Increase of insulin sensitivity by stevioside in fructose-rich chow-fed rats

Effect of steviol glycosides as natural sweeteners on glucose metabolism in adult participants

Steviol glycosides (SGs) are recognized as safe natural sweeteners; however, evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed an inconclusive effect of SGs on glucose metabolism in adult participants. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to assess the effect of SGs on glucose metabolism. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE to include eligible RCTs. Our primary outcomes were differences between SGs and the control group with respect to changes in blood glucose from the baseline to the end of intervention (including fasting blood glucose [FBG], and HbA1c measurements). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for data synthesis to calculate the pooled mean difference (MD). There were twelve RCTs included for analyses with a total of 871 participants (48% females). A significant effect of SGs on FBG (MD = -4.10 mg dl-1, 95% CI -6.55 to -1.65) was found, while no significant difference in HbA1c (MD = 0.01%, 95% CI -0.12% to 0.13%) was observed between SGs and controls. The whole quality of evidence was rated as low. Subgroup analyses demonstrated favorable effects of SGs on FBG in participants aged ≤50 years, those without diabetes mellitus (DM) or hypertension at the baseline, and overweight and obese adults. Sensitivity analyses yielded results largely similar to the main findings. To conclude, SGs are found to produce significant improvement in glucose metabolism in adult participants when compared with the control. More evidence is required to further clarify and support the benefit of SGs as a sugar substitute for glucose metabolism.

Steviol Glycoside, L-Arginine, and Chromium(III) Supplementation Attenuates Abnormalities in Glucose Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Mildly Diabetic Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and its glycosides are believed to exhibit several health-promoting properties. Recently, the mechanisms of the anti-diabetic effects of steviol glycosides (SG) have been the subject of intense research. The following study aims to evaluate the results of SG (stevioside (ST) and rebaudioside A (RA)) combined with L-arginine (L-Arg) and chromium(III) (CrIII) supplementation in streptozotocin- (STZ) induced mild type 2 diabetic rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD), with particular emphasis on carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. The experiment was carried out on 110 male Wistar rats, 100 of which were fed an HFD to induce insulin resistance, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to induce mild type 2 diabetes. After confirmation of hyperglycemia, the rats were divided into groups. Three groups served as controls: diabetic untreated, diabetic treated with metformin (300 mg/kg BW), and healthy group. Eight groups were fed an HFD enriched with stevioside or rebaudioside A (2500 mg/kg BW) combined with L-arginine (2000 or 4000 mg/kg BW) and Cr(III) (1 or 5 mg/kg BW) for six weeks. The results showed that supplementation with SG (ST and RA) combined with L-arg and Cr(III) could improve blood glucose levels in rats with mild type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, ST was more effective in improving blood glucose levels, insulin resistance indices, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentrations than RA. Although L-arg and Cr(III) supplementation did not independently affect most blood carbohydrate and lipid indices, it further improved some biomarkers when combined, particularly with ST. Notably, the beneficial impact of ST on the homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and on the quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was strengthened when mixed with a high dose of L-arg, while its impact on antioxidant status was improved when combined with a high dose of Cr(III) in rats with mild type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, these results suggest that supplementary stevioside combined with L-arginine and Cr(III) has therapeutic potential for mild type 2 diabetes. However, further studies are warranted to confirm these effects in other experimental models and humans.

Pharmacokinetics of Oral Rebaudioside A in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Effects on Glucose Homeostasis: A Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

Background and Objectives

Rebaudioside A, a steviol glycoside, is deglycosylated by intestinal microflora prior to the absorption of steviol and conjugation to steviol glucuronide. While glucose-lowering properties are observed for rebaudioside A in mice, they have been attributed to the metabolites steviol and steviol glucuronide. We aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of rebaudioside A and its metabolites in patients with early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This randomized, placebo-controlled, open-label, two-way crossover trial was performed in subjects with T2DM on metformin or no therapy at the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. Following oral rebaudioside A (3 g), plasma concentrations of rebaudioside A, steviol and steviol glucuronide were determined. The effect on glucose homeostasis was examined by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed 19 h following rebaudioside A administration, i.e. the presumed time of maximal steviol and steviol glucuronide concentrations. The primary pharmacodynamic endpoint was the difference in area under the blood glucose concentration–time curve during the first 2 h of the OGTT (AUC_{Glucose(0–2h)}) for rebaudioside A vs. placebo.

Results

In total, 30 subjects [63.5 (57.8–69.0) years of age, 86.7% male] completed the trial. Rebaudioside A was detected as early as 1 h after administration in nearly all subjects. As expected, steviol and steviol glucuronide reached their maximal concentrations at 19.5 h following rebaudioside A administration. Rebaudioside A did not lower the AUC_{Glucose(0–2h)} compared to placebo (− 0.7 (95% CI − 22.3; 20.9) h·mg/dL, P = 0.95). Insulin and C-peptide concentrations were also comparable between both conditions (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Rebaudioside A is readily absorbed after oral administration and metabolized to steviol and steviol glucuronide. However, no effect on glucose nor insulin or C-peptide excursion was observed during the OGTT at the time of maximal metabolite concentrations. Thus, no antidiabetic properties of rebaudioside A could be observed in patients with T2DM after single oral use.

Clinical Trial Registration

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03510624).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13318-022-00792-7.

The influence of insulin on anticipation and consummatory reward to food intake: A functional imaging study on healthy normal weight and overweight subjects employing intranasal insulin delivery

Aberrant responses within homeostatic, hedonic and cognitive systems contribute to poor appetite control in those with an overweight phenotype. The hedonic system incorporates limbic and meso-limbic regions involved in learning and reward processing, as well as cortical regions involved in motivation, decision making and gustatory processing. Equally important within this complex, multifaceted framework are the cognitive systems involved in inhibitory control and valuation of food choices. Regions within these systems display insulin receptors and pharmacologically increasing central insulin concentrations using intranasal administration (IN-INS) has been shown to significantly reduce appealing food cue responsiveness and also food intake. In this work we describe a placebo-controlled crossover pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study that looks at how IN-INS (160 IU) affects anticipatory and consummatory responses to sweet stimuli and importantly how these responses differ between healthy normal weight and overweight male individuals. This work shows that age matched normal weight and overweight (not obese) individuals respond similarly to both the anticipation and receipt of sweet stimuli under placebo conditions. However, increased central insulin concentrations produce marked differences between groups when anticipating sweet stimuli within the prefrontal cortex and midbrain as well as observed differences in the amygdala during consummatory responses.

Potential of Diterpenes as Antidiabetic Agents: Evidence from Clinical and Pre-Clinical Studies

Diterpenes are a diverse group of structurally complex natural products with a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antidiabetic potential. In the last 25 years, numerous diterpenes have been investigated for antidiabetic activity, with some of them reaching the stage of clinical trials. However, these studies have not been comprehensively reviewed in any previous publication. Herein, we critically discussed the literature on the potential of diterpenes as antidiabetic agents, published from 1995 to September, 2021. In the period under review, 427 diterpenes were reported to have varying degrees of antidiabetic activity. Steviol glycosides, stevioside (1) and rebaudioside A (2), were the most investigated diterpenes with promising antidiabetic property using in vitro and in vivo models, as well as human subjects. All the tested pimaranes consistently showed good activity in preclinical evaluations against diabetes. Inhibitions of α-glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP 1B) activities and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPAR-γ) agonistic property, were the most frequently used assays for studying the antidiabetic activity of diterpenes. The molecular mechanisms of action of the diterpenes include increased GLUT4 translocation, and activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent signaling pathways. Our data revealed that diterpenes hold promising antidiabetic potential. Stevioside (1) and rebaudioside A (2) are the only diterpenes that were advanced to the clinical trial stage of the drug discovery pipeline. Diterpenes belonging to the abietane, labdane, pimarane and kaurane class have shown promising activity in in vitro and in vivo models of diabetes and should be further investigated.

Stevioside ameliorates hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance, in a diet-induced obese zebrafish model, through epigenetic, oxidative stress and inflammatory regulation

Obesity is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms affect obesity-related mechanisms. Due to weight gain concern in society, artificial sweeteners with no nutritional value have been increasingly consumed. Stevia is a sweet natural glycoside and a calorie-free sweetner extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and used as a substitute for artificial sweetners. This study evaluates the effects of stevioside on glucose tolerance, epigenetic and metabolic regulators of insulin resistance, oxidant-antioxidant status and tissue histology in a diet-induced obese (DIO) zebrafish model. After 15 days of overfeeding body weight, and fasting blood glucose, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels and the expressions of fbf21, lepa, ll21, tnfα were elevated, where as there was impaired glucose tolerance and lower superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activities, dnmt3a expression which is an epigenetic tool of insulin resistance. Beneficial effects of stevioside were observed on glucose tolerance, oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators linking obesity to insulin resistance and its epigenetic regulation, in DIO model.

The effects of supplementation of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae on biochemical, inflammatory and antioxidant responses in diabetic rats

Diabetes is accompanied by inflammation and oxidation. Supplementation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds can prevent the progression of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae (NOM) on the inflammatory and antioxidant responses in diabetic rats. Sixty male rats were divided into six groups as diabetic and non-diabetic rats receiving 0, 10 and 20 mg/kg of body weight of NOM daily for 21 days. Body weight, the serum concentrations of insulin and glucose and the tissue concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed. The results showed that induction of diabetes significantly reduced the body weight, the serum concentrations of insulin and the tissue concentrations of SOD, FRAP and GPx while increasing the concentrations of glucose, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB and TNF-α. Daily oral administration of NOM (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly maintained the body weight, the serum concentrations of insulin and the tissue concentrations of SOD, FRAP and GPx while preventing the increase in the concentrations of glucose, MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α. In conclusion, diabetes caused inflammation and oxidation while NOM worked as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound.

Artificial Sweeteners: History and New Concepts on Inflammation

Since the introduction of artificial sweeteners (AS) to the North American market in the 1950s, a growing number of epidemiological and animal studies have suggested that AS may induce changes in gut bacteria and gut wall immune reactivity, which could negatively affect individuals with or susceptible to chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a disorder that has been growing exponentially in westernized countries. This review summarizes the history of current FDA-approved AS and their chemical composition, metabolism, and bacterial utilization, and provides a scoping overview of the disease mechanisms associated with the induction or prevention of inflammation in IBD. We provide a general outlook on areas that have been both largely and scarcely studied, emerging concepts using silica, and describe the effects of AS on acute and chronic forms of intestinal inflammation.

Effect of stevia aqueous extract on the antidiabetic activity of saxagliptin in diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a natural sweetener plant known as "Sweet Leaf", "Sweet Herbs" and "Honey Leaf", which is estimated to be 300 times more sweetening than sugar cane. Stevia has been used as a traditional treatment for diabetes in many countries for hundreds of years. Several animal studies referred to the antihyperglycemic activity of stevia. However, the combined use of stevia with saxagliptin has not been studied so far, so this study has been done. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of stevia alone and in combination with saxagliptin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced in rats by i.p. injection of streptozotocin and nicotinamide. Animals were divided into five groups, each contains eight rats. Group I: included negative controland group II: included diabetic control that received saline. Group III: included diabetic rats that received 400 mg/kg/day stevia aqueous extract. Group IV: included diabetic rats that received saxagliptin 10 mg/kg/day. Group V: included diabetic rats that received stevia 400 mg/kg + saxagliptin 10 mg/kg. Food and water intake were measured daily while body weight was measured weekly. After 3 weeks animals were sacrificed and blood and tissue samples were collected. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, serum dipeptidylepeptidase-4 (DPP-4), TC, TGs, LDL, HDL, GSH and MDA were measured in treated and control rats by colorimetric and ELISA methods.

RESULTS

Both stevia and saxagliptin significantly reduced food, water intake, body weight and FBG. Stevia with saxagliptin produced more significant decrease in FBG. While serum insulin increased significantly in stevia, saxagliptin treated groups and their combination. Serum DPP-4 decreased significantly in all treated groups, concerning lipid profile, stevia and saxagliptin notably lowered TC, TGs, and LDL and increased HDL. Both stevia and saxagliptin remarkably decreased MDA and increased GSH compared to diabetic rats. In addition, stevia significantly improved the antidiabetic effects of saxagliptin.

CONCLUSION

Stevia has an antihyperglycemic effect and could enhance the antidiabetic activity of saxagliptin. DPP-4 attenuation, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity as well as improvement of insulin sensitivity may be involved in the antidiabetic action of stevia.

Effect of stevia on the gut microbiota and glucose tolerance in a murine model of diet-induced obesity

Artificial sweeteners have been shown to induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota; however, little is known about the effect of stevia. Here, we investigate whether stevia supplementation induces glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota in mice, hypothesizing that stevia would correct high fat diet-induced glucose intolerance and alter the gut microbiota. Mice were split into four treatment groups: low fat, high fat, high fat + saccharin and high fat + stevia. After 10 weeks of treatment, mice consuming a high fat diet (60% kcal from fat) developed glucose intolerance and gained more weight than mice consuming a low fat diet. Stevia supplementation did not impact body weight or glucose intolerance. Differences in species richness and relative abundances of several phyla were observed in low fat groups compared to high fat, stevia and saccharin. We identified two operational taxonomic groups that contributed to differences in beta-diversity between the stevia and saccharin groups: Lactococcus and Akkermansia in females and Lactococcus in males. Our results demonstrate that stevia does not rescue high fat diet-induced changes in glucose tolerance or the microbiota, and that stevia results in similar alterations to the gut microbiota as saccharin when administered in concordance with a high fat diet.

The hidden hazardous effects of stevia and sucralose consumption in male and female albino mice in comparison to sucrose

Replacing sucrose with non-caloric sweeteners is an approach to avoid overweight and diabetes development. Non-caloric sweeteners are classified into either artificial as sucralose or natural as stevia. Both of them have been approved by FDA, but the effects of their chronic consumption are controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of these two sweeteners, in male and female albino mice, on different blood biochemical parameters, enzymes activities and immunological parameters after 8 and 16 weeks of sweeteners administration. 40.5 mg/ml of sucrose, 5.2 mg/ml of sucralose and 4.2 mg/ml of stevia were dissolved individually in distilled water. Mice were administrated by sweetener's solution for 5 h daily. Male and female mice showed a preference for water consumption with sucralose or stevia. Both of the two sweeteners significantly reduced the hemoglobin level, HCT%, RBCs and WBCs count. After 18 weeks, significant elevations in liver and kidney function enzymes were observed in male and female mice administrated with both non-caloric sweeteners. Histopathological examination in sucralose and stevia administrated groups confirmed the biochemical results; where it revealed a severe damage in liver and kidney sections. While, sucrose administration elevated, only, the levels of ALT, AST and cholesterol in male mice. A vigorous elevation in levels of different immunoglobulin (IgG, IgE and IgA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and -8), that was accompanied by a significant reduction in level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, was observed in male and female mice groups administrated with sucralose or stevia. On the other hand, sucrose administration led to an elevation in IgA and reduction in IL-10 levels.

Effects of Stevia Rebaudiana on Glucose Homeostasis, Blood Pressure and Inflammation: A Critical Review of Past and Current Research Evidence

The prevalence of obesity and its related comorbidities continues to rise in the United States and worldwide. Insulin resistance, increased inflammation and oxidative stress are the major pathogenic mechanisms involved in obesity-associated co-morbid conditions. Major efforts to curb the rising tide of obesity, including lifestyle modifications, anti-obesity medications and surgical interventions have shown minimal success. Therefore, introducing new methods to combat obesity, diabetes and associated disorders are desperately needed. Stevia rebaudiana, a natural, non-caloric sweetener has generated significant interest in the scientific community due to its effects on glucose homeostasis, blood pressure and inflammation, all known consequences of obesity. In this review, we assess the effects of Stevia on these parameters in humans as well as in animal models, highlighting its potential role as an effective intervention for the major cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity.

The Potential of Modulating the Reducing Sugar Released (and the Potential Glycemic Response) of Muffins Using a Combination of a Stevia Sweetener and Cocoa Powder

Muffins are popular bakery products. However, they generally contain high amounts of sugar. The over-consumption of muffins may therefore result in a high calorie intake and could lead to increased health risks. For this reason, muffins were prepared substituting sucrose with two levels of a base of stevia (Stevianna®). In addition, cocoa powder and vanilla were added to the muffin formulation with and without Stevianna® to mask any potential off flavors. Results illustrate that muffins with 50% Stevianna® replacement of sucrose were similar to the control samples in terms of volume, density and texture. However, replacement of sugar with 100% Stevianna® resulted in reductions in height (from 41 to 28 mm), volume (from 63 to 51 mL), and increased firmness (by four-fold) compared to the control sample. Sugar replacement significantly reduced the in vitro predictive glycemic response of muffins (by up to 55% of the control sample). This work illustrates the importance of sugar in maintaining muffin structure as well as controlling the rate of glucose release during simulated digestions.

Steviol glucuronide, a metabolite of steviol glycosides, potently stimulates insulin secretion from isolated mouse islets: Studies in vitro

AIMS

Steviol glycosides are the sweet components extracted from medicinal plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, which have antihyperglycaemic effects. Steviol glucuronide (SVG) is the metabolite excreted in human urine after oral administration of steviol glycosides. We aimed to clarify whether SVG exerts direct insulin stimulation from pancreatic islets and to explore its mode of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Insulin secretion was measured after 60 minutes static incubation of isolated mouse islets with (a) 10-9-10-5 mol/L SVG at 16.7 mmol/L glucose and (b) 10-7 mol/L SVG at 3.3-16.7 mmol/L glucose. Islets were perifused with 3.3 or 16.7 mmol/L glucose in the presence or absence of 10-7 mol/L SVG. Gene transcription was measured after 72 hours incubation in the presence or absence of 10-7 mol/L SVG.

RESULTS

SVG dose-dependently increased insulin secretion from mouse islets with 10-7 mol/L exerting the maximum effect in the presence of 16.7 mmol/L glucose (P < .001). The insulinotropic effect of SVG was critically dependent on the prevailing glucose concentration, and SVG (10-7 mol/L) enhanced insulin secretion at or above 11.1 mmol/L glucose (P < .001) and showed no effect at lower glucose concentrations. During perifusion of islets, SVG (10-7 mol/L) had a long-acting and apparently reversible insulinotropic effect in the presence of 16.7 mmol/L glucose (P < .05). Gene-transcript levels of B2m and Gcgr were markedly altered.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report to demonstrate that SVG stimulates insulin secretion in a dose- and glucose-dependent manner from isolated mouse islets of Langerhans. SVG may be the main active metabolite after oral intake of steviol glycosides.

Low intake of digestible carbohydrates ameliorates duodenal absorption of carbohydrates in mice with glucose metabolism disorders induced by artificial sweeteners

BACKGROUND

Long-term artificial sweetener consumption has been reported to induce glucose intolerance, and the intestinal microbiota seems as an important target. While the impacts of artificial sweeteners on energy balance remain controversial, this work aimed to evaluate the protective effects in mice of a low digestible carbohydrate (LDC) diet on plasma glucose, plasma fasting insulin, sweet taste receptors, glucose transporters, and absorption of carbohydrates, together with consumption of acesulfame potassium (AK) or saccharin (SAC).

RESULTS

Artificial sweetener was administered to mice for 12 weeks to induce glucose metabolism disorders; mice were treated with an LDC diet for the final 6 weeks. The experimental groups were treated with an LDC diet that had the same energy as the normal-diet group. Prolonged administration of artificial sweeteners led to metabolic dysfunction, characterized by significantly increased plasma glucose, insulin resistance, sweet taste receptors, glucose transporters, and absorption of carbohydrates. Treatment with an LDC diet positively modulated these altered parameters, suggesting overall beneficial effects of an LDC diet on detrimental changes associated with artificial sweeteners.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing digestible carbohydrates in the diet can significantly reduce the absorption of carbohydrates and improve glucose metabolism disorders caused by dietary factors. These effects may be due to the fact that reducing the amount of digestible carbohydrates in the feed can reduce the number of intestinal sweet receptors induced by exposure to artificial sweeteners. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Steviol Glycosides on Human Health with Emphasis on Type 2 Diabetic Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The natural sweetener from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, steviol glycoside (SG), has been proposed to exhibit a range of antidiabetic properties. The objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate evidence for the effectiveness of SGs on human health, particularly type 2 diabetic (T2D) biomarkers, collecting data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Electronic searches were performed in PubMed and EMBASE and the bibliography of retrieved full-texts was hand searched. Using the Cochrane criteria, the reporting quality of included studies was assessed. Seven studies, nine RCTs, including a total of 462 participants were included. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of SGs on following outcomes: BMI, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipids, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The meta-analysis revealed an overall significant reduction in systolic BP in favour of SGs between SG and placebo, mean difference (MD): -6.32 mm Hg (-7.69 to 0.46). The overall effect of BMI, diastolic BP, FBG, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was a non-significant reduction in favour of SGs, and a non-significant increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride, while no significant effect of HbA1c was found. Heterogeneity was significant for several analyses. More studies investigating the effect of SGs on human health, particularly T2D biomarkers, are warranted.

Superoxide-producing lipoprotein fraction from Stevia leaves: definition of specific activity

BACKGROUND

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni has various pharmacological actions, which includes antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities. The superoxide and consequently NADPH oxidase (Nox) are relevant targets involved in biological effects of Stevia. The presence of NADPH-containing superoxide-producing lipoprotein (suprol) in Stevia leaves has not yet been tested. The mechanism of producing superoxide radicals (O2-) by suprol was determined in vitro, which is associated with the electron transfer from NADPH in the composition of suprol by traces of transition metal ions (Fe3+ or Cu2+) to molecular oxygen, turning it into O2-. It is expected that the therapeutic efficacy of Stevia leaves is caused by specific activity of superoxide-producing lipoprotein fraction.

METHODS

For the first time, from the dry leaves of Stevia the NADPH-containing superoxide-producing lipoprotein was isolated and purified. The specific content of suprol (milligrams in 1 g of Stevia leaves- mg/g) was determined after desalination of suprol and lyophilization.

RESULTS

According to the method provided, the specific content of the isolated suprol from Stevia's leaves was up to 4.5 ± 0.2 mg / g (yields up to 68.5 ± 4.7%, p < 0.05, n = 6). Nox forms a stable complex with suprol. The optical absorption spectrum of the Nox-suprol complex represents the overlapping suprol and Nox spectra, with a certain background increase and characteristic features of optical absorption for Nox. Due to O2- producing capacity suprol-Nox complex discolors KMnO4 solutions, Coomassie brilliant blue, restores nitrotetrazolium blue to formazan and oxidizes epinephrine to adrenochrome. The oxidation activity of adrenaline is 50.3 ± 5.1 U / mg / ml (p < 0.05, n = 6).

CONCLUSION

Superoxide-producing lipoprotein fraction-Nox complex from Stevia leaves (membranes) can modulate redox regulated signaling pathways and may play a positive role in type-2 diabetes by means of adrenaline oxidation mechanism.

Stevia Leaf to Stevia Sweetener: Exploring Its Science, Benefits, and Future Potential

Steviol glycoside sweeteners are extracted and purified from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant, a member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family that is native to South America, where it has been used for its sweet properties for hundreds of years. With continued increasing rates of obesity, diabetes, and other related comorbidities, in conjunction with global public policies calling for reductions in sugar intake as a means to help curb these issues, low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCSs, also known as high-potency sweeteners) such as stevia are gaining interest among consumers and food manufacturers. This appeal is related to stevia being plant-based, zero calorie and with a sweet taste that is 50-350 times sweeter than sugar, making it an excellent choice for use in sugar- and calorie-reduced food and beverage products. Despite the fact that the safety of stevia has been affirmed by several food regulatory and safety authorities around the world, insufficient education about stevia's safety and benefits, including continuing concern with regard to the safety of LNCSs in general, deters health professionals and consumers from recommending or using stevia. Therefore, the aim of this review and the stevia symposium that preceded this review at the ASN's annual conference in 2017 was to examine, in a comprehensive manner, the state of the science for stevia, its safety and potential health benefits, and future research and application. Topics covered included metabolism, safety and acceptable intake, dietary exposure, impact on blood glucose and insulin concentrations, energy intake and weight management, blood pressure, dental caries, naturality and processing, taste and sensory properties, regulatory status, consumer insights, and market trends. Data for stevia are limited in the case of energy intake and weight management as well as for the gut microbiome; therefore, the broader literature on LNCSs was reviewed at the symposium and therefore is also included in this review.

Anti diabetic property of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves in Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in albino rats

BACKGROUND

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) natural, non-caloric sugar substitute is rich source of pharmacologically important glycoside stevioside that is linked to the pathology and complications of diabetes.

METHODS

The current research was carried out to explore the anti-diabetic effect of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana leaves in albino rats. For this purpose, diabetes was induced by administration of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). The diabetic rats were administered with aqueous stevia extract at different dose levels (200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm/kg b.w) for 8 weeks; the control rats were fed basal diet during this period.

RESULTS

Stevia aqueous extract improved caloric management and weight control by decreasing the feed intake and body weight gain. Furthermore, intake of stevia extract resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the random blood glucose level (- 73.24%) and fasting blood glucose (- 66.09%) and glycosylated (HbA1c) hemoglobin (5.32%) while insulin (17.82 μIU/mL) and liver glycogen (45.02 mg/g) levels significantly improved in the diabetic rats, compared with the diabetic and non-diabetic control rats after 8 weeks study period.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that aqueous extact of stevia has anti-diabetic effects in albino rats, and therefore could be promising nutraceutical therapy for the management of diabetes and its associated complications.

Glucometabolic effects of single and repeated exposure to forced-swimming stressor in Sprague-Dawley rats

Objectives. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a single (acute) and repeated (chronic) exposure to forced-swimming stressor on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and glycogen content in male rats.

Methods. Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (12 weeks old) were divided randomly into five groups: control group, single exposure (SE) to forced-swim stressor, repeated exposure to forced-swim stressor for 7 days (RE7), 14 days (RE14) and 28 days (RE28). Glucose tolerance test and Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were undertaken on fasting rats to obtain glucose and insulin profiles. ELISA was performed to assess plasma insulin and corticosterone levels. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, high- and low-density lipoproteins, hepatic and skeletal glycogen content were also determined.

Results. Repeated exposure to stressor induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in the experimental rats. Results showed that all RE groups exhibited a significantly higher area under the curve compared with others (p=0.0001); similarly, HOMA-IR increased (p=0.0001) in all RE groups compared with control. Prolonged exposure to stressor significantly increased the plasma insulin and corticosterone levels but decreased the glycogen content in the liver and skeletal muscle when compared with the control group. Additionally, chronic stressor significantly increased the total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, however, acute stressor produced significantly elevated high-density lipoproteins level.

Conclusions. In conclusion, repeated exposure to forced-swimming stressor induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in rats by disrupting the insulin sensitivity as well as heightening the glycogenolysis in the liver and skeletal muscle. Acute stressor was unable to cause glucose intolerance and insulin resistance but it appears that may have a positive effect on the lipid metabolism.

Chronic Consumption of Sweeteners and Its Effect on Glycaemia, Cytokines, Hormones, and Lymphocytes of GALT in CD1 Mice

BACKGROUND

The consumption of sweeteners has increased in recent years, being used to control body weight and blood glucose. However, they can cause increased appetite, modification of immune function, and secretion of hormones in the GALT.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of chronic sweetener consumption on glycaemia, cytokines, hormones, and GALT lymphocytes in CD1 mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

72 CD1 mice divided into 3 groups were used: (a) baseline, (b) middle, and (c) final. Groups (b) and (c) were divided into 4 subgroups: (i) Control, (ii) Sucrose, (iii) Sucralose, and (iv) Stevia. The following were determined: body weight, hormones (GIP, insulin, and leptin), lymphocytes CD3+T cells and CD19+B cells, IgA+ plasma cells, and cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, and TNF-α).

RESULTS

Sucralose reduces secretion of GIP and glycaemia but does not modify insulin concentration, increases body weight, and reduces food intake. Stevia increases the secretion of GIP, insulin, leptin, body weight, and glycaemia but keeps food consumption normal. Sucralose and Stevia showed a higher percentage of CD3+T cells, CD19+B cells, and IgA+ plasma cells in Peyer's patches, but only Stevia in lamina propria.

CONCLUSION

Sweeteners modulate the hormonal response of cytokines and the proliferation of lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni: A Natural Alternative for Treating Diseases Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

Stevia rebaudiana (SR) is often used by the food industry due to its steviol glycoside content, which is a suitable calorie-free sweetener. Further, both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that these glycosides and the extracts from SR have pharmacological and therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and anticancer. This work reviews the antiobesity, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic effects of the majority of glycosides and aqueous/alcoholic extracts from the leaves, flowers, and roots of the SR. These compounds can serve as a natural and alternative treatment for diseases that are associated with metabolic syndrome, thus contributing to health promotion.

Glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Possess Insulin-Mimetic and Antioxidant Activities in Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a shrub having a high content of sweet diterpenoid glycosides in its leaves, mainly stevioside and rebaudioside A, which are used as noncaloric, natural sweeteners. The aim of this study was to deepen the knowledge about the insulin-mimetic effect exerted by four different mixtures of steviol glycosides, rich in stevioside and rebaudioside A, in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. The potential antioxidant activity of these steviol glycosides was also assessed, as oxidative stress is associated with diabetes. Likewise the insulin effect, steviol glycosides caused an increase in glucose uptake into rat fibroblasts by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus inducing Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane. The presence of S961, an insulin antagonist, completely abolished these effects, allowing to hypothesize that steviol glycosides could act as ligands of the same receptor engaged by insulin. Moreover, steviol glycosides counteracted oxidative stress by increasing reduced glutathione intracellular levels and upregulating expression and activity of the two antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. The present work unravels the insulin-mimetic effect and the antioxidant property exerted by steviol glycosides, suggesting their potential beneficial role in the cotreatment of diabetes and in health maintenance.

Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Hydroponic Stevia rebaudiana Aqueous Extract in Hyperglycemia Induced by Immobilization Stress in Rabbits

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious worldwide problem related to human hyperglycemia. Thus, herbal preparations with antihyperglycemic properties especially leaf extracts of hydroponic Stevia rebaudiana (SR) would be useful in hyperglycemia treatment. The antihyperglycemic potential of this medicinal plant grown using hydroponics methods has been evaluated. Significant reduction of some biochemical characteristics for sugars and fatty acids in blood, liver, and muscle especially fasting glucose levels, serum triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol levels, and increased HDL-cholesterol ones was shown with SR aqueous extract treatment. Therefore, the aqueous extract of SR is suggested to have antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity and to restore liver and muscle glycogen levels (hepatoprotective effects) in hyperglycemia induced by immobilization stress in rabbits and might be recommended for treatment of DM (hyperglycemia).

Metabolic and inflammatory responses to the common sweetener stevioside and a glycemic challenge in horses with equine metabolic syndrome

Extracts derived from the leaves of the stevia plant (stevioside) are commonly used as sweeteners for humans and horses. Stevioside appears to be safe for human consumption, including for individuals with insulin dysregulation. In the horse, the safety or metabolic effects of stevioside on normal animals or on those with metabolic dysfunction are unknown. Furthermore, the inflammatory response to a glycemic challenge or to stevioside in horses is not well defined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure the effects of stevioside and a glycemic challenge on insulin, glucose, and inflammatory responses in horses with a common metabolic dysfunction (equine metabolic syndrome or EMS) compared with non-EMS controls. To accomplish this, 15 horses were selected; 8 EMS and 7 age-matched controls. An oral sugar test was performed using Karo corn syrup (karo) or stevioside in a random crossover design. Horses were given 0.15 mL/kg body weight of karo or its equivalent grams of sugar in stevia dissolved in water. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture before administration of either stevia or karo and at 60 and 240 min after administration. Serum was used for glucose and insulin determination and plasma for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for inflammatory cytokine analysis via flow cytometry and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Stevia appeared to stimulate lower glycemic and insulinemic responses when compared to karo, in particular in EMS horses. EMS and control horses had inverse inflammatory responses to administration of either stevia or karo with EMS horses having a proinflammatory response (P ≤ 0.05). These data provide evidence as to why horses with EMS may be predisposed to developing laminitis, potentially as a result of an exaggerated inflammatory response to glycemic and insulinemic responses. Furthermore, the data provide new avenues for exploring mechanisms behind the syndrome, in particular when using a glycemic challenge.

Identification of Stevioside Using Tissue Culture-Derived Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) Leaves

Stevioside is a natural sweetener from Stevia leaf, which is 300 times sweeter than sugar. It helps to reduce blood sugar levels dramatically and thus can be of benefit to diabetic people. Tissue culture is a very potential modern technology that can be used in large-scale disease-free stevia production throughout the year. We successfully produced stevia plant through in vitro culture for identification of stevioside in this experiment. The present study describes a potential method for identification of stevioside from tissue culture-derived stevia leaf. Stevioside in the sample was identified using HPLC by measuring the retention time. The percentage of stevioside content in the leaf samples was found to be 9.6%. This identification method can be used for commercial production and industrialization of stevia through in vitro culture across the world.

The Metabolic Responses to L-Glutamine of Livers from Rats with Diabetes Types 1 and 2

There are several claims about the beneficial effects of supplementing L-glutamine to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to provide detailed knowledge about the fate of this amino acid in the liver, the first organ that receives the compound when ingested orally. The study was done using the isolated perfused rat liver, an experimental system that preserves the microcirculation of the organ and that allows to measured several parameters during steady-state and pre steady-state conditions. L-Glutamine was infused in the portal vein (5 mM) and several parameters were monitored. Livers from type 1 diabetic rats showed an accelerated response to L-glutamine infusion. In consequence of this accelerated response livers from type 1 diabetic rats presented higher rates of ammonia, urea, glucose and lactate output during the first 25–30 minutes following L-glutamine infusion. As steady-state conditions approached, however, the difference between type 1 diabetes and control livers tended to disappear. Measurement of the glycogen content over a period of 100 minutes revealed that, excepting the initial phase of the L-glutamine infusion, the increased glucose output in livers from type 1 diabetic rats was mainly due to accelerated glycogenolysis. Livers from type 2 diabetic rats behaved similarly to control livers with no accelerated glucose output but with increased L-alanine production. L-Alanine is important for the pancreatic β-cells and from this point of view the oral intake of L-glutamine can be regarded as beneficial. Furthermore, the lack of increased glucose output in livers from type 2 diabetic rats is consistent with observations that even daily L-glutamine doses of 30 g do not increase the glycemic levels in well controlled type 2 diabetes patients.

Effects of electrical microstimulation of peripheral sympathetic nervous fascicle on glucose uptake in rats

Artificial pancreas systems control insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Although these systems are widely used in the clinical setting, they are still fraught with structural and biological problems. The non-insulin mediated glucose uptake (NIMGU) mechanism could be an alternative candidate as a target system for the artificial control of peripheral glucose uptake. Although the sympathetic nervous system is known to be one of the regulators of NIMGU, the effects of peripheral sympathetic activation on glucose uptake have not been well documented. We electrically stimulated a sympathetic nerve fascicle to clarify the possibility of controlling peripheral glucose uptake. A sympathetic signal was microneurographically obtained in the unilateral sciatic nerve in normal (NRML), insulin-resistant high-fat-fed (HFF), and streptozotocin-induced insulin-depleted (STZ) rats, and electrical stimulation was applied via the microelectrode (microstimulation). The microstimulation was also applied to sites other than the sympathetic fascicles in an additional group of normal rats (NSYMP group). The stimulation applied to the sympathetic fibers resulted in an immediate and transient decrease of blood glucose (BG) in the NRML, HFF, and STZ groups, with little change in the plasma insulin. The change in BG level seemed to depend on the basal BG level (NRML < HFF < STZ). In contrast, no reduction in BG was observed in the NSYMP group. These results suggest that microstimulation in the peripheral sympathetic fascicle could enhance glucose uptake in peripheral tissues-independently of insulin function-and show an alternative possibility for controlling glucose uptake.

Stevioside ameliorates high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation by downregulating the NF-κB pathway

Accumulating evidence suggests that adipose tissue is the main source of pro-inflammatory molecules that predispose individuals to insulin resistance. Stevioside (SVS) is a widely used sweetener with multiple beneficial effects for diabetic patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of SVS on insulin resistance and the pro-inflammatory state of adipose tissue in mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Oral administration of SVS for 1month had no effect on body weight, but it significantly improved fasting glucose, basal insulin levels, glucose tolerance and whole body insulin sensitivity. Interestingly, these changes were accompanied with decreased expression levels of several inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue, including TNF-α, IL6, IL10, IL1β, KC, MIP-1α, CD11b and CD14. Moreover, macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue was remarkably reduced by SVS. Finally, SVS significantly suppressed the nuclear factor-kappa b (NF-κB) signaling pathway in adipose tissue. Collectively, these results suggested that SVS may ameliorate insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice by attenuating adipose tissue inflammation and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

Site dependency of fatty acid composition in adipose triacylglycerol in rats and its absence as a result of high-fat feeding

It is currently believed that metabolic syndrome, in general, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, in particular, depend more on visceral than on subcutaneous adipose tissue. However, the relationship between insulin resistance and fatty acid composition in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues remains to be clarified. In the present study, we extracted the triacylglycerol from visceral (epididymis and mesentery) and subcutaneous adipose tissues in normal and insulin-resistant, high-fat-fed (HFF) rats and determined the composition of each fatty acid. The concentrations of palmitoleic, docosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, dihomo-γ-linolenic, arachidonic, and docosatetraenoic acids were higher in epididymal adipose tissue than in mesenteric and subcutaneous adipose tissues; but no significant differences were detected between mesenteric and subcutaneous tissues in the normal group or among all the sites in the HFF rats. In the HFF group, stearic and oleic acid concentrations were higher, whereas n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated ones were lower, than those in the normal group. Palmitoleic acid and some n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid compositions in adipose tissue triacylglycerol depend on anatomical location, which may affect the properties and/or function of adipose tissues. These results at least in part suggest that the properties of adipose tissue are difficult to distinguish based only on their "visceral" or "subcutaneous" sites. In addition, the absence of site dependence and/or difference in balance among saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids may play an important role in the development of insulin resistance in the HFF rats.

Hypoglycaemic action of stevioside and а barley and brewer's yeast based preparation in the experimental model on mice

The aim of this study was to investigate influence of the preparation based on barley and brewer's yeast extracts with chromium (BBCr) and stevioside (S) on fasting glycaemia and glycaemia in mice after glucose, adrenalin and alloxan application. The animals were divided into three groups: glucose 500 mgkg(-1) (I); adrenalin 0.2 mgkg(-1)(II) and alloxan 100 mg kg(-1) (III) and into subgroups according to the substance they received: stevioside 20 mg kg(-1) (I-S, II-S, III-S); BBCr 750 mg kg(-1)(I-BBCr, II-BBCr, III-BBCr) and saline 1 ml/100g (III-placebo). Glycaemia was measured before and after 7-day treatment with stevioside or BBCr in the following conditions: fasting, 30 min after glucose load (I) or 45 min after adrenaline load (II). In group III glycaemia was measured before and after 12-day treatment with S, BBCr or placebo and alloxan application (7th, 8th and 10th days of treatment ). BBCr significantly reduced fasting glycaemia in I and II groups and glycaemia values after the glucose load (I-BBCr: 9.20 ± 0.61 vs. 7.42 ± 0.59 mmol/L, p = 0.01). Stevioside significantly reduced glycaemia after the adrenalin load (II-S: 13.45 ± 0.71 vs. 11.65 ± 1.19 mmol/L; p = 0.03). In the III-BBCr glycaemia values did not indicate the development of alloxan-induced diabetes and were significantly lower than in the III-placebo (8.6 ± 3.16 vs. 18.8 ± 5.53 mmol/L; p < 0.05). In conclusion, BBCr caused a significant decrease of fasting glycaemia, significant reduction of glycaemia after glucose load and prevented onset of alloxan-induced diabetes. Stevioside caused the decrease of adrenalin-induced hyperglycaemia.

Astragaloside IV improves metabolic syndrome and endothelium dysfunction in fructose-fed rats

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased in modern society and the condition is proving to be a common precursor of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether astragaloside IV, a major active constituent of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge., is able to prevent the development of hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in fructose-fed rats. Rats were fed with 10% fructose in their drinking water for 8 weeks. From the beginning of week 5, two groups of fructose-fed rats were treated with 0.5 or 2 mg/kg, i.p., astragaloside IV. Another group of fructose-fed rats, injected with the same volume of vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide, DMSO) from week 5, served as the control group. At the end of the treatment period, blood pressure, blood glucose, glucose tolerance, blood insulin and lipids were determined. In addition, in vitro experiments were conducted at the end of the eight week treatment period to evaluate endothelium-dependent aortic vasorelaxation, as well as myocardial and aortic tissue levels of nitrate and nitrite (NOx) and cGMP. Fructose-fed rats developed clustering signs of metabolic syndrome, such as increased bodyweight, mild hypertension, hyperinsulinaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, impaired glucose tolerance and impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Administration of astragaloside IV reduced blood pressure and triglyceride levels in fructose-fed rats and high dose of astragaloside IV also improved glucose tolerance and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. The astragaloside IV-induced improvement in vasorelaxation was associated with increased levels of aortic NOx and cGMP and was abrogated by blockade of nitric oxide synthase with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME). On the basis of its favourable effects on lipid metabolism, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and the nitric oxide–cGMP-related pathway, astragaloside IV may be useful in ameliorating food-induced metabolic syndrome.

Antidiabetic activity and phytochemical screening of crude extract of Stevia rebaudiana in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Stevia rebaudiana regulates blood sugar, prevents hypertension and tooth decay. Other studies have shown that it has antibacterial as well as antiviral property.

METHODS

Preliminary phytochemical screening of aqueous, ether and methanolic extracts of S. rebaudiana was done. Acute and sub-acute toxicity were conducted on twenty four Albino rats, divided into one control (Group I) and three treatment groups viz. aqueous extract (Group II), ether extract (Group III) and methanolic extract (Group IV). For the study of antidiabetic effect of S. rebaudiana rats were divided into seven groups (n=6). Diabetes was induced by a single dose of 5% alloxan monohydrate (125 mg/kg, i.p.) after 24 hour fasting.Blood samples were analysed on day 0, 1, 5, 7, 14 and 28.

RESULTS

Phytochemical tests showed presence of different kinds of phyto-constituents in aqueous, ether and methanol extract of Stevia rebaudiana leaves. Daily single dose (2.0 g/kg) administration of aqueous extract (A.E.) , ether extract (E.E.) and methanol extract (M.E.) for 28 days of S. rebaudiana could not show any significant change in ALT and AST levels in rats. Blood sugar level was found to be decreased on day 28 in groups of rats treated with A.E., E.E. and M.E. of S. rebaudiana.

CONCLUSION

The extracts of Stevioside rebaudiana could decrease the blood glucose level in diabetic rats in time dependent manner.

Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be one of the dietary causes of metabolic disorders, such as obesity. Therefore, substituting sugar with low calorie sweeteners may be an efficacious weight management strategy. We tested the effect of preloads containing stevia, aspartame, or sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels.

DESIGN

19 healthy lean (BMI=20.0-24.9) and 12 obese (BMI=30.0-39.9) individuals 18-50 years old completed three separate food test days during which they received preloads containing stevia (290kcal), aspartame (290kcal), or sucrose (493kcal) before the lunch and dinner meal. The preload order was balanced, and food intake (kcal) was directly calculated. Hunger and satiety levels were reported before and after meals, and every hour throughout the afternoon. Participants provided blood samples immediately before and 20min after the lunch preload. Despite the caloric difference in preloads (290kcal vs. 493kcal), participants did not compensate by eating more at their lunch and dinner meals when they consumed stevia and aspartame versus sucrose in preloads (mean differences in food intake over entire day between sucrose and stevia=301kcal, p<.01; aspartame=330kcal, p<.01). Self-reported hunger and satiety levels did not differ by condition. Stevia preloads significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels compared to sucrose preloads (p<.01), and postprandial insulin levels compared to both aspartame and sucrose preloads (p<.05). When consuming stevia and aspartame preloads, participants did not compensate by eating more at either their lunch or dinner meal and reported similar levels of satiety compared to when they consumed the higher calorie sucrose preload.