Stevia can safely be used as an antidiabetic herb. - GreenMedInfo Summary

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Diabetes is rapidly rising all over the globe at an alarming rate. India shelters the highest number of Diabetics and is thus known as the"Diabetes Capital of the World". The chemical management of Diabetes has side effects and hence the present study was undertaken to assess the hypoglycemic and hypolipidaemic effect of Stevia rebaudiana on patients with Type - 2 Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM). Its nutritional composition and use as a sweetener substitute were also assessed.

RESULTS: Chemical analysis of dried Stevia leaf powder revealed it to be a nutritious herb with a good iron and fibre content. Intervention trials in Diabetics revealed that it significantly lowered Fasting and Post Prandial Blood Glucose levels. The serum Triglycerides and VLDL-C levels were also significantly reduced CONCLUSION: Hence it can be said that Stevia can safely be used as an antidiabetic herb, as a sweetener substitute and may help to prevent cardiovascular diseases in patients with long standing Diabetes.