| Common Names | Candyleaf , Sugarlea, Sweet Leaf, Sweetleaf |
|---|---|
| Description | |
| Locations | Epirus (cultivated not wild species) |
| Clinical Summary | |
| Contraindications | No side effects are reported. Although, the plant should be administered in recommended maximum daily dose, which should not exceed 10 mg/kg of body weight. |
| Active Substance | chlorophyll sodium potassium Phytosterols sigmasteroli b-sitosterol vitamins A, B and C Natural sweeteners such stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is a microcrystalline substance with no calories value and 200-300 times sweeter than sugar which remains constant at 200oC making it particularly valuable. cholesterol campesterol metals (iron, zinc, calcium) protein. |
| Active Substance Plant Part | Flowers |
| Adverse Reaction | |
| Educational Research | |
| Interaction | |
| Features Description | Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial plant to warm climates (temperate zones) and annual to cold zones (southern and northern hemisphere), growing from 60cm (wild species) to 180cm (native species). The varying in size leaves are green or light green and grow in pairs diagonally opposite each other. The smooth, white, hermaphrodite flowers grow in inflorescences of 2-6 flowers. The seeds are very small, black or ash-colored. The flowering lasts from September to October, after which the harvesting begins. |
| Method Administration | The plant is administered in the form of infusion (a spoon of dried leaves in boiling water for 5min, three times a day). The plant is also commercially available in the form of powders which contain natural sweeteners and they are used in cooking as sugar substituteWarning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
| Pharmacological Info | The leaves have hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antiseptic, healing, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant's extract contributes to the defenses of the body against diseases and viral infections. Also, it has anti-aging action to the skin, as well it is used against ulcers, gingivitis, dental plaque and caries. It is included in the components of a balanced diet and it is recommended against obesity, diabetes, hypoglycemia and the prevention of adverse effects associated with sugars' over-consumption. In China the herbal tea has orexigenic and digestive properties and it is used in order to lose weight, to maintain the youth and reduce smoking and alcohol urges. |
| Pharmacological Use | |
| Mechanism Action | |
| References | http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/stevia-plant.html http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail160.php#Prep http://www.drugs.com/npp/stevia.html http://www.medicinalplants-pharmacognosy.com/herbs-medicinal-plants/stevia-benefits/ http://www.herb.gr/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/912/s/stevia/ |
| Research |
