none 10.31254/phyto.2024.13109 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 159494294 316921 20240402204630556 10.31254 2024-04-03T00:46:39Z 2024-04-03T00:28:48Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://phytopharmajournal.com/ 2 29 2024 13 1 Saroj Chaudhary S Kiran https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3376-8967 V Sreeja https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2051-5808 Stevia, the natural sweetener obtained from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana plant has found commercial application as a sugar substitute in foods, beverages, or medicines all over the world. The leaves of this plant naturally contain diterpene glycosides stevioside, rebaudiosides A-F, steviolbioside, and dulcoside, which are responsible for its sweet taste. As the human body does not metabolize the glycosides in stevia, it contributes to zero calories. Many preclinical and clinical studies have revealed the pharmacological and therapeutic applications of stevia. It is reported to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, prebiotic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, and anticarcinogenic activity. This review focus on the functional aspects related to this natural sweetener and the plant. 2 29 2024 64 69 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2024.13109 https://phytopharmajournal.com/assets/pdf_files/Vol13_Issue1_09.pdf