Open Access Research
Hepatotoxic effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and commercial stevia on rats: a comparative study
Aamer Mousa Ali1,*
, Noor Ali Hussein2, Dhafer Jawad3, Hayder H. Abed4, Shereen M. Mekkey5
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq
2Babylon Education Directorate, Ministry of Education, Hillah, Iraq
3Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Muthanna University, Samawah, Iraq
4Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Muthanna University, Samawah, Iraq
5College of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University, Hillah, Iraq
*Corresponding author: Aamer Mousa Ali, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq; Tel.: +964-(0)7901143107
E-mail: pharm.aamer.mousa@uobabylon.edu.iq
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Published: 5 May 2024; https://doi.org/10.61873/XFAQ5379
Abstract
The popularity of stevia is high, especially among diabetics and those looking to reduce their calorie-intake. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a commercially-available stevia and of a Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract on the liver function and histology of rats. After preparing the Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract, 60 healthy adult male rats were randomly separated into three groups: untreated control, commercial stevia treatment (25 mg/kg), and Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract treatment (25 mg/kg). Our results show that after 60 days of treatment (oral administration), a significant elevation of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels was observed in the commercial stevia-treated group, suggesting potential effects on liver function. The Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract-treated group also exhibited increased ALT levels. Moreover, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were found significantly increased in both of these treatment groups (when compared to the control group). Alkaline phosphatase levels were not found altered between groups. Histological-examinations, in spite of the elevated ALT and AST levels, exhibited no abnormalities in the liver. Although stevia is generally regarded as safe, this study underlines the importance of considering the type and form of stevia when evaluating its effects on liver health. Further study is warranted so as to elucidate the specific components and mechanisms responsible for the observed variations in liver enzymes, and to confirm the overall safety of stevia products.
Keywords: stevia rebaudiana, steviol glycosides, rat model, liver enzymes, hepatotoxicity
Please cite as:
Ali A. M., Hussein N. A., Jawad D., Abed H. H., Mekkey S. M. Hepatotoxic effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and commercial stevia on rats: a comparative study. Rev. Clin. Pharmacol. Pharmacokinet. Int. Ed. 38 (Sup2): 69-72 (2024). https://doi.org/10.61873/XFAQ5379