Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni (Honey Leaf): A Magnificent Natural Bio-sweetener, Biochemical Composition, Nutritional and Therapeutic Values

Abstract

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Bert.) is a nutrient rich natural alternative to artificial sweetener, belongs to Asteraceae family and contains over hundred phytochemicals. The most important components of S. rebaudiana is steviol glycosides, and that thanks to its high potency sweetening which estimated about 300 times sweeter than saccharose but besides this has no calorific value. Many research activities on its biochemical and biological properties have been done in recent past. Accordingly, stevia has numerous therapeutic values in the treatment of patients with diabet-related obesity, hypertension or cardiac disease, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activity, for which sweetening properties have been identified. The aim of this review is to present biochemical composition, nutritional value and application of stevia leaves and its beneficial value to health. Keywords: Stevia rebaudiana , Asteraceae, biochemical, biological  properties, sweetener, nutritional.