| Herbs & Supplements:

Stevia

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names:
  • Stevioside, candyleaf

 

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Introduction

Stevia is a compound found in the leaves of the stevia plant. Stevia is used as an alternative to sugar to sweeten foods and drinks. The leaves and extract have also been used to help control blood glucose and lower blood pressure. Stevia can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. The leaves can also be made into a tea.

Dosages

500 milligrams 2 to 3 times daily

 

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What Research Shows

Not Enough Data to Assess

• High Blood Pressure^{A1, A2} 
• Type 2 diabetes^C1 

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

 

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Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take stevia in small doses for a short time. People who are allergic to plants related to the stevia plant may have allergic reactions.^B1  Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

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References [ + ]

A. High Blood Pressure

A1. Chan P, Tomlinson B, et. Al. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness and tolerability or oral stevioside in human hypertension. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2000;50(3):215-220. A2. Hsieh MH, Chan P, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of oral stevioside in patients with mild essential hypertension: a two-year, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Ther. 2003;25(11):2797-2808.

B. Safety

B1. Urban JD, Carakostas MC, et al. Steviol glycoside safety: are highly purified steviol glycoside sweeteners food allergens? Food Chem Toxicol. 2015 Jan;75:71-78.

C. Type 2 Diabetes

C1. Gregersen S, Jeppesen PB, et al. Antihyperglycemic effects of stevioside in type 2 diabetic subjects. Metabolism. 2004 Jan;53(1):73-76.

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Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 3/27/2020

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