Review of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics – International Edition Volume 38 (2024) – Supplementary Issue 2

Open Access Research

Immunomodulatory effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaves and commercial stevia on rats: a comparative study

Eman Mobder Nayif^1,*

, Hashim Abed Abass²

, Muthanna Abdlkhader Salh Al-Mahdawi³

, Frial Gemeel
Abd¹

¹Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq

²Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Diyala, Baqubah, Iraq
³Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Diyala, Baqubah, Iraq*Corresponding author: Eman Mobder Nayif, Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq
Tel.: +964-(0)780751108
E-mail: sci.eman.nayif@uobabylon.edu.iq

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Published: 5 May 2024; https://doi.org/10.61873/IVJV6786

Abstract
Stevia is herbal native to South-America that is renowned for its natural sweet leaves containing stevia glycosides. Our study aimed at examining and comparing the immunomodulatory effects of the Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and of commercially-available stevia products in rats. Our experiment involved the preparation of Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and the use of market-available stevia obtained from the local-market. Stevia rebaudiana leaf extraction was meticulously performed, and 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). The rats were orally administered the treatments for 60 days, after which blood samples were collected for analysis. Our results revealed a significant rise in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels in rats treated with the Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and the commercially-available stevia when compared to the control group. Additionally, immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels exhibited a notable increase in both stevia-treated groups, with the Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract-receiving group showing higher IgA levels than the commercially-available stevia-treated one. Our findings suggest that stevia may influence the immune response, particularly the regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and the IgA levels. This study contributes valuable insights into stevia’s effects on the immune system.

Keywords: cytokine, extraction, immunoglobulin A, interleukin-1 beta, stevia

Please cite as:
Nayif E.M.N., Abass H.A., Al-MahdawiM.A.S., Abd F.G. Immunomodulatory effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaves and commercial stevia on rats: a comparative study. Rev. Clin. Pharmacol. Pharmacokinet. Int. Ed. 38(Sup2): 153-156 (2024). https://doi.org/10.61873/IVJV6786