Pharmacological Facets of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) and its Secondary Metabolites

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a member of the composite, native to Paraguay. A natural alternative to artificial sweetener belongs to Asteraceae family and contains over hundred phytochemical including well characterized stevioside, rebaudioside A and steviol. It produces a number of high potency low-calorie sweeteners in its leaf tissue, stevia leaf extract that are safe to use and having antimicrobial and anti-oxidant potential. Many research studies on its biological properties shows its application in treatment of many diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and weight loss. Therefore, an effort made to compile the literature and review to summarize chemical and biological properties to provide a base for future studies.