The biological effect of stevia leaf extract on metabolic processes in c57bl/6 mice

Abstract

Aim: To study the effect of chronic treatment with stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) leaf extract (SLE), that is widely used as a sweetener, on blood biochemistry and the state of internal organs in sexually mature C57BL/6 female mice (Mus musculus domesticus). Methods. Animals were divided into three groups: a control group and two experimental groups. The mice received a SLE water solution at doses of one (permissible daily dose, PDD) and 10 mg/g of body weight, respectively, for two months. Results. The study showed an increase in total cholesterol and decreases in triacylglycerols and blood glucose without a dose-dependent effect. Decreases in the weight of the pancreas, liver, and heart were observed only in the group receiving the SLE at PDD. In the same group, increases in the weight of the kidneys and spleen were observed. Also, the SLE treatment resulted in discoloration of the kidneys, spleen and liver, and, in some cases, hydronephrotic changes in the kidneys. Conclusion. Thus, the chronic treatment with the SLE had both positive and negative effects, which necessitates a more accurate determination of the SLE PDD.