Is Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni a Non Cariogenic Sweetener? A Review

Gianmaria Fabrizio Ferrazzano; Tiziana Cantile; Brunella Alcidi; Marco Coda; Aniello Ingenito; Armando Zarrelli; Giovanni Di Fabio; Antonino Pollio

doi:10.3390/molecules21010038

Molecules (Dec 2015)

Is Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni a Non Cariogenic Sweetener? A Review

Gianmaria Fabrizio Ferrazzano,
Tiziana Cantile,
Brunella Alcidi,
Marco Coda,
Aniello Ingenito,
Armando Zarrelli,
Giovanni Di Fabio,
Antonino Pollio

Affiliations

Gianmaria Fabrizio Ferrazzano: Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, Section of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
Tiziana Cantile: Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, Section of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
Brunella Alcidi: Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, Section of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
Marco Coda: Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, Section of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
Aniello Ingenito: Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, Section of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
Armando Zarrelli: Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Cupa Nuova Cintia, 21-80126-Napoli, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy
Giovanni Di Fabio: Department of Chemical Sciences, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Cupa Nuova Cintia, 21-80126-Napoli, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy
Antonino Pollio: Department of Biology, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo, Cupa Nuova Cintia, 21-80126-Napoli, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples 80126, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21010038
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 21, no. 1
p. 38

Abstract

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Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a small perennial shrub of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family that is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay, where it is known as “stevia” or “honey leaf” for its powerful sweetness. Several studies have suggested that in addition to their sweetness, steviosides and their related compounds, including rebaudioside A and isosteviol, may offer additional therapeutic benefits. These benefits include anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diarrheal, diuretic, and immunomodulatory actions. Additionally, critical analysis of the literature supports the anti-bacterial role of steviosides on oral bacteria flora. The aim of this review is to show the emerging results regarding the anti-cariogenic properties of S. rebaudiana Bertoni. Data shown in the present paper provide evidence that stevioside extracts from S. rebaudiana are not cariogenic. Future research should be focused on in vivo studies to evaluate the effects on dental caries of regular consumption of S. rebaudiana extract-based products.

Published in Molecules

ISSN: 1420-3049 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Science: Chemistry: Organic chemistry
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules

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