Nutritional and therapeutic perspectives of Stevia rebaudiana as emerging sweetener; a way forward for sweetener industry

Abstract

In recent years, new avenue has been opened for extensive research and debate between Natural and artificial sweeteners. Stevia rebaudiana has emerged as a potent and remarkable substitute to artificial and calorie dense sweeteners. Stevia being natural and zero caloric is becoming a choice of many diet conscious people. The leaves and extract of Stevia plant are used to sweeten different food stuffs, desserts, beverages, etc. across globe especially in USA, Europe, China and Japan. Sweet components responsible for intense sweetness are the Steviosides having sweetness ranging from 250 to 400 times sweeter as compared to sucrose. Bioactive moieties in Stevia play vital role in health promotion aiding and boosting immune system to fight against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and lower the occurrence of various other ailments diseases. This review article encompasses the biochemical, nutritional, therapeutic potential and end use applications of Stevia.