Suggested dosing of Stevia rebaudiana (stevia)
Hypertension
250-500 mg PO TId
Hyperglycemia
1 g stevioside take with meals
Water extracts of 5 g of leaves q 6hr x 3 days to increase glucose tolerance
Suggested uses of Stevia rebaudiana (stevia)
Non-caloric sweetener for foods/beverages
Hyperglycemia, weight loss aid, diuretic, & hypertension
Efficacy
Studies inconclusive and contradictory
Stevia rebaudiana (stevia) adverse (side) effects
Allergic reaction
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, etc)
Cautions
FDA, WHO, European regulatory agencies have questioned safety of chronic use
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Stevia rebaudiana (stevia)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Stevioside 100x sweeter than sucrose
Stevioside, steviol may decr GI absorption of glucose and stimulate insulin secretion
