Botanical Name : Stevia rebaudiana Bert.
Family : Asteraceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/087
Introduction :
In folk it used for digestive complaints. Its chemicals are useful in diabetes and hypertension.
Names in different Indian languages :
English : Stevia
Malayalam : Madhura tulasi
Tamil : Madhura tulasi
Morphology :
It is an under shrub,
Leaves – simple, opposite, obovate, serrated margin at ends
Flower – white
Fruit- capsule
Distribution & Habitat :
Cultivated
Karma :
Hypoglycemic, carminative
Indication :
Diabetes, hypertension, gastritis
Part used :
Whole plant
Dosage :
Leaf juice 10-15 ml
Powder 2-4 g
Decoction 50-100 ml
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
External:
Used in herbal toothpaste and mouth fresheners due to anti-cariogenic properties
Internal:
As a natural sweetener for diabetic patients
Useful in weight management
Supports pancreatic health and reduces blood sugar
Yoga/Formulations:
Stevia leaf powder
Stevia-based sugar substitutes
Incorporated in herbal teas, diabetic formulations
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
Research updates:
1. Mishra et al. (2023). Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Stevia rebaudiana in diabetic rats. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
2. Patel et al. (2021). Stevioside modulates insulin secretion in β-cell models. Phytotherapy Research.
3. Sharma et al. (2020). Comparative study on the antihyperglycemic effect of Stevia versus standard antidiabetic drugs. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology.
