the leafs from the plant it
self. I grow it every year and have given some to people and they can't believe how good it is
and like it better.
People just don't realize a good thing when they see it. Why can't Canada and the USA see
it that this is good cause if it has been used for thousands of years do you really think
people have stopped using it..and are dieing..it's only a plant. If I felt it was unsafe I would
not be using it or eating it at all. I wish people stop there complaining or wining about
something that is good. I hate all the man made sweeteners.,they are not safe or good for
you. But people want to believe all these company who make the man made sweeteners
are best and better for you when they are the ones that have all the problems with them.
think about it Aspartame is not good cause they found out if left in the sun it can be danger
est and here is a list of all the sweeteners that are not good for you. I will not stop useing it
as it is the best thing that came into my life since my hubby gave me my first leaf.
Healthy Sweeteners Sweeteners to Avoid
Stevia * Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Canderel)
Other Low Carb Sweeteners Neotame
Evaporated Cane Juice Sucralose (Splenda, Altern)
Fruit Juice Acesulfame-K (Sunette, Sweet & Safe, Sweet One)
Rice Syrup Cyclamates
Honey Saccharin
Licorice Root (small amounts) Refined Sugar #
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) High Fructose Sweeteners #
Amasake
Vegetable Glycerin
Sugar Alcohols (xylitol, sorbitol) ^
Maple Syrup (Without Added Sugar)
Barley Malt
Key: * Safe for diabetics / # Can be used in small amounts during transition to healthy
sweeteners / ^ Use only in very small amounts - not for those with bowel disorders.
My Reply Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:18:46 -0700 (PDT)
Thank you very much for your input. Your message is very informative. I agree with you,
everybody react differently toward particular supplements and we should not overdose
ourselves. I'll share your message with other readers, as rule of thumb, I won't post your
name and email address in my website........
I wonder why people talk about stevia these days. Recently, I found out that Coca Cola
and Cargill (one of the world's largest providers of food and agricultural products) have
worked together to develop a Stevia-based sweetener for use as an additive in foods
and beverages for years. They have published a few articles on the safety of using
stevia. The FDA now allows Stevia as a dietary supplement only, not as a food additive.
The companies may be closer to getting the FDA approval they need to use Stevia in
their products. The brand name will be Truvia™.
Coca Cola has already filed 24 patent applications covering Stevia's use in products
ranging from vitamins to cereal. As a result, the world's largest beverage maker may
be seeking to corner the market on the natural sweetener.
Zhion September 29, 2008.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTIONS AND BEFORE TAKING STEVIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION DO NOT COPY THIS
ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITE(S) NOR BLOG(S) NOR ANY TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS
HOME
References
[1] Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and
Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 478–80.[2] Curi R, Alvarez M, Bazotte RB, et al.
Effect of Stevia rebaudiana on glucose tolerance in normal adult humans. Braz J Med Biol Res 1986;19:
771–4. [3] White JR Jr, Kramer J, Campbell RK, Bernstein R. Oral use of a topical preparation
containing an extract of Stevia rebaudiana and the chrysanthemum flower in the management of
hyperglycemia. Diabetes Care 1994;17:940.[4] Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural
Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 478–80.
[5] Blumenthal M. FDA rejects AHPA stevia petition. Whole Foods 1994:Apr;61–4. [6] Geuns JM.
Stevioside. Phytochemistry. 2003 Nov;64(5):913-21. [7] D'Agostino M, De Simone F, Pizza C, Aquino R.
Sterols in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1984 Dec 30;60(12):2237-40.[8] Melis MS
Stevioside effect on renal function of normal and hypertensive rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1992 Jun;36(3):
213-7.[9] Chan P et al A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness and tolerability of
oral stevioside in human hypertension. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2000 Sep;50(3):215-20.[10] Chan P et al,
The effect of stevioside on blood pressure and plasma catecholamines in spontaneously hypertensive
rats. Life Sci. 1998;63(19):1679-84. [11] Lee CN et al Inhibitory effect of stevioside on calcium influx to
produce antihypertension. Planta Med. 2001 Dec;67(9):796-9].[12] Hsu YH et al, Antihypertensive effect
of stevioside in different strains of hypertensive rats. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei). 2002 Jan;65(1):1-6.
[13]Liu JC et al Mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of stevioside in anesthetized dogs.
Pharmacology. 2003 Jan;67(1):14-20.[14] Hsieh MH et al Efficacy and tolerability of oral stevioside in
patients with mild essential hypertension: a two-year, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Ther.
2003 Nov;25(11):2797-808.[15] Curi R et al, Effect of Stevia rebaudiana on glucose tolerance in normal
adult humans. Braz J Med Biol Res. 1986;19(6):771-4.[16] Jeppesen PB et al, Stevioside acts directly on
pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin: actions independent of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and
adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+-channel activity. Metabolism. 2000 Feb;49(2):208-14.[17] Jeppesen
PB et al, Stevioside induces antihyperglycaemic, insulinotropic and glucagonostatic effects in vivo:
studies in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Phytomedicine. 2002 Jan;9(1):9-14. 18] Gregersen S,
Jeppesen PB, Holst JJ, Hermansen K. Antihyperglycemic effects of stevioside in type 2 diabetic subjects.
Metabolism. 2004 Jan;53(1):73-6.[19] Chen TH et al Mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of
stevioside, a glycoside of Stevia rebaudiana. Planta Med. 2005 Feb;71(2):108-13.[20] Yasukawa K et al
Inhibitory effect of stevioside on tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in two-stage
carcinogenesis in mouse skin. Pharm Bull. 2002 Nov;25(11):1488-90.[21] Amaro-Luis et al Isolation,
identification and antimicrobial activity of ombuoside from Stevia triflora. Ann Pharm Fr. 1997;55(6):262-
8[22] Koyama E et al. Absorption and metabolism of glycosidic sweeteners of stevia mixture and their
aglycone, steviol, in rats and humans. Food Chem Toxicol. 2003 Jun;41(6):875-83.
[23] Sekihashi K et al Genotoxicity studies of stevia extract and steviol by the comet assay, J Toxicol Sci.
2002 Dec;27 Suppl 1:1-8.[24] Melis MS. Effects of chronic administration of Stevia rebaudiana on
fertility in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Nov 1;67(2):157-61.
| STEVIA side effect - research finds Zhion@zhion.com |
Article based on new findings
(WARNING Read the original article and users' comments, and consult with your
doctor before taking any supplements)
The plant, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (SrB), has been used for the treatment of diabetes
in traditional medicine. Previously, it was demonstrated that long-term administration of
the glycoside stevioside has insulinotropic, glucagonostatic, anti-hyperglycemic and
blood pressure-lowering effects in type 2 diabetic animal models. [4] However, Dyrskog
SE [stig.dyrskog@ki.au.dk], Jeppesen PB, Chen J, Christensen LP, Hermansen K from
Aarhus University Hospital DK supplemented male Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with oral
rebaudioside A (0.025 g/kg BW/day) for eight weeks, they observed no effect on blood
pressure or weight development. [4] At the same time, Nikiforov Al and Eapen AK from
Toxicology Regulatory Services, Inc. Virginia, found no toxicity of dietary administration of
rebaudioside A in Sprague-Dawley rats in a 90-day study. [5]
Rebaudioside A and stevioside are steviol glycosides extracted from the plant Stevia
rebaudiana (Bertoni) and are used in several countries as food and beverage
sweeteners. [2,3]
Carakostas MC [mcarakostas@na.ko.com] Curry LL, Boileau AC and Brusick DJ, from
The Coca-Cola Company, concluded that high purity rebaudioside A (rebiana)
produced to food-grade specifications and according to Good Manufacturing Practices
is safe for human consumption under its intended conditions of use as a general
purpose sweetener in their review article. And, clinical studies provide further evidence
that purified rebaudioside A has no effect on either blood pressure or glucose
homeostasis. [2]
Curry LL and Roberts A, from Cargill Inc. MN, [Leslie_Curry@cargill.com] evaluated the
safety issue (or toxicity) of the steriva-derived sweetener, rebaudioside A (CAS No.
58543-16-1). They administered rebaudioside A at various dietary concentrations for a
few weeks. They found reductions in body weight gain (especially in high-dose groups)
and inconsistent reductions in serum bile acids and cholesterol. However, all other
hepatic function test results and liver histopathology were within normal limits.
Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of all organs are unremarkable with
respect to treatment-related findings. [1]
Again, Curry LL, Carakostas MC, Boileau AC, Brusick DJ. together with Tarka SM,
Reeves MS, Farmer MV, McKenney JM, Toth PD, Schwartz SL, Lubin BC, Dicklin MR
from Provident Clinical Research (this time), IN, reported consumption of as much as
1000mg/day of rebaudioside A for 4 weeks produced no clinically important changes in
blood pressure in healthy adults with normal and low-normal blood pressure. [3]
[1] Curry LL, Roberts A. Subchronic toxicity of rebaudioside A. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008
Jul;46 Suppl 7:S11-20. Epub 2008 May 16. [2] Carakostas MC, Curry LL, Boileau AC,
Brusick DJ. Overview: the history, technical function and safety of rebaudioside A, a
naturally occurring steviol glycoside, for use in food and beverages. Food Chem Toxicol.
2008 Jul;46 Suppl 7:S1-S10. Epub 2008 May 16. [3] Maki KC, Curry LL, Carakostas MC,
Tarka SM, Reeves MS, Farmer MV, McKenney JM, Toth PD, Schwartz SL, Lubin BC,
Dicklin MR, Boileau AC, Bisognano JD. The hemodynamic effects of rebaudioside A in
healthy adults with normal and low-normal blood pressure. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008
Jul;46 Suppl 7:S40-6. Epub 2008 May 16. [4] Dyrskog SE [stig.dyrskog@ki.au.dk],
Jeppesen PB, Chen J, Christensen LP, Hermansen K, The diterpene glycoside,
rebaudioside A, does not improve glycemic control or affect blood pressure after eight
weeks treatment in the Goto-Kakizaki rat. Rev Diabet Stud. 2005 Summer;2(2):84-91.
Epub 2005 Aug 10. [5] Nikiforov Al and Eapen AK A 90-day oral (dietary) toxicity study of
rebaudioside A in Sprague-Dawley rats. Int J Toxicol. 2008 Jan-Feb;27(1):65-80.
(WARNING Read the original article and users' comments, and consult with your
doctor before taking any supplements)
The plant, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (SrB), has been used for the treatment of diabetes
in traditional medicine. Previously, it was demonstrated that long-term administration of
the glycoside stevioside has insulinotropic, glucagonostatic, anti-hyperglycemic and
blood pressure-lowering effects in type 2 diabetic animal models. [4] However, Dyrskog
SE [stig.dyrskog@ki.au.dk], Jeppesen PB, Chen J, Christensen LP, Hermansen K from
Aarhus University Hospital DK supplemented male Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with oral
rebaudioside A (0.025 g/kg BW/day) for eight weeks, they observed no effect on blood
pressure or weight development. [4] At the same time, Nikiforov Al and Eapen AK from
Toxicology Regulatory Services, Inc. Virginia, found no toxicity of dietary administration of
rebaudioside A in Sprague-Dawley rats in a 90-day study. [5]
Rebaudioside A and stevioside are steviol glycosides extracted from the plant Stevia
rebaudiana (Bertoni) and are used in several countries as food and beverage
sweeteners. [2,3]
Carakostas MC [mcarakostas@na.ko.com] Curry LL, Boileau AC and Brusick DJ, from
The Coca-Cola Company, concluded that high purity rebaudioside A (rebiana)
produced to food-grade specifications and according to Good Manufacturing Practices
is safe for human consumption under its intended conditions of use as a general
purpose sweetener in their review article. And, clinical studies provide further evidence
that purified rebaudioside A has no effect on either blood pressure or glucose
homeostasis. [2]
Curry LL and Roberts A, from Cargill Inc. MN, [Leslie_Curry@cargill.com] evaluated the
safety issue (or toxicity) of the steriva-derived sweetener, rebaudioside A (CAS No.
58543-16-1). They administered rebaudioside A at various dietary concentrations for a
few weeks. They found reductions in body weight gain (especially in high-dose groups)
and inconsistent reductions in serum bile acids and cholesterol. However, all other
hepatic function test results and liver histopathology were within normal limits.
Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of all organs are unremarkable with
respect to treatment-related findings. [1]
Again, Curry LL, Carakostas MC, Boileau AC, Brusick DJ. together with Tarka SM,
Reeves MS, Farmer MV, McKenney JM, Toth PD, Schwartz SL, Lubin BC, Dicklin MR
from Provident Clinical Research (this time), IN, reported consumption of as much as
1000mg/day of rebaudioside A for 4 weeks produced no clinically important changes in
blood pressure in healthy adults with normal and low-normal blood pressure. [3]
[1] Curry LL, Roberts A. Subchronic toxicity of rebaudioside A. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008
Jul;46 Suppl 7:S11-20. Epub 2008 May 16. [2] Carakostas MC, Curry LL, Boileau AC,
Brusick DJ. Overview: the history, technical function and safety of rebaudioside A, a
naturally occurring steviol glycoside, for use in food and beverages. Food Chem Toxicol.
2008 Jul;46 Suppl 7:S1-S10. Epub 2008 May 16. [3] Maki KC, Curry LL, Carakostas MC,
Tarka SM, Reeves MS, Farmer MV, McKenney JM, Toth PD, Schwartz SL, Lubin BC,
Dicklin MR, Boileau AC, Bisognano JD. The hemodynamic effects of rebaudioside A in
healthy adults with normal and low-normal blood pressure. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008
Jul;46 Suppl 7:S40-6. Epub 2008 May 16. [4] Dyrskog SE [stig.dyrskog@ki.au.dk],
Jeppesen PB, Chen J, Christensen LP, Hermansen K, The diterpene glycoside,
rebaudioside A, does not improve glycemic control or affect blood pressure after eight
weeks treatment in the Goto-Kakizaki rat. Rev Diabet Stud. 2005 Summer;2(2):84-91.
Epub 2005 Aug 10. [5] Nikiforov Al and Eapen AK A 90-day oral (dietary) toxicity study of
rebaudioside A in Sprague-Dawley rats. Int J Toxicol. 2008 Jan-Feb;27(1):65-80.
 |  |  |  |
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