Optimizing Growth through Systematic Evaluation of Salinity, Putrescine, and Sodium Nitroprusside Levels in Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia rebaudiana, a natural sweetener source, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential as a sugar substitute with minimal caloric impact. To maximize its cultivation and production efficiency, it is imperative to optimize its growth conditions. In the present study, we performed a pot experiment in the polyhouse of the Department of Horticulture at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and investigated the effects of salinity stress (NaCl), exogenous application of putrescine (Put), a polyamine, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of nitic oxide, as foliar spray on different morpho-physiological traits such as plant height, number of leaves per plant and SPAD or chlorophyll content in Stevia over different time intervals under in vivo conditions. Our findings revealed that mild salinity stress (15 and 30 mM NaCl) caused a lesser reduction in plant growth characteristics. However, excessive salinity (120 mM NaCl) had adverse effects on plant health, particularly at 15 days. We observed that higher concentrations of Put (1 mM and 2 mM) positively influenced all the studied growth indices as compared to control and NaCl treated plants. This indicates the potential for Put to be used as a growth regulator in Stevia cultivation. Similarly, 150 µM and 200 µM SNP treatments produced best results in Stevia plants by significantly enhancing plant height, leaf number and SPAD at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days. Therefore, SNP can be used as a potential growth promoting agent in Stevia plants. These findings have significant implications for sustainable Stevia cultivation, ensuring a stable supply of natural, low-calorie sweeteners for the food and beverage industry.

Cambios en el pH salival de pacientes con ortodoncia fija, tras la aplicación de dos tipos de enjuagues bucales / Changes in salivary pH in patients with fixed orthodontics following the use of two types of mouthwashes

Introducción: Los enjuagues bucales contribuyen a la inhibición de la formación de la placa bacteriana y, por tanto, pueden ayudar a mantener el pH salival cercano a neutro. Objetivo: Identificar cambios en el pH salival de pacientes portadores de aparatología ortodóncica fija, después del enjuague con una solución de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni y un enjuague comercial de aceites esenciales. Métodos: Se realizó un experimento clínico con un diseño factorial mixto en pacientes portadores de aparatología ortodóncica fija. Una vez firmado el consentimiento informado, treinta y dos pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a uno de 2 grupos: la solución de S. rebaudiana B. al 2 por ciento o un enjuague comercial de aceites esenciales. Se utilizaron 15 ml de enjuague durante 60 s en todos los pacientes. El pH salival fue medido por dos observadores independientes calibrados, utilizando papel medidor de pH antes del enjuague (medición basal) y después del enjuague, a los 5 y 20 min. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el ANOVA mixto. Resultados: Se encontró una interacción estadísticamente significativa entre el tipo de tratamiento y el momento de medición del pH. Los pH medio de los grupos S. rebaudiana y aceites esenciales fueron respectivamente en la medición basal: 6,61 y 6,52 (p = 0,72); a los 5 min: 7,61 y 7,77 (p = 0,40); y a los 20 min: 7,72 y 6,82 (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Ambos enjuagues tenían el efecto de aumentar el pH salival a niveles alcalinos a los 5 min, pero solo el enjuague de S. rebaudiana B. al 2 por ciento mantuvo el pH básico a los 20 min(AU)

Introduction: Mouthwashes contribute to the inhibition of bacterial plaque formation and, therefore, may help to maintain salivary pH close to neutral. Objective: To identify changes in salivary pH in patients with fixed orthodontics after using a Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni solution and a commercial essential oil mouthwash. Methods: A clinical experiment with a mixed factorial design was carried out in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Once informed consent was signed, thirty-two patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups: 2 % S. rebaudiana B. solution or a commercial essential oil mouthwash. Fifteen ml of mouthwash was used for 60 s in all patients. Salivary pH was measured by two independent calibrated observers using pH-measuring paper before rinsing (basal measurement) and after rinsing, after 5 and 20 min. The data were analyzed by mixed ANOVA. Results: A statistically significant interaction was found between the type of treatment and the time of pH measurement. The medium pH of the S. rebaudiana and essential oil groups were respectively as per basal measurement: 6.61 and 6.52 (p = 0.72); after 5 min: 7.61 and 7.77 (p = 0.40); and after 20 min: 7.72 and 6.82 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both mouthwashes had the effect of increasing salivary pH to alkaline levels after 5 min, but only the 2 percent S. rebaudiana B. mouthwash maintained the basic pH after 20 min(AU)

Effect of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni infusion on enamel demineralization and dental biofilm formation: an in-situ study / Efeito da infusão de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni na desmineralização do esmalte e na formação do biofilme dental: um estudo in situ

Aim: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Stevia) is a natural non--caloric sweetener that can modify the cariogenicity of biofilms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ste-via infusion in microbial and biochemical composition of biofilms formed in the presence of sucrose and on enamel demineralization. Materials and Methods: In a cross-over design, eleven volunteers wore an intraoral palatal appliance containing 4 slabs of bovine enamel during 3 phases of 7 days each. Sucrose solution (20%) was dripped onto slabs 8 times/day and 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), or 5% infusion of Stevia were dripped 2x/day. Biofilm formed on the slabs was collected and analyzed for counts of microorganisms (total bacteria, Lactobacilli, Candida spp., and Streptococcus mutans) biochemical composition in terms of soluble and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides and qualitative assessment by scanning electron microscopy. The per-centage of surface hardness loss (%SHL) was determined on enamel slabs taken baseline and post-biofilm Knoop surface hardness values. Results: The % SHL in the CHX treatment was statistically lower in comparison to NaCl (p < 0.05). No differences were found between Stevia and CHX and between Stevia and NaCl. No other difference was found among the experimental groups with respect to the other outcomes. Discussion: Under high carioge-nic conditions resembling frequent exposure to sucrose and absence of mechanical disruption, use of Stevia can neither modify the counts of cariogenic microorganisms nor the concentration of extracellular polysaccharides on in situ formed biofilms. This may have occurred due to the exposure of the biofilm to high sucrose concentration for all treatments and the condi-tion of the microorganism growth in situ, which may hinder the diffusion of substances through the thick biofilm. Conclusion: Biofilm exposed to a high cariogenic challenge and without mechanical disruption is not affected by an infusion of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.

Objetivo: A Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Stevia) é um adoçante natural não calórico que pode modificar a cariogenicidade de biofilmes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da infusão de Stevia na composição microbiana e bioquímica de biofilmes formados na presença de sacarose e na desmineralização do esmalte. Materiais e métodos: Em um desenho cruzado, onze voluntários usaram um aparelho intraoral palatino contendo 4 pla-cas de esmalte bovino durante 3 fases de 7 dias cada. A solução de sacarose (20%) foi gotejada em placas 8 vezes/dia e cloreto de sódio a 0,9% (NaCl), clorexidina a 0,12% (CHX) ou infusão a 5% de Stevia foram gotejados 2x/dia. O biofilme formado nas placas foi coletado e analisado para contagem da composição bioquímica de microrganismos (bactérias totais, Lactobacilos, Candida spp. e Streptococcus mutans) em termos de polissaca-rídeos extracelulares solúveis e insolúveis e avaliação qualitativa por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. A porcentagem de perda de dureza superficial (%SHL) nos blocos de esmalte foi determinada com base nos valores de dureza superficial Knoop tomadas no início e pós-biofilme. Resultados: O % SHL no tratamento CHX foi estatisticamente menor em comparação ao NaCl (p < 0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre Stevia e CHX e entre Stevia e NaCl. Nenhuma outra diferença foi encontrada entre os grupos experimentais em re-lação aos outros resultados. Discussão: Sob condições cariogênicas elevadas que se assemelham a exposição frequente à sacarose e ausência de disrupção mecânica, o uso de Stevia não pode modificar as contagens de microrganismos cariogênicos nem a concentração de polissacarídeos extracelulares em biofilmes formados in situ. Isso pode ter ocorrido devido à exposição do biofilme à alta concentração de sacarose para todos os tratamentos e à condição de crescimento do microrganismo in situ, o que pode dificultar a difusão de substâncias através do biofilme espesso. Conclusão: O biofilme exposto a um alto desafio cariogênico e sem disruptucao mecânica não é afetado por uma infusão de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.

Effect of the consumption of a fibrous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Stems on glycemia / Efecto del consumo de un extracto fibroso de tallos de stevia rebaudiana Bertoni sobre la glicemia

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect of the ingestion of a fibrous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni stems on postprandial glycemia levels in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional, experimental research, carried out with ethical conditions of consent and reliability, in the Laboratory for the Evaluation of Nutritional Status of the Autonomous University of Carmen. For the clinical and anthropometric assessment of the participants, a medical history and body composition scan were used, respectively. The study population consisted of 16 healthy women with normal body mass indices (20-25 kg/m2). Instruments: a) Clinical-dietetic record and b) Biochemical data obtained from blood sampling obtained at different times. The data analysis was carried out with descriptive statistics. Results: The results shown in the group of participants in this study, it was observed that the mean value of the area under the curve (AUC) of glucose was 709.18 ± 23.60, while that of the fibrous extract of stevia stems was 556.59 ± 50.47. Conclusions: Stevia rebaudiana stems, due to their dietary fiber content, can be an alternative for the use and revaluation of sustained waste in the circular economy in the development of functional products, giving it an added value that contributes in some way to reducing overweight and obesity, with a hypoglycemic effect in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la ingesta de un extracto fibroso de tallos de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni sobre los niveles de glicemia postprandial en sujetos sanos. Materiales y Métodos: Investigación transversal, experimental, realizada con condiciones éticas de consentimiento y confiabilidad, en el laboratorio de Evaluación del Estado Nutricional de la Universidad Autónoma del Carmen. Para la valoración clínica y antropométrica de los participantes se utilizó una historia clínica y escáner de composición corporal, respectivamente. La población de estudio fue conformada por 16 mujeres sanas con índices de masa corporal normales (20-25 kg/m2). Instrumentos: a) Expediente clínico-dietético y b) Datos bioquímicos obtenidos de la toma sanguínea obtenidos en los diferentes tiempos. Se realizó el análisis de los datos con estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Los resultados mostrados en el grupo de participantes en este estudio, se observó que el valor medio del área bajo la curva (AUC) de la glucosa fue de 709.18 ± 23.60, mientras que el del extracto fibroso de tallos de stevia fue de 556.59 ± 50.47. Conclusiones: Los tallos de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. por su contenido en fibra dietética, pueden ser una alternativa para el uso y revalorización de residuos sostenidos en la economía circular en el desarrollo de productos funcionales, otorgándole un valor agregado que contribuye de alguna manera a reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad, con efecto hipoglucemiante en pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 2.

Proximate Analysis, Phytochemical Analysis, Colour Estimation, Antioxidant, Antibacterial Analysis, Shelflife Analysis of Sugarfree Burfi Optimization from Quinoa Seed Powder and Stevia

Quinoa seed powder and stevia has several health benefits. stevia has been naturally incorporated with sugar making it beneficial for diabetic patients. Burfi was an Indian popular sweet with harmful content and qualities. So, burfi was prepared using quinoa seed powder and stevia to incorporate benefits of plant compounds quercetin and kaempferide with the help of physicochemical analysis, proximate analysis, phytochemical analysis, antioxidant analysis shelf-life analysis and colour estimation analysis. The moisture content of optimized burfi and control burfi was obtained to be 15-20% percent respectively. The protein content of optimized burfi and control burfi have value 18.97-20.286% percent respectively. The fat content of optimized burfi and control burfi were 18.630-21.972% percent respectively. The ash content of optimized burfi and control burfi 3.4-4% percent respectively. The Titrable acidity of optimized burfi and control burfi were 1.035-1.16% percent respectively. The carbohydrate of optimized burfi and control burfi were 31.66-25.708% percent respectively. The crude fiber of optimized burfi and control burfi were 0-1.25% percent respectively. The calcium of optimized burfi and control burfi were 571-520 mg respectively. The pH of optimized burfi and control burfi were 7.99-8.03 pH respectively etc. Antioxidant activity was analysed using the in standard spectrophotometer method. Optimized quinoa burfi was investigated for their in-scavenging activities using 1,1-diphenyl-1-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Then check the Shelflife at 10 days. T0 - 3.27×102, T1 - 3.36×102, T2 - 4.72×102. Coliform was 0. The quinoa seed powder expands DPPH searching action up to 43.13 µg of focus Other khoa burfi making it good for diabetic and ordinary individuals. The research was done at the research centre of food science examination Laboratory, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University. Lucknow (INDIA).

Effect of 4.7% Stevia Solution Mouth Rinsing on Salivary pH: An In Vivo Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Stevia is a natural, non-caloric sweetener with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cariogenic properties. Aim was to assess and compare the effect of 4.7% stevia solution, 4.7% sucrose solution and distilled water mouth rinsing on salivary pH. Methods: Randomized controlled trial with latin square design was followed involving 15 female participants aged 20-23 years. Participants were randomly allocated to three interventional groups; Group A: 4.7% stevia mouth rinse, Group B: 4.7% sucrose mouth rinse and Group C: distilled water mouth rinse. Salivary pH assessments were done at baseline and 1, 20 and 60 minutes post intervention using salivary pH indicator strips. For statistical analysis, significance level was fixed at p<0.05. One way and repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post Hoc tests were used for data analysis Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in salivary pH post rinsing with stevia solution (at 1, 20 and 60 minutes respectively) compared to sucrose solution and distilled water mouth rinsing Conclusion: Stevia solution mouth rinsing showed significant increase in salivary pH at one hour from baseline compared to sucrose and distilled water mouth rinsing. Hence, it may serve as an anti-cariogenic sugar substitute.

Product Optimization, Storage Quality and Sensory Acceptance of Low Calorie Beverage Developed from Bitter Gourd and Kiwifruit

Abstract Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) fruit is good source of many nutraceutical compounds and possess antioxidant, anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic activities. However, its utilization in the preparation of beverages is limited due to its bitter after taste. Therefore, to realize the functional and therapeutic benefits of bitter gourd, an attempt was made to optimize nutritious and low caloriebitter gourd based beverage by blending with kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), a store house of bioactive compounds and substituting sugar with stevioside (steviol glycoside). The standard (sugar sweetened) bitter gourd (BG)-kiwifruit (K) blended beverage was developed by utilizing 30% fruit part of BG:K blended juice (80: 20) with 40oB TSS and 1.3% acidity. Further, to develop the low calorie beverage, sucrose (table sugar) was replaced with 25, 50, 75 and 100% equi-sweetness level of stevioside (steviol glycoside). Results revealed that 75% substitution of sucrose with stevioside resulted in shelf stable beverage with identical taste, good antioxidant potential (68.80%) and strong antimicrobial activity (26 mm ZOI) with reduced calorie values (28.5 Kcal/100g) compared to the sugar sweetened control sample (150.60 Kcal/100g). Hence, the developed beverage can be commercialized as low calorie beverage with additional health benefits of natural compounds of bitter gourd and kiwifruit with highest bioactivity.

Edulcorantes artificiales y su papel en la enfermedad renal crónica: una revisión

Los edulcorantes no calóricos surgieron como una opción segura y saludable en el marco de la alimentación y, por lo tanto, han sido de gran interés en la cultura dietética adquirida en la actualidad; es importante mencionar que en esta cultura adquirida el consumo de comida rápida y con altos niveles de azúcar ha tomado especial fuerza, lo que repercute negativamente en la incidencia de enfermedades metabólicas. En este orden de ideas, los edulcorantes no calóricos se convierten en una mejor opción para la salud en la que no es necesario hacer un cambio drástico en el estilo de vida. No obstante, los beneficios de los edulcorantes artificiales no calóricos no han sido estudiados a profundidad y no se ha evidenciado que una dieta a base de estos sustitutivos provoque un cambio significativo en el desarrollo de enfermedades metabólicas asociadas al consumo de azúcar, por el contrario, se han relacionado con enfermedades como obesidad, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y síndrome metabólico. Asimismo, estos pueden provocar una serie de cambios metabólicos a través de distintos mecanismos que terminan en proteinuria progresiva y descenso de la tasa de filtrado glomerular. A partir de lo anterior, se hace necesario un análisis del riesgo que se corre al elegir esta opción alimenticia, para así no dejarse llevar por los procesos mediáticos que los promocionan, sino más bien, regirse por los hallazgos científicos.

Non-caloric artificial sweeteners have emerged to offer a safe and healthy option in the framework of food. They have received special attention in recent decades, precisely because of the current food culture, where fast food and high sugar consumption have taken on special strength, which has a negative impact on the incidence of metabolic diseases. In that order of ideas, non-caloric artificial sweeteners propose better health without the need for a drastic change in lifestyle. However, its benefits have not been studied in depth, in addition to the fact that there has been no significant change in the development of metabolic diseases associated with sugar consumption, on the contrary, they have been related to diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Likewise, they cause a series of metabolic changes by different mechanisms that end in progressive proteinuria and a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. In order with the above, an analysis of the risk to which one is subjected when choosing this food option is necessary, and not be deafened, much less dazzled by the media processes, if not rather, be governed by scientific findings.

Consumo crónico de edulcorantes en ratones y su efecto sobre el sistema inmunitario y la microbiota del intestino delgado / Chronic consumption of sweeteners in mice and its effect on the immune system and the small intestine microbiota

Resumen Introducción. Los edulcorantes son aditivos que se consumen en los alimentos. Pueden ser naturales (sacarosa y estevia) o artificiales (sucralosa). Actualmente, se consumen rutinariamente en múltiples productos, y sus efectos en la mucosa y la microbiota del intestino delgado aún son controversiales. Objetivo. Relacionar el consumo de edulcorantes y su efecto en el sistema inmunitario y la microbiota del intestino delgado en ratones CD1. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 54 ratones CD1 de tres semanas de edad divididos en tres grupos: un grupo de tres semanas sin tratamiento, un grupo tratado durante seis semanas y un grupo tratado durante 12 semanas. Se les administró sacarosa, sucralosa y estevia. A partir del intestino delgado, se obtuvieron linfocitos B CD19+ y células IgA+, TGF-ß (Transforming Growth Factor-beta) o el factor de crecimiento transformador beta (TGF-beta), IL-12 e IL-17 de las placas de Peyer y de la lámina propia. De los sólidos intestinales se obtuvo el ADN para identificar las especies bacterianas. Resultados. Después del consumo de sacarosa y sucralosa durante 12 semanas, se redujeron las comunidades bacterianas, la IgA+ y el TGF-beta, se aumentó el CD19+, y además, se incrementaron la IL-12 y la IL-17 en las placas de Peyer; en la lámina propia, aumentaron todos estos valores. En cambio, con la estevia mejoraron la diversidad bacteriana y el porcentaje de linfocitos CD19+, y hubo poco incremento de IgA+, TGF-ß e IL-17, pero con disminución de la IL-17. Conclusión. La sacarosa y la sucralosa alteraron negativamente la diversidad bacteriana y los parámetros inmunitarios después de 12 semanas, en contraste con la estevia que resultó benéfica para la mucosa intestinal.

Abstract Introduction: Sweeteners are additives used in different foods. They can be natural (sucrose and stevia) or artificial (sucralose). Currently, they are routinely consumed in multiple products and their effects on the mucosa of the small intestine and its microbiota are still controversial. Objective: To relate the consumption of sweeteners and their effect on the immune system and the microbiota of the small intestine in CD1 mice. Materials and methods: We used 54 three-week-old CD1 mice divided into three groups in the experiments: 1) A group of three weeks without treatment, 2) a group treated for six weeks, and 3) a group treated for 12 weeks using sucrose, sucralose, and stevia. We obtained CD19+ B lymphocytes, IgA+ antibodies, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b), and interleukins 12 and 17 (IL-12 and -17) from Peyer's patches and lamina propria cells while DNA was obtained from intestinal solids to identify bacterial species. Results: After 12 weeks, sucrose and sucralose consumption caused a reduction in bacterial communities with an increase in CD19+, a decrease in IgA+ and TGF-b, and an increase in IL-12 and -17 in the Peyer's patches while in the lamina propria there was an increase in all parameters. In contrast, stevia led to an improvement in bacterial diversity and percentage of CD19+ lymphocytes with minimal increase in IgA+, TGF-b, and IL-12, and a decrease in IL-17. Conclusion: Sucrose and sucralose caused negative alterations in bacterial diversity and immune parameters after 12 weeks; in contrast, stevia was beneficial for the intestinal mucosa.

La ingesta de stevia modifica la dinámica del peso corporal, la glucosa y el colesterol en ratas hembras: Algoritmo k-NNs / Stevia availability modifies body weight dynamics, glucose and cholesterol in female rats: k-NN algorithm

El consumo de stevia ha sido promovido por su bajo aporte calórico, su efecto antidiabético y antihipercolesterolémico. Sin embargo, los efectos de la ingesta de stevia parecen no ser los mismos para las ratas hembras respecto de los machos. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la ingesta de stevia sobre el consumo de alimento, peso corporal y niveles de glucosa, insulina, colesterol y triglicéridos en ratas hembras Wistar durante 13 semanas y realizar un análisis predictivo del peso corporal y la ingesta de alimento a 20 semanas. Se utilizaron 20 ratas hembras adultas, que se dividieron en 2 grupos: control (CG) y stevia (SG), ambos grupos recibieron agua y comida a libre acceso, así como una solución de stevia al 0,2 % para el grupo SG. Se registró diariamente el consumo de alimento, agua y solución de stevia; la medición del peso corporal se realizó semanalmente. Al final de las 13 semanas de experimentación, los animales se sacrificaron para evaluar los parámetros metabolicos. El grupo SG mostró un mayor consumo de alimento, mayor proporción de ganancia de peso corporal, niveles de glucosa y colesterol que el grupo CG. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los niveles de triglicéridos e insulina. Respecto al análisis predictivo (semanas 14-20), se mantiene un incremento significativo en el consumo de alimento y se observa una tendencia de aumento en la proporción de ganancia de peso corporal. Esto indica que el consumo de stevia en ratas hembras parece no tener los mismos efectos benéficos reportados en machos(AU)

Consumption of stevia has been promoted due to its low caloric intake, it's effects as anti-diabetic and anti-hypercholesterolemic. However, the effects of stevia consumption is apparently not the same in females than males. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of stevia intake on meal consumption, body weight and levels of glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides in female Wistar rats during 13 weeks and develop a predictive analysis of the body weight and meal intake over 20 weeks. 20 adult female rats were utilized, these were divided into two groups: control (CG) and stevia (SG), both groups received free access to water and food, the SG also received a stevia solution at 0.2%. Consumption of food, water and stevia solution was recorded daily, while weight was recorded weekly. At the end of the 13 weeks of experiment, the subjects were sacrificed to evaluate the metabolic parameters. The SG group showed a higher consumption of food, higher proportion of body weight gain, glucose levels and cholesterol than the CG. No significant differences were found in levels of triglyceride or insulin. Respect to the predictive analysis (weeks 14-20), a significant increase in food consumption is maintained and an increasing trend is observed in the proportion of body weight gain. This indicates that stevia consumption appears not to have the same benefit effects in female rats than male rats(AU)

Consumo de stevia según nivel socioeconómico y sexo en universitarios chilenos / Consumption of stevia according to socioeconomic level and sex in Chilean universities

La Stevia es un edulcorante no calórico de origen natural. En Chile, se ha convertido en uno de los edulcorantes más populares y de mayor consumo. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la ingesta de Stevia según nivel socioeconómico (NSE) y sexo en una muestra de 473 estudiantes universitarios chilenos durante el periodo abril-junio 2014; 67% de sexo femenino y edad promedio de 20,4 ± 2,5 años. El consumo de Stevia fue de 0,85 mg/kg/día, no superó la ingesta diaria admisible (IDA) y, el mayor consumo fue de 83,7% del IDA. Se encontró una mayor ingesta de Stevia en mujeres de NSE alto y medio-alto que se consumieron a través de la ingesta de alimentos y gotas (p<0,05). Al comparar por sexo y NSE, las mujeres de NSE alto presentaron un mayor consumo (0,64 ± 1,4), en comparación con los hombres (0,26 ± 0,48) (p<0,05). Mientras que en los estratos bajos las diferencias entre mujeres y hombres fueron (0,42 ± 0,41) y (0,11 ± 0,42) respectivamente. El principal resultado de este estudio es que el consumo de Stevia es mayor en estudiantes universitarias de mayor nivel socioeconómico, específicamente alto y medio alto. Se esperaría un incremento en el consumo ENCs post incorporación de la nueva ley de etiquetado nutricional (Ley 20.606) del año 2016. Se sugieren nuevas investigaciones acerca del consumo de edulcorantes en grupos poblacionales de distintos estratos socioeconómicos(AU)

Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener of natural origin. In Chile, it has become one of the most popular and widely consumed non-caloric sweeteners. The objective of this study was to compare Stevia intake according to socioeconomic level (SES) and sex in a sample of 473 Chilean university students from Abril to June 2014; 67% female with an average age of 20.4 ± 2.5 years. Stevia consumption did not exceed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) and the highest consumption reached 83.7% of the ADI. A higher intake of Stevia was found in women with high and medium-high SES consumed in food and drops (p<0.05). Comparing by sex and SES, women with high SES had a higher intake compared to men (p<0.05). While in the lower strata the difference between women and men were (0,42 ± 0,41) and (0,11 ± 0,42) respectively. The main result of this study is that the intake of Stevia is highest in University students in a higher socioeconomic class, specifically high and upper middle classes. This study suggests further research focuses on the consumption of sweeteners in this particular group. An ENCs intake increase would be expected after the incorporation of the new law of nutritional labels in 2016. New investigations of sweeteners intake are suggested in different socioeconomic groups in the population(AU)

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Phylloplane Mycoflora of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni

The aim of the present investigation is to study the fungal flora of young and matureleaves of S. rebaudiana. Young and mature leaves of S. rebaudiana were used for isolation offungi. Phylloplane mycoflora were isolated from leaves of S. rebaudiana by using threemethods i.e. dilution plate method, leaf impression method and leaf washing method. Dilutionplate method and leaf washing method were applied for quantitative analysis and leafimpression method for qualitative analysis. A total of 35 fungal species comprisingZygomycetes, Ascomycetes and Deuteromycetes including sterile forms were isolated duringthe course of investigation. A total of thirteen fungal species viz. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A.fumigatus, Penicillium cyclopium, P. chrysogenum, Cladosporium elatum, C. cladosporioides,Mucor etc. were isolated from mature leaves. Eleven fungal species were found by leafimpression method, eight by leaf washing method and six by dilution plate method.Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium species were found to be dominant among all thespecies. Phylloplane fungal population on mature leaves of S. rebaudiana was 1.68×102 /cm2leaf area. Thus, the outcome of study presents a clear picture about fungal population anddiversity in phylloplane of S. rebaudiana mature leaves.

Efectos de la ingesta de los edulcorantes estevia y D-tagatosa sobre el metabolismo de la glucosa, ácido úrico y apetito-saciedad / Effects of stevia and D-tagatose sweeteners intake om glucose, uric acid metabolism and appetite-satiety

INTRODUCCIÓN: Si bien, los edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN) estevia y D-tagatosa han sido reportados como seguros, han demostrado tener algunos efectos metabólicos tras su ingesta. OBJETIVO: Describir los efectos de la ingesta de estevia y D-tagatosa sobre el metabolismo de la glucosa y ácido úrico, y del apetito-saciedad, a partir de la evidencia disponible. MÉTODOS: Revisión descriptiva. Se realizó búsqueda en PubMed utilizando los siguientes términos y palabras clave: "stevia rebaudiana", "tagatose", "D-tagatose", "blood glucose", "insulin", "metabolic processes", "uric acid", "hyperuricemia", "appetite" o "satiety". El análisis de los estudios seleccionados fue discrecional. RESULTADOS: Existen estudios que demuestran efectos beneficiosos tras el consumo de estevia o D-tagatosa sobre el control glicémico, apetito y saciedad tanto en sujetos sanos como con alteraciones en el metabolismo de la glucosa. Por otra parte, un número importante de estudios que evalúan la ingesta de estevia reportan efectos nulos sobre dichos parámetros. En relación al ácido úrico, solo un estudio en sujetos con enfermedad renal crónica reporta aumento en la concentración de ácido úrico plasmático tras la ingesta de 500 mg/día de estevia. Pocos estudios han evaluado el efecto de la ingesta de D-tagatosa sobre uricemia, en sujetos sanos y diabéticos, reportando un aumento transitorio y significativo en los niveles de ácido úrico sérico, sin embargo, no se ha logrado demostrar un efecto hiperuricémico asociado. Es importante destacar que la metodología de los estudios revisados es heterogénea, especialmente en relación al tamaño muestral, tiempo, dosis y vía de adminitración del edulcorante. CONCLUSIÓN: La ingesta de estevia y D-tagatosa ha demostrado efectos beneficiosos sobre el metabolismo de la glucosa, el apetito y la saciedad. El efecto del consumo de D-tagatosa sobre ácido úrico sérico requiere mayor evidencia para demostrar su significancia clínica.

INTRODUCTION: No-nutritive sweeteners stevia and D-tagatose have been reported as safe according to their acceptable daily intake, however, they have been shown to have metabolic effects after their ingestion. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effects of stevia and D-tagatose intake on parameters associated to glucose, uric acid metabolism and on appetite-satiety, considering the available evidence. METHODS: Descriptive review. PubMed search was carried out to identify the totality of the published articles. The following terms and key words were used: "stevia rebaudiana", "tagatose", "D-tagatose", "blood glucose", "insulin", "metabolic processes", "uric acid", "hyperuricemia", "appetite" o "satiety". The analysis of the selected studies was discretionary. RESULTS: studies have shown beneficial effects of stevia and D-tagatose consumption on glycemic control, appetite and satiety in healthy subjects as well as subjects with impairment glucose metabolism. On the other hand, a significant number of studies evaluating estevia intake report null effects on these parameters. In relation to uric acid, only one study in subjects with chronic kidney disease reported an increase in plasmatic uric acid concentration after the intake of 500 mg/day of stevia. Several studies have evaluated the effect of D-tagatose intake on plasmatic uric acid, in healthy and diabetic subjects, reporting a transient and significant increase in serum uric acid levels, however, has not been able to demonstrate an associated hyperuricemic effect. It is important to highlight that the methodology of the studies reviewed is heterogeneous, especially in relation to sample size, dose administered, time and route of exposure to the sweetener. CONCLUSION: Stevia and D-tagatose intake has shown beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, appetite and satiety. The effects of the consumption of both sweeteners on uric acid require further study to demonstrate their clinic significance.

Pollen viability and meiotic irregularities in a collection of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni cultivated in Tucumán, Argentina / Viabilidad de polen e irregularidades meióticas en una colección de Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni cultivada en Tucumán, Argentina

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni (2n=2x=22) (Asteraceae family) is a species of economic value due to the presence of steviol glycosides in leaves -mainly stevioside and rebaudioside A- which are non-caloric sugars. In 2013, a collection of plants (genotypes) from four contrasting environments was established in Tucuman, Argentina, for evaluation under local conditions and, eventually, breeding purposes. As a first step, pollen viability and meiosis was studied in a sample of 56 plants. The percentage of pollen viability varied from medium (69.4%) to high (99.6%) in 52 of them, but from low (36.5%) to relatively low (51.5%) in the remaining four. The latter four plants also presented pollen grains of heterogeneous size, which were classified as n (normal, the most frequent size in the sample),

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni (2n=2x=22) (familia Asteraceae) es una especie de valor economico debido a la presencia de glucosidos de esteviol en sus hojas, principalmente esteviosido y rebaudiosido A, que son azucares no caloricos. En 2013, se establecio una coleccion de plantas (genotipos) provenientes de cuatro ambientes contrastantes en Tucuman, Argentina, para su evaluacion en condiciones locales y, eventualmente, con fines de mejoramiento genetico. Como primer paso, se estudio la viabilidad del polen y la meiosis en una muestra de 56 plantas. El porcentaje de viabilidad del polen fue de medio (69,4%) a alto (99,6%) en 52 de ellas, pero de bajo (36,5%) a relativamente bajo (51,2%) en las cuatro restantes. Las ultimas cuatro plantas tambien presentaron granos de polen de tamano heterogeneo, que se clasificaron como n (normal, el tamano mas frecuente en la muestra),

Atividade antimicrobiana de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni e de adoçantes não calóricos sobre bactérias cariogênicas: estudo in vitro / Antimicrobial activity of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and non-caloric sweeteners on cariogenic bacteria: in vitro study

Objetivo: avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro da planta Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni e de adoçantes não calóricos sobre o crescimento de Streptococcus mutanse Lactobacillus casei, micro-organismos cariogênicos presentes na cavidade bucal. Materiais e método: o estudo foi realizado utilizando as cepas padrões de S.mutans (UA159) e L. casei (ATCC7469). Foram avaliados diferentes compostos não calóricos substitutos dasacarose nas concentrações de 1%, 5% e 10%: eritritol(ER), Fit Sucralose® (SU), Stevita® (ST), solução de Steviarebaudiana Bertoni (SSr) e, como controle positivo,digluconato de clorexidina (DC). A análise do efeito inibitório desses compostos no crescimento das bactériasfoi feita por meio da técnica de difusão em ágar. Resultado:observou-se que existe um efeito inibitório decrescimento de ambos os micro-organismos por parte da SSr e do ER, enquanto os demais adoçantes testa dosnão tiveram efeito inibitório sobre esses micro-organismos.Conclusão: os resultados demonstram que SSR eER apresentam efeito inibidor no crescimento das cepastestadas de S. mutans e L. casei. (AU)

Objective: The study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant and non-caloric sweeteners on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei, which are cariogenic microorganisms present in the oral cavity. Materials and method: The study was conducted using the standard strains of S. mutans (UA159) and L. casei (ATCC7469). Different non-caloric compounds were evaluated at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10%: erythritol (ER), Fit Sucralose™ (SU), Stevita™ (ST), Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni solution (SSr), and chlorhexidine digluconate (CD) as positive control. The inhibitory effect of these compounds on the growth of bacteria were analyzed by the agar diffusion technique. Result: There was a growth inhibition effect for both microorganisms by SSr and ER, whereas the other sweeteners tested had no inhibitory effect on the microorganisms. Conclusion: The results showed that SSr and ER present an inhibitory effect on the growth the strains tested of S. mutans and L. casei. (AU)

Consumo actual de edulcorantes naturales (beneficios y problemática): Stevia / Current consumption of natural sweeteners (benefits and problems): Stevia

La estevia [Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)] es un arbusto de tipo perenne de la familia de las Asteraceas que crece en áreas tropicales y subtropicales de Suramérica. Hoy en día, su cultivo se ha extendido a otras regiones del mundo, incluyendo Canadá y algunas partes de Asia, Europa y México, donde sus hojas se han utilizado tradicionalmente como edulcorante natural durante cientos de años. En la actualidad, el uso potencial y las implicaciones prácticas de la estevia como un edulcorante se muestran en una serie de alimentos procesados, ya que contiene glucósidos de esteviol como ingrediente activo, que puede ser bajo o no calórico, y hasta 100-300 veces más dulce que la sacarosa. Además, las hojas secas de estevia contienen también minerales, vitaminas, compuestos fenólicos, flavonoides y otros compuestos antioxidantes, con propiedades antimicrobianas y antioxidantes. Stevia acumula hasta un 30 % de los glucósidos de esteviol (SGs por su sigla en inglés) del peso seco de las hojas. El esteviósido y el rebaudiósido A son las principales SGs. Desde diciembre de 2011, los SGs (E 960) se han autorizado como aditivo alimentario y edulcorante en Estados Unidos. Su uso en diversas categorías de alimentos está regulado como por ejemplo en suplementos alimenticios y alimentos dietéticos para propósitos médicos especiales y control de peso. Sin embargo, la información ofrecida al consumidor es engañosa y dista de ser confiable. Este artículo ofrece al público interesado, datos que deben de ser evaluados al comprar productos adicionados con estevia (AU).

Stevia [Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)] is a perennial shrub belonging to the Asteraceae family that grows in tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Today its cultivation has spread to other regions of the world, including Canada and some parts of Asia, Europe and México, where its leaves have been used traditionally as a natural sweetener for hundreds of years. Nowadays, the potential use and practical implications of Stevia as a sweetener are shown in a number of processed foods, because it contains steviol-glycosides, which are low- or non-caloric ingredients, up to 100­300 times sweeter than sucrose. In addition, dry Stevia leaves also contain minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and other antioxidant compounds, with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Stevia accumulates up to 30% of diterpenoid steviol glycosides (SGs) of the leaf dry weight. Stevioside and rebaudioside A are the major SGs. Since December 2011, SGs (E 960) have been permitted for use as food additive and a sweetener in the United States. Its use in various food categories is regulated, e.g. food supplements and dietary foods for special medical purposes and weight control. However, the information offered to the consumers is misleading and far from reliable. This article offers the interested public, data that should be evaluated when buying products added with Stevia (AU).

New seminal variety of Stevia rebaudiana: Obtaining fractions with high antioxidant potential of leaves

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the composition and antioxidant potential of leaves of a new variety of Stevia rebaudiana (Stevia UEM-13). Stevia leaves of UEM-13 contain rebaudioside A as the main glycoside, while most wild Stevia plants contain stevioside. Furthermore can be multiplied by seed, which reduces the cost of plant culture techniques as other clonal varieties are multiplied by buds, requiring sophisticated and expensive seedling production systems. Ethanol and methanol were used in the extraction to determine the bioactive compounds. The methanolic extract was fractionated sequentially with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and isobutanol, and the highest concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was obtained in the ethyl acetate fraction (524.20 mg galic acid equivalent/g; 380.62 µg quercetin equivalent/g). The glycoside content varied greatly among the fractions (0.5% - 65.3%). Higher antioxidant potential was found in the methanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction with 93.5% and 97.32%, respectively. In addition to being an excellent source for obtaining of extracts rich in glycoside, this new variety can also be used as raw material for the production of extracts or fractions with a significant amount of antioxidant activity and potential to be used as additives in food.

¿Se pueden recomendar en el embarazo los edulcorantes no nutritivos? / Can we recommend nonnutritive sweeteners during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a condition of special concern due to the need to care for both mother and fetus. One of the main recommendations during this time is weight control. Exceeding weight gain recommendations increases the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, obesity, pre-eclampsia, cesarean delivery, premature birth, neural tube defects, and macrosomia, among others. Thus, weight gain within guidelines decreases the chances of these complications. One recommended way to avoid excess weight gain is to replace sugar for nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS), bearing in mind that the sale of these substances, especially sodas and sweets, have increased worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the possible risks and benefits of perigestational consumption of NNS. NNS are widely consumed to substitute sugar and provide a sweet taste without contributing to energy intake; however there are no long-term studies in humans that confirm their safety. A study of the legal regulations of the use of NNS requires ongoing review, especially when it comes to pregnancy, since the statements of different health departments around the world are conflicting.

El embarazo es un momento de especial preocupación debido a que la atención se centra en la salud de la madre y el feto. Una de las recomendaciones para embarazadas es el control de peso. Exceder las recomendaciones sobre el incremento de peso gestacional aumenta el riesgo de padecer diabetes gestacional, hipertensión arterial, sobrepeso, obesidad, pre-eclampsia, parto por cesárea, partos prematuros, defectos del tubo neural, macrosomía, entre otros. Por lo tanto, un incremento de peso adecuado en el embarazo permite evitar estas complicaciones. Algunas de las recomendaciones para evitar el aumento de peso excesivo, es reemplazar la sacarosa por Edulcorantes no nutritivos (ENN), considerando que su consumo, y en especial de bebidas y productos azucarados, se ha incrementado a nivel mundial en los últimos años. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar la bibliografía disponible en relación a los posibles riesgos y beneficios de consumir ENN en el embarazo. Los ENN son ampliamente consumidos en la población, en reemplazo del azúcar, como una estrategia para el ahorro de calorías extras, sin embargo, su utilización en mujeres embarazadas no cuenta con estudios en humanos a largo plazo que avalen su seguridad. En relación al marco legal que regula el uso de ENN, se requiere de la revisión permanente para actualizar la información en relación a la seguridad de su consumo, especialmente en mujeres embarazadas, ya que al revisar las directrices de ministerios de salud de diversos países en relación a recomendar o no la utilización de ENN son discordantes.

Análisis de la evidencia disponible para el consumo de edulcorantes no calóricos. Documento de expertos / Analysis of the available evidence for the intake of non-caloric sweeteners. Expert document

Resumen Los edulcorantes no calóricos representan una buena alternativa para sustituir los sabores dulces sin la respuesta fisiológica que genera el consumo de azúcares. Por sí solos no son herramientas para el control de peso. Su consumo debe ir acompañado de una dieta correcta y un estilo de vida saludable que incluya actividad física. Su utilidad radica en proporcionar el agradable sabor dulce sin el aporte energético. La inocuidad de cada uno de los compuestos aprobados está comprobada y se reevalúa constantemente para tomar en cuenta los resultados de nuevos estudios. Debido a que no existe un edulcorante perfecto, la variedad ayuda a que se desarrollen productos cada vez más agradables para el consumidor. Este trabajo es fruto de una revisión exhaustiva de la bibliografía y de las discusiones de un panel de expertos de diversas especialidades: toxicología, ginecoobstetricia, pediatría, endocrinología, nutrición, medicina interna, salud pública y medicina preventiva, en el que se analizó extensamente la bibliografía se revisó una variedad de trabajos científicos que responden a las interrogantes que habitualmente se hacen los profesionales de la salud acerca de seguridad en diferentes grupos etáreos y con afecciones específicas, ingestión diaria admisible, etc.

Abstract Non-caloric sweeteners are a good alternative to replace the sweet flavors without the physiological response generated by the consumption of sugars. Alone they are not tools for weight control. Its intake must be accompanied by a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity. Its usefulness lies in providing a pleasant sweet taste without the energy intake. The safety of each of the compounds is tested and approved and constantly reassessed to take into account the results of new studies. Since there is no perfect sweetener, variety helps that more and more pleasing to the consumer products are developed. This work is the result of a comprehensive review of the literature and discussions of a panel of experts from various specialties: toxicology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, endocrinology, nutrition, internal medicine, public health and preventive medicine, where literature was widely analyzed reviewing a variety of scientific papers that address the questions that usually are made by health professionals on safety in different age groups and with specific diseases, acceptable daily intake, etc.

Morpho-anatomical study of Stevia rebaudiana roots grown in vitro and in vivo

ABSTRACT Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni, Asteraceae, is used as a food additive because its leaves are a source of steviol glycosides. There are examples of tissue culture based on micropropagation and phytochemical production of S. rebaudiana leaves but there are few studies on adventitious root culture of S. rebaudiana. More than 90% of the plants used in industry are harvested indiscriminately. In order to overcome this situation, the development of methodologies that employ biotechnology, such as root culture, provides suitable alternatives for the sustainable use of plants. The aim of this study was to compare morpho-anatomical transverse sections of S. rebaudiana roots grown in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro system used to maintain root cultures consisted of a gyratory shaker under dark and light conditions and a roller bottle system. Transverse sections of S. rebaudiana roots grown in vitro were structurally and morphologically different when compared to the control plant; roots artificially maintained in culture media can have their development affected by the degree of media aeration, sugar concentration, and light. GC–MS and TLC confirmed that S. rebaudiana roots grown in vitro have the ability to produce metabolites, which can be similar to those produced by wild plants.