The effect of Stevia on Hypertension

If you have elevated blood pressure (hypertension), there is evidence that Stevia may be of significant benefit. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness of oral stevioside in human hypertension was conducted last week.

Stevioside is a sweet-tasting glycoside, composed of stevia, a diterpenic carboxylic alcohol with three glucose molecules, mainly used as a substitute for non-alcoholic sweetener. It has previously been shown to reduce blood pressure in studies in animals and human.

A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was undertaken. This study group consisted of 106 Chinese hypertensive subjects with diastolic blood pressure between 95 and 110 mmHg and ages ranging from 28 to 75 years with 60 subjects (men 34, women 26; mean +/- s.d., 54.1+/-3.8 years) allocated to active treatment and 46 (men 19, women 27; mean +/- s.d., 53.7+/-4.1 years) to placebo treatment. Each subject was given capsules containing stevioside (250 mg) or placebo thrice daily and followed-up at monthly intervals for 1 year.

After 3 months, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the stevioside group decreased significantly and the effect persisted during the whole year.

Systolic blood pressure went from 166 to 153 – a 8% decrease. Diastolic blood pressure went from 105 to 90 – a 14% decrease.

Blood biochemistry parameters including lipid and glucose showed no significant changes. No significant adverse effect was observed and quality of life assessment showed no deterioration.