Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South America and is known as sweet herb of Paraguay. The plant is widely known for the presence of sweet-tasting and low-calorie diterpene steviol glycosides (SGs) present in its leaves. Amongst the known SGs, the most abundant glycosides in stevia leaf are stevioside and several types of rebaudiosides, which are about 300 times sweeter than sucrose.

products

• Diabetic diets
• Table top sweetener for tea, coffee etc.
• Soft drinks, cordials, fruit juices, sherbets
• Ice-creams, yoghurts, jams, jellies, sauces, pickles
• Cakes, biscuits, pastries, pies, desserts
• Chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwashes

Stevia: Medicinal value

1. Hypertension treatment
2. Blood pressure control
3. Source of antioxidants
4. Anti-tooth decay
5. Anti-obesity and weight loss programs
6. Pill and capsule additive to improve taste