Stevia Leaf

Also known as: Stevia rebaudiana, steviol glycosides, stevia leaf extract, rebaudioside, stevioside

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Natural plant sweetener with some evidence for blood sugar and appetite effects, but human data is limited.

What it does

Stevia leaf comes from a South American shrub and is best known as a zero-calorie natural sweetener. The active compounds, called steviol glycosides, are intensely sweet and widely used as a sugar...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose from provided studies
Found in

Poppi Cherry Limeade, Ancientnutrition, Super Greens - Pineapple Mango and 11 more

What the Science Says

Stevia leaf comes from a South American shrub and is best known as a zero-calorie natural sweetener. The active compounds, called steviol glycosides, are intensely sweet and widely used as a sugar substitute in foods and drinks. Limited human research suggests stevia-containing foods may modestly reduce post-meal hunger, and lab studies show its compounds can inhibit an enzyme linked to high blood pressure, though these effects have not been confirmed in large human trials.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to treat diabetes or hypertension in humans. No solid human evidence it lowers blood sugar on its own. Don't confuse animal feed studies with human health benefits. Not a weight-loss supplement. The anticancer research is very early-stage lab work — nowhere near proven in people.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Stevia-containing cookies reduced hunger compared to regular cookies in a small human crossover trial.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 3% stevia leaf powder by weight in food

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 29272206

Steviol glycosides inhibited an enzyme linked to high blood pressure in lab and animal studies.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established human dose

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 31750488

Stevia extract improved antioxidant markers and reduced cholesterol in animal studies.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 100-200 mg/kg in animal feed (no human equivalent established)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 39177443

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies. Steviol glycosides are processed in the gut, but absorption details are not covered in the provided papers.

Red Flags to Watch For

Most available research is in animals or lab settings — human clinical evidence is very limited
Health Canada recommends children under 2 avoid beverages with stevia leaf extract
Rebaudioside M (a stevia derivative) is sometimes produced via genetically modified yeast — check product labels if this matters to you
Products marketed with dramatic health claims (anti-cancer, blood pressure treatment) are far ahead of the actual human evidence

Products Containing Stevia Leaf

See how Stevia Leaf is used in these analyzed products:

Poppi Cherry Limeade

Supplement

Mostly Legit

Supplement

Overhyped

View all product reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stevia Leaf do?

Natural plant sweetener with some evidence for blood sugar and appetite effects, but human data is limited.

What is the effective dose of Stevia Leaf?

No established dose from provided studies

Is Stevia Leaf safe?

Most available research is in animals or lab settings — human clinical evidence is very limited

What doesn't Stevia Leaf do?

Not proven to treat diabetes or hypertension in humans.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25