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In Japan, companies like Sunkist and Nestlé use stevia as a sweetener. Coca-Cola uses stevia in Japan for its Diet Coke, as the herb is non-caloric. A combined Australian university/government report states that "Japan is by far the most advanced country in the use and understanding of Stevia in its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries". At present, the stevia industry in Japan is endeavouring to obtain Codex Alimentarius approval of steviosides. Interestingly, there have been no unfavourable health reports regarding stevia in Japan in the past 30 years. China has been using stevia since 1985. Shanghai City's Director of the Health Supervisory Institute was quoted in the Shanghai Star as saying, "over the past 17 years there hasn't been any documented case of the sweetener causing ill effects". reports that stevia can be used to heal cuts and scratches quick- ly and without scarring. Brian Morley is a natural therapist with a biochemistry back- ground, working in Brisbane, Australia. Morley uses stevia on patients as he says it "assists the liver in controlling blood sugar levels in the body". He says that refined sugar has a negative effect on the liver and can cause chronic fatigue and immune deficiency syndrome. Combined with bilberry, stevia can also aid sugar cravings. Morley uses stevia in a "nectar form" that has been vacuum distilled, nitrogen dried and crys- tallised so as not to destroy any goodness. eed Shanghai Star as saying, "over the pa 7 years there hasn't Stevia’s Uses in Food Preparation been any documented case of the sweetener causing ill Stevioside is suitable for cooking purposes as it is heat sta- effects". ble, unlike artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. However, it is unsuitable for certain confectionary Stevia's Positive Health Effects such as fudge or icing as it lacks bulk. Studies have found some positive Stevia is used in Japan to sweeten soy effects and possible medical uses of stevia. . sauce, pickles and soft drinks. Brazil A University of Illinois, College of Users of stevia have also almost followed suit in 1988 when the Dentistry paper, published in 1992, found reported lower incidence of | Minister for Health proposed that only that stevioside, though an intense natural stevia should be allowed for sweetening sweetener, is not cariogenic, according to colds and flu. The herb can diet drinks. their data. A Japanese study from Nihon aid in weight loss by However, Big Business opposed the University, published in late 2002, . . idea, according to a report in Earth Island revealed that the use of stevioside on skin reducing appetite and can Journal (Northern Winter 1997-98 issue). tumours in mice inhibited the promoting be used to suppress tobacco Apparently Monsanto had made a sub- effect of chemically induced and alcohol cravings. stantial financial commitment in the con- inflammation. struction of a NutraSweet plant in Sao Taiwanese studies showed the pos- Paulo. It was then agreed that man- sibility of stevia's use for blood pres- ufacturers would undertake studies sure regulation. A study undertaken by 1989 to incorporate stevia. on rats at Taipei Medical University, However, nothing further was heard and published in 2002, showed that regarding the matter. stevioside lowered blood pressure. The other study, published in 2000, was undertaken on humans by Taipei Medical College and concluded that "oral stevioside is a well-tolerated and effective modality that may be considered as an alternative or sup- plementary therapy for patients with Stevia leaf also contains various vitamins and minerals including vitamins A and C, zinc, rutin, magnesium and iron. Stevia's Potential in Agriculture and Healthcare One of the advantages of stevia is that it can be grown almost any- where. Its native conditions are sub- tropical, but it has been grown in areas as far north as St Petersburg hypertension". (60°N). The herb also grows well in Two recent studies by Jeppesen et tropical areas. al., from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, have found Stevia seedlings can be purchased from nurseries. The plant after tests on rats and mice that stevioside could have potential has the added bonus of having certain insecticidal properties; in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. for example, it is aphid resistant. Natural therapists have been using stevia for many years to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada notes that "Stevia repre- regulate blood sugar levels. According to a June 28, 2002, sents a new opportunity for researchers and farmers alike", but report on Australia's national broadcaster ABC that more information is required to "optimize annual trans- (http://www.abc.net.au), the herb can be taken in droplet form _ plant production for Canada". with meals, bringing blood glucose levels to "near normal". Stevia could be utilised to benefit research, as "production of Users of stevia have also reported lower incidence of colds remarkably high levels of one class of secondary metabolite is and flu. The herb can aid in weight loss by reducing appetite of significant interest for chemists, biochemists and geneticists and can be used to suppress tobacco and alcohol cravings. and may prove to be a foundation for the production of new Stevia leaf also contains various vitamins and minerals includ- metabolites in the future". It also noted that because of safety ing vitamins A and C, zinc, rutin, magnesium and iron. concerns surrounding stevia, "there is clear need for further Stevia has been used in South America for years as a treat- experimentation with respect to the metabolic fate of steviol ment for diabetes. It has also been suggested that it can aid glycosides". people to get off insulin. It has been used topically on skin Stevioside is not legal in Canada, and the only legal way of cancers and to treat candidias: obtaining stevia is by purchasing it as a herb. In Australia and The Healthfree.com website also espouses stevia's use for New Zealand, the situation according to Food Standards skin care. It can be applied to enhance the skin's appearance Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is that stevia leaf may be or to heal acne and other blemishes and skin disorders includ- sold as a food. However, extractable components of the plant, ing dermatitis, eczema and seborrhoea. The website also such as stevioside, are not legal. Stevia leaf also contains various vitamins and minerals including vitamins A and C, zinc, rutin, magnesium and iron. NEXUS + 27 Users of stevia have also FEBRUARY — MARCH 2003 www.nexusmagazine.com