Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Stevia rebaudiana is a well-known plant that has gained significant popularity due to its natural sweetening properties, making it a popular sugar substitute. It is widely cultivated for its leaves, which contain steviol glycosides—compounds that are several hundred times sweeter than sucrose but with virtually no calories.
Botanical Details
• Scientific Name: Stevia rebaudiana
• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Stevia
• Species: rebaudiana
• Order: Asterales
The Asteraceae family is one of the largest plant families, comprising a wide variety of species, many of which are used in food, medicine, and other industries. Stevia rebaudiana is a member of this family and is prized for its sweet leaves.
Synonyms
• Synonyms
o Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
o Stevia phlebophylla
o Stevia tonkinensis
Common Names
• English: Stevia, Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf, Honey Leaf
• Malayalam: മധുര തുളസി Madhura thulasi
• Tamil: Stevia : Inippu Thulasi இனிப்பு துளசி
Uses of Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia rebaudiana is most famously used as a natural sweetener but also has numerous medicinal and health benefits. Below are its main uses:
Culinary Uses:
• Natural Sweetener: The leaves of Stevia rebaudiana contain steviol glycosides (especially stevioside and rebaudioside A), which are incredibly sweet (up to 300 times sweeter than sucrose) and are used as a sugar substitute. The sweeteners derived from stevia are often used in:
o Beverages: Tea, coffee, flavored drinks, and diet sodas.
o Baked Goods: Stevia is used in baking as it provides sweetness without the calories of sugar.
o Confectionery: Candies and desserts often use stevia as a sugar substitute.
o Dietary Products: Stevia is found in various sugar-free or low-calorie food products.
Stevia is a great option for people looking to manage their blood sugar levels, as it has no calories and does not raise blood glucose levels.
Medicinal Uses:
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Stevia is widely used as a natural alternative to sugar, especially for individuals with diabetes. Some studies suggest that stevia may help in controlling blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
• Weight Management: Since stevia contains zero calories, it is a popular choice for individuals looking to reduce calorie intake and manage their weight.
• Antioxidant: Stevia has antioxidant properties, which help in reducing oxidative stress and protecting the body from cellular damage.
• Antihypertensive: There is evidence suggesting that stevia can lower blood pressure, making it beneficial for individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Anti-inflammatory: Stevia has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
• Digestive Health: Stevia is also used to aid digestion and improve gut health. It can help alleviate indigestion and bloating.
• Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that stevia has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, useful in fighting minor infections.