Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a native plant from the Amambay Mountain chain (Paraguay) and has been used as sweetener over centuries by the Guarani people (who call it ka’a he’ê, sweet herb). Its leaves are around 10-30 times sweeter than sugar. Its sweet taste is due to Steviol glycosides, mainly Stevioside and Rebaudioside A. Furthermore it contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, etc.
ANAGALIDE, SA has kept opened a R+D+i program about extraction processes, purification and applications of glycosides and active components from Stevia since several years ago.
In 2004, a part of this program changed into a IBEROEKA Project IBK-04-377 (STEVIOSIDE).
Around the middle of the 2006, ANAGALIDE, SA took part in the foundation of the European Stevia Association (EUSTAS).
Stevia possible applications:
Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications
Natural antioxidant
In diabetic patients (no insulin dependant), helps in the control of glucose levels in blood
In obesity treatment, decreases anxiety for food and the wish of sugar or fat intake
Mild diuretic (it helps to reduce the uric acid levels)
Beneficial for patients of hypertension
Fights fatigue and depression
Improves gastrointestinal functions
Improves resistance to flu and colds
Treatment for burns, wounds, eczema, seborrhoea, psoriasis, dermatitis, …
Improves cognitive functions (DSM patent)
Food Applications
Sweetener for food, coffee, teas, gums, candy, etc.
Replacement of sugar in light drinks, sauces and pastry making
» See Stevia recipes
Feed Applications
Feed flavouring (for farm animals and pets)
It increases the production in cattle, pigs and poultry, stimulating their appetite
Accelerates recovery after infectious processes
Improves meat taste and its quality (less exudation and better conservation)
Decreases the number of broken eggs in layers and improves the chicken meat quality
Prevents gizzard erosion and ulceration and growth depression of chicks induced by stress and dietary histamine
Reduces mortality in fish farms, producing healthier fish which is fresh for longer time
Cosmetics Applications
Complement in cellulitis treatment
Mouth hygiene formulations (tooth pastes, mouthwashes, etc.)
It helps to clean spots, smoothes wrinkles and embellishes the skin
» See Stevia cosmetic applications
Agricultural Applications
Promotes plant growth and productions
Prevents fruit fall before harvest time
Improves the taste and enlarges conservation of fruits and vegetables
It makes plants more resistant
Improves soil quality
Environmental Applications
It accelerates manure production (compost) from farming waste
Decreases concentration of nitrates, dioxines, fertilisers and pesticides in soil
Stevia legal status:
JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives)
In 68th meeting (2007) the monograph (Steviol Glycosides) was stated with a 95 % minimum of total Steviol Glycosides.
In 69th meeting (2008) Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) expressed as Steviol was approved in 0-4 mg/kg body weight.
EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Steviol glycosides were authorized as food additives on November 11, 2011 (Regulation EU 1131/2011).
On April 14, 2010, EFSA issued a positive opinion on the safety of Steviol glycosides used as food additives (purity >95%).
On October 14, 2016, the specifications of Steviol Glycoside (E960) were updated (EU Regulation 2016/1814).
On October 11, 2022, the specifications for Rebaudiosides M, D and AM produced enzymatically are set (Regulation 2022/1922).
On March 2, 2023, the specifications for glycosylated Steviol Glycosides (E960D) are set (Regulation 2023/447).
AVAILABLE PRODUCTS FOR CONSUMER
» REBBIA®
Table-top sweetener extracted from Stevia, 100% plant-based ingredients, 75% less calories than sugar. Sweetener equivalence to sucrose ~ 2
Table-top sweetener extracted from Stevia in individual sachets. Sweetener equivalence to sucrose: 1 g Rebbia® Sachets is equivalent to 8 g of sugar.
AVAILABLE PRODUCTS FOR INDUSTRY
Raw materials
» AGROSTEVIA®
Stevia liquid formulation for agricultural applications.
» GLYCOSTEVIA®-M
Steviol glycosides (Rebaudioside M) [E960c(ii)]: product enzymatically derived from Rebaudioside A from Stevia. Minimun 95 %.
Sweetener equivalence to sucrose ~ 250
» GLYCOSTEVIA®-EP
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaf powdered extract.
Sweetener equivalence to sucrose ~ 60
» Other Stevia products can be available upon request
The information and recommendations contained in this documentation are based on tests and data believed to be reliable. However, the user is responsible for determining the appropriateness of the application of the product to his own use and of fulfilling the applicable law. Anyway, in no case these products are proposed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness.