Stevia: A Promising Herbal Sweeteners.

The article offers information about stevia, a perennial shrub which serves as a natural and healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. This herbal sweetener has sweet tasting glycosides, primarily Stevioside which help reduce postprandial blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Studies on the general and reproductive toxicity of stevia demonstrates its safety profile at high dietary intake levels. Meanwhile, it has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a dietary supplement or herb.