Stevia is a sweetener and sugar substitute made from the leaves of the plant species
Stevia is a sweetener and sugar substitute made from the leaves of the plant species

Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar,
Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar,

and some of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations.
and some of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations.

With its steviol glycoside extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia
With its steviol glycoside extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia

has attracted attention with the rise in demand for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar sweeteners.
has attracted attention with the rise in demand for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar sweeteners.

Because stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose it is attractive to people on
Because stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose it is attractive to people on

carbohydrate-controlled diets. The availability of stevia varies from country
carbohydrate-controlled diets. The availability of stevia varies from country

to country. In a few countries, it has been available as a sweetener for decades or centuries;
to country. In a few countries, it has been available as a sweetener for decades or centuries;

for example, it has been widely used for decades as a sweetener in Japan. In some countries
for example, it has been widely used for decades as a sweetener in Japan. In some countries

health concerns and political controversies have limited its availability; for example,
health concerns and political controversies have limited its availability; for example,

the United States banned stevia in the early 1990s unless labeled as a dietary supplement,
the United States banned stevia in the early 1990s unless labeled as a dietary supplement,

but since 2008 it has accepted several specific glycoside extracts as being generally recognized
but since 2008 it has accepted several specific glycoside extracts as being generally recognized

as safe for use as food additives. Over the years, the number of countries in which stevia
as safe for use as food additives. Over the years, the number of countries in which stevia

is available as a sweetener has been increasing. In 2011, stevia was approved for use in the
is available as a sweetener has been increasing. In 2011, stevia was approved for use in the

EU.
EU.

History and use The plant Stevia rebaudiana has a long history
History and use The plant Stevia rebaudiana has a long history

of ethnomedical use by the Guaraní, having been used extensively by them for more than
of ethnomedical use by the Guaraní, having been used extensively by them for more than

1,500 years. The leaves have been traditionally used for hundreds of years in both Brazil
1,500 years. The leaves have been traditionally used for hundreds of years in both Brazil

and Paraguay to sweeten local teas and medicines, and as a "sweet treat".
and Paraguay to sweeten local teas and medicines, and as a "sweet treat".

In 1899 Swiss botanist Moisés Santiago Bertoni, while conducting research in eastern Paraguay,
In 1899 Swiss botanist Moisés Santiago Bertoni, while conducting research in eastern Paraguay,

first described the plant and the sweet taste in detail. Only limited research was conducted
first described the plant and the sweet taste in detail. Only limited research was conducted

on the topic until in 1931 two French chemists isolated the glycosides that give stevia its
on the topic until in 1931 two French chemists isolated the glycosides that give stevia its

sweet taste. These compounds, stevioside and rebaudioside, are 250–300 times as sweet
sweet taste. These compounds, stevioside and rebaudioside, are 250–300 times as sweet

as sucrose and are heat-stable, pH-stable, and not fermentable.
as sucrose and are heat-stable, pH-stable, and not fermentable.

The exact structure of the aglycone and the glycoside was published in 1955.
The exact structure of the aglycone and the glycoside was published in 1955.

In the early 1970s, sweeteners such as cyclamate and saccharin were suspected of being carcinogens.
In the early 1970s, sweeteners such as cyclamate and saccharin were suspected of being carcinogens.

Consequently, Japan began cultivating stevia as an alternative. The plant's leaves, as
Consequently, Japan began cultivating stevia as an alternative. The plant's leaves, as

well as the aqueous extract of the leaves and purified steviosides, were developed as
well as the aqueous extract of the leaves and purified steviosides, were developed as

sweeteners. The first commercial stevia sweetener in Japan was produced by the Japanese firm
sweeteners. The first commercial stevia sweetener in Japan was produced by the Japanese firm

Morita Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. in 1971. The Japanese have been using stevia in food products
Morita Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. in 1971. The Japanese have been using stevia in food products

and soft drinks,, and for table use. Japan currently consumes more stevia than any other
and soft drinks,, and for table use. Japan currently consumes more stevia than any other

country, with stevia accounting for 40% of the sweetener market.
country, with stevia accounting for 40% of the sweetener market.

In the mid 1980s, stevia began to become popular in U.S. natural foods and health food industries,
In the mid 1980s, stevia began to become popular in U.S. natural foods and health food industries,

as a non-caloric natural sweetener for teas and weight-loss blends. The makers of the
as a non-caloric natural sweetener for teas and weight-loss blends. The makers of the

synthetic sweetener NutraSweet asked the FDA to require testing of the herb.
synthetic sweetener NutraSweet asked the FDA to require testing of the herb.

Today, Stevia rebaudiana is cultivated and used to sweeten food in East Asia including
Today, Stevia rebaudiana is cultivated and used to sweeten food in East Asia including

Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia. It can also be found in Saint Kitts
Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia. It can also be found in Saint Kitts

and Nevis, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Israel. China is the world's
and Nevis, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Israel. China is the world's

largest exporter of stevioside. Stevia rebaudiana plants which are found in
largest exporter of stevioside. Stevia rebaudiana plants which are found in

the wild in semiarid habitats ranging from grassland to mountain terrain, do produce
the wild in semiarid habitats ranging from grassland to mountain terrain, do produce

seeds, but only a small percentage of the seeds germinate. Planting cloned stevia is
seeds, but only a small percentage of the seeds germinate. Planting cloned stevia is

a more effective method of reproduction. Folk medicine
a more effective method of reproduction. Folk medicine

For centuries, the Guaraní peoples of Paraguay used Stevia rebaudiana, which they called
For centuries, the Guaraní peoples of Paraguay used Stevia rebaudiana, which they called

ka'a he'ê, as a sweetener in yerba mate and other foods, and as a medicinal agent.
ka'a he'ê, as a sweetener in yerba mate and other foods, and as a medicinal agent.

Availability
Availability

Widely used as a sweetener Japan
Widely used as a sweetener Japan

Available as a food additive Australia, and New Zealand – All steviol
Available as a food additive Australia, and New Zealand – All steviol

glycoside extracts Brazil – Stevioside extract
glycoside extracts Brazil – Stevioside extract

Hong Kong Israel
Hong Kong Israel

Mexico – mixed steviol glycoside extract, not separate extracts
Mexico – mixed steviol glycoside extract, not separate extracts

Norway As food additive – E 960 Steviol glycoside. The plant itself has not been approved
Norway As food additive – E 960 Steviol glycoside. The plant itself has not been approved

as of September 2012 Russian Federation – stevioside is allowed
as of September 2012 Russian Federation – stevioside is allowed

in the "minimal dosage required" to achieve the goal of the additive.
in the "minimal dosage required" to achieve the goal of the additive.

Singapore steviol glycosides are a permitted sweetening agent in certain foods. Previously
Singapore steviol glycosides are a permitted sweetening agent in certain foods. Previously

it was banned. Available as both a food additive and dietary
it was banned. Available as both a food additive and dietary

supplement Canada
supplement Canada

Steviol glycosides became available as a food additive on 30 November 2012.
Steviol glycosides became available as a food additive on 30 November 2012.

Stevia rebaudiana leaf and extracts are available as dietary supplements
Stevia rebaudiana leaf and extracts are available as dietary supplements

European Union – Steviol glycosides have been permitted as a food additive since 2
European Union – Steviol glycosides have been permitted as a food additive since 2

December 2011. United States
December 2011. United States

Rebaudioside A is available as a food additive sold under various trade names.
Rebaudioside A is available as a food additive sold under various trade names.

Stevia rebaudiana leaf and extracts are available as dietary supplements
Stevia rebaudiana leaf and extracts are available as dietary supplements

Indonesia Steviol glycosides are available under the
Indonesia Steviol glycosides are available under the

Regulation of Minister of Health No. 033 year 2012 on Food Additives)
Regulation of Minister of Health No. 033 year 2012 on Food Additives)

Stevia leaf is available as a dietary supplement
Stevia leaf is available as a dietary supplement

Available Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, Korea,
Available Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, Korea,

Malaysia, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab
Malaysia, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab

Emirates, Uruguay, and Vietnam
Emirates, Uruguay, and Vietnam

Availability notes In the United States, rebaudioside A is generally
Availability notes In the United States, rebaudioside A is generally

recognized as safe as of December 2008. The leaves and other extracts are available as
recognized as safe as of December 2008. The leaves and other extracts are available as

dietary supplements. In Australia and New Zealand, all steviol
dietary supplements. In Australia and New Zealand, all steviol

glycoside extracts were approved in 2008. Prior to 2008, stevia leaves could be sold
glycoside extracts were approved in 2008. Prior to 2008, stevia leaves could be sold

as food. Commercialization
as food. Commercialization

Steviol glycosides were first commercialized as a sweetener in 1971 by the Japanese firm
Steviol glycosides were first commercialized as a sweetener in 1971 by the Japanese firm

Morita Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., a leading stevia extract producer in Japan.
Morita Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., a leading stevia extract producer in Japan.

Stevia rebaudiana has been grown on an experimental basis in Ontario, Canada since 1987 to determine
Stevia rebaudiana has been grown on an experimental basis in Ontario, Canada since 1987 to determine

the feasibility of commercial cultivation. Duke University researchers developed a strategic
the feasibility of commercial cultivation. Duke University researchers developed a strategic

plan to assist farmers and exporters in Paraguay to compete in the global market for stevia.
plan to assist farmers and exporters in Paraguay to compete in the global market for stevia.

In 2007 The Coca-Cola Company announced plans to obtain approval for their stevia-derived
In 2007 The Coca-Cola Company announced plans to obtain approval for their stevia-derived

sweetener, rebiana, for use as a food additive within the United States by 2009, as well
sweetener, rebiana, for use as a food additive within the United States by 2009, as well

as plans to market rebiana-sweetened products in 12 countries that allow stevia's use as
as plans to market rebiana-sweetened products in 12 countries that allow stevia's use as

a food additive. In May 2008 Coca Cola and Cargill announced the availability of Truvia,
a food additive. In May 2008 Coca Cola and Cargill announced the availability of Truvia,

a consumer brand stevia sweetener containing erythritol and rebiana, which the FDA permitted
a consumer brand stevia sweetener containing erythritol and rebiana, which the FDA permitted

as a food additive in December 2008. Coca-Cola announced intentions to release stevia-sweetened
as a food additive in December 2008. Coca-Cola announced intentions to release stevia-sweetened

beverages in late December 2008. Shortly afterward, PepsiCo and Pure Circle
beverages in late December 2008. Shortly afterward, PepsiCo and Pure Circle

announced PureVia, their brand of stevia-based sweetener, but withheld release of beverages
announced PureVia, their brand of stevia-based sweetener, but withheld release of beverages

sweetened with rebaudioside A until receipt of FDA confirmation. Since the FDA permitted
sweetened with rebaudioside A until receipt of FDA confirmation. Since the FDA permitted

Truvia and PureVia, both Coca Cola and PepsiCo have introduced products that contain their
Truvia and PureVia, both Coca Cola and PepsiCo have introduced products that contain their

new sweeteners. Extraction of sweet compounds
new sweeteners. Extraction of sweet compounds

Rebaudioside A has the least bitterness of all the steviol glycosides in the Stevia rebaudiana
Rebaudioside A has the least bitterness of all the steviol glycosides in the Stevia rebaudiana

plant. To produce rebaudioside A commercially, stevia plants are dried and subjected to a
plant. To produce rebaudioside A commercially, stevia plants are dried and subjected to a

water extraction process. This crude extract contains about 50% rebaudioside A; its various
water extraction process. This crude extract contains about 50% rebaudioside A; its various

glycoside molecules are separated via crystallization techniques, typically using ethanol or methanol
glycoside molecules are separated via crystallization techniques, typically using ethanol or methanol

as solvent. This allows the manufacturer to isolate pure rebaudioside A.
as solvent. This allows the manufacturer to isolate pure rebaudioside A.

The National Research Council of Canada has patented a process for extracting sweet compounds
The National Research Council of Canada has patented a process for extracting sweet compounds

from stevia by column extraction at temperatures from 0 to 25 °C, followed by purification
from stevia by column extraction at temperatures from 0 to 25 °C, followed by purification

by nanofiltration. A microfiltration pretreatment step is used to clarify the extract. Purification
by nanofiltration. A microfiltration pretreatment step is used to clarify the extract. Purification

is by ultrafiltration followed by nanofiltration. Mechanism of action
is by ultrafiltration followed by nanofiltration. Mechanism of action

Glycosides are molecules that contain glucose and other non-sugar substances called aglycones.
Glycosides are molecules that contain glucose and other non-sugar substances called aglycones.

The tongue's taste receptors react to the glucose in the glycosides – those with
The tongue's taste receptors react to the glucose in the glycosides – those with

more glucose taste sweeter than those with less. Some of the tongue's bitter receptors
more glucose taste sweeter than those with less. Some of the tongue's bitter receptors

react to the aglycones. In the digestive tract, rebaudiosides are
react to the aglycones. In the digestive tract, rebaudiosides are

metabolised into stevioside. Then stevioside is broken down into glucose and steviol. The
metabolised into stevioside. Then stevioside is broken down into glucose and steviol. The

glucose released in this process is used by bacteria in the colon and not absorbed into
glucose released in this process is used by bacteria in the colon and not absorbed into

the bloodstream. Steviol cannot be further digested and is excreted.
the bloodstream. Steviol cannot be further digested and is excreted.

Safety Steviol and rebaudioside A are not mutagenic
Safety Steviol and rebaudioside A are not mutagenic

at doses and routes of administration at which humans are exposed to them. Two 2010 review
at doses and routes of administration at which humans are exposed to them. Two 2010 review

studies found no health concerns with stevia or its sweetening extracts.
studies found no health concerns with stevia or its sweetening extracts.

The WHO's Joint Experts Committee on Food Additives has approved, based on long-term
The WHO's Joint Experts Committee on Food Additives has approved, based on long-term

studies, an acceptable daily intake of steviol glycoside of up to 4 milligrams per kilogram
studies, an acceptable daily intake of steviol glycoside of up to 4 milligrams per kilogram

of body weight. While the FDA does not consider whole-leaf
of body weight. While the FDA does not consider whole-leaf

Stevia or crude Stevia extracts to be "generally recognized as safe" food additives, several
Stevia or crude Stevia extracts to be "generally recognized as safe" food additives, several

companies have submitted notices to the FDA that they consider specific rebaudiosides
companies have submitted notices to the FDA that they consider specific rebaudiosides

to be GRAS for use as food additives, and have had these notices accepted by the FDA.
to be GRAS for use as food additives, and have had these notices accepted by the FDA.

The European Food Safety Authority evaluated the safety of steviol glycosides, extracted
The European Food Safety Authority evaluated the safety of steviol glycosides, extracted

from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant, as sweetener and expressed its opinion
from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant, as sweetener and expressed its opinion

on 10 March 2010. The Authority established an Acceptable Daily Intake for steviol glycosides,
on 10 March 2010. The Authority established an Acceptable Daily Intake for steviol glycosides,

expressed as steviol equivalents, of 4 mg/kg bodyweight/day. On 11 November 2011, the European
expressed as steviol equivalents, of 4 mg/kg bodyweight/day. On 11 November 2011, the European

Commission allowed the usage of steviol glycosides as a food additive, establishing maximum content
Commission allowed the usage of steviol glycosides as a food additive, establishing maximum content

levels for different types of foods and beverages. Potential health effects
levels for different types of foods and beverages. Potential health effects

A 2009 review study found that stevioside and related compounds may have anti-hyperglycemic,
A 2009 review study found that stevioside and related compounds may have anti-hyperglycemic,

anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diarrheal, diuretic, and immunomodulatory
anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diarrheal, diuretic, and immunomodulatory

actions. A 2011 review found that the use of stevia sweeteners as replacements for sugar
actions. A 2011 review found that the use of stevia sweeteners as replacements for sugar

would likely benefit diabetic patients. Furthermore, the report noted "stevioside has shown some
would likely benefit diabetic patients. Furthermore, the report noted "stevioside has shown some

evidence of pharmacological effects in patients with hypertension or with diabetes mellitus
evidence of pharmacological effects in patients with hypertension or with diabetes mellitus

type 2," but concluded further study was required to determine proper dosage.
type 2," but concluded further study was required to determine proper dosage.

Controversy In 1991, after receiving an anonymous industry
Controversy In 1991, after receiving an anonymous industry

complaint, the United States Food and Drug Administration labeled stevia as an "unsafe
complaint, the United States Food and Drug Administration labeled stevia as an "unsafe

food additive" and restricted its import. The FDA's stated reason was "toxicological
food additive" and restricted its import. The FDA's stated reason was "toxicological

information on stevia is inadequate to demonstrate its safety."
information on stevia is inadequate to demonstrate its safety."

Since the import ban in 1991, marketers and consumers of stevia have shared a belief that
Since the import ban in 1991, marketers and consumers of stevia have shared a belief that

the FDA acted in response to industry pressure. Arizona congressman Jon Kyl, for example,
the FDA acted in response to industry pressure. Arizona congressman Jon Kyl, for example,

called the FDA action against stevia "a restraint of trade to benefit the artificial sweetener
called the FDA action against stevia "a restraint of trade to benefit the artificial sweetener

industry". To protect the complainant, the FDA deleted names in the original complaint
industry". To protect the complainant, the FDA deleted names in the original complaint

in its responses to requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act.
in its responses to requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act.

Stevia remained banned until after the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act
Stevia remained banned until after the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act

forced the FDA in 1995 to revise its stance to permit stevia to be used as a dietary supplement,
forced the FDA in 1995 to revise its stance to permit stevia to be used as a dietary supplement,

although not as a food additive – a position that stevia proponents regarded as contradictory
although not as a food additive – a position that stevia proponents regarded as contradictory

because it simultaneously labels stevia as safe and unsafe, depending on how it is sold.
because it simultaneously labels stevia as safe and unsafe, depending on how it is sold.

Early studies prompted the European Commission in 1999 to ban stevia's use in food in the
Early studies prompted the European Commission in 1999 to ban stevia's use in food in the

European Union pending further research. In 2006, research data compiled in the safety
European Union pending further research. In 2006, research data compiled in the safety

evaluation released by the World Health Organization found no adverse effects. Since 2008, the
evaluation released by the World Health Organization found no adverse effects. Since 2008, the

Russian Federation has allowed stevioside as a food additive "in the minimal dosage
Russian Federation has allowed stevioside as a food additive "in the minimal dosage

required". In December 2008, the FDA gave a "no objection"
required". In December 2008, the FDA gave a "no objection"

approval for GRAS status to Truvia and PureVia, both of which use rebaudioside A derived from
approval for GRAS status to Truvia and PureVia, both of which use rebaudioside A derived from

the Stevia plant. However, FDA said that these products are not Stevia, but a highly purified
the Stevia plant. However, FDA said that these products are not Stevia, but a highly purified

product. In 2012, FDA posted a note on their website regarding crude Stevia plant: "FDA
product. In 2012, FDA posted a note on their website regarding crude Stevia plant: "FDA

has not permitted the use of whole-leaf Stevia or crude Stevia extracts because these substances
has not permitted the use of whole-leaf Stevia or crude Stevia extracts because these substances

have not been approved for use as a food additive. FDA does not consider their use in food to
have not been approved for use as a food additive. FDA does not consider their use in food to

be GRAS in light of reports in the literature that raise concerns about the use of these
be GRAS in light of reports in the literature that raise concerns about the use of these

substances. Among these concerns are control of blood sugar and effects on the reproductive,
substances. Among these concerns are control of blood sugar and effects on the reproductive,

cardiovascular, and renal systems." See also
cardiovascular, and renal systems." See also

Asteraceae, botanical family containing Stevia Glycoside
Asteraceae, botanical family containing Stevia Glycoside

Steviol glycoside, the chemical responsible for the sweetness
Steviol glycoside, the chemical responsible for the sweetness

Sugar substitute, primary usage of stevia Thaumatin, similar natural sweetener, derived
Sugar substitute, primary usage of stevia Thaumatin, similar natural sweetener, derived

from an African fruit Miraculin, a substance that modifies the perception
from an African fruit Miraculin, a substance that modifies the perception

of sour foods into sweet. References
of sour foods into sweet. References