Study Unveils Therapeutic Potential of Stevia: A Sweet Solution for Chronic Diseases

PKC is known to play a significant role in the development of inflammatory, autoimmune, endocrine, and cardiovascular illnesses.

A recent study from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati has revealed the remarkable therapeutic properties of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni), commonly known as candy leaf. Recognized for its natural non-caloric sweetening characteristics, stevia is now being recognized for its potential in treating endocrine, metabolic, immune, and cardiovascular diseases due to its impact on cellular signaling systems.

The study, led by Dr Asis Bala, Associate Professor, Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director, and Research Scholar Ms. Piyali Devroy, utilized a pioneering multimodal strategy that integrated network pharmacology with both in vitro and in vivo techniques. This comprehensive approach demonstrated that stevia's active compounds inhibit the phosphorylation of Protein Kinase C (PKC), a critical pathway associated with inflammation and various diseases.

PKC is known to play a significant role in the development of inflammatory, autoimmune, endocrine, and cardiovascular illnesses. By suppressing PKC phosphorylation, stevia alters downstream pathways that contribute to inflammation, a major factor in endocrine metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. This groundbreaking finding establishes stevia as a potential therapeutic agent in managing diseases such as diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), autoimmune diabetes, chronic inflammation-related autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney diseases, and cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and vasculopathy.

Furthermore, the research highlighted the interaction between stevia's active molecules and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), emphasizing the need for further investigations to fully understand the implications of these interactions. The findings, published in the journal "Food Bioscience," not only illuminate stevia's medicinal potential but also identify new targets for treating immunological, endocrine, and cardiovascular problems.

As Assam continues to export stevia worldwide, the North Eastern Council of the Government of India has emphasized the cultivation of stevia as a means to bolster the northeastern economy. With the increasing global demand for natural sweeteners and the therapeutic properties identified in this study, stevia is poised to become a key player in both health and economic sectors.

This study underscores the importance of innovative strategies and robust scientific data to support traditional therapeutic practices. It opens up new avenues for research into stevia's application in modern medicine, paving the way for its integration into treatment protocols for chronic diseases.