Stevia is an herb that has a naturally intense sweet taste. Stevia leaves contain compounds called glycosides, particularly steviosides, which are responsible for giving the leaves their sweet flavor. These steviosides are extracted from whole dried stevia leaves and ground into a fine powder.

The stevia plant is native to South America and has been consumed there for hundreds of years. More recently, stevia’s popularity and availability has increased in the United States and other countries due to studies supporting its safe use.

While stevia has been documented to have medical purposes as an antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal, anti-tumor, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions, the scientific evidence is strongest, and its use is most promising for two indications: high blood sugar/insulin resistance and high blood pressure.

Stevia contains no calories or chemical aftertastes and another component of the leaves, steviosides, provides a wide array of health benefits.

General Usage: 

Stevia is dosed according to taste (as it is used as a sweetener). An estimated upper daily intake of around 8mg/kg should be used (for a 150 lb human, this is 540mg). This dose is within the current recommended intake limits, and is sufficient for anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects but insufficient for any observed toxic or infertility inducing effects of stevia.

Some human studies using prolonged intake of up to 1.5g daily show no adverse effects.

Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana
aka: Azucacaa, Caa-He-É, Ca-A-Jhei, Ca-A-Yupi, Capim Doce, Chanvre d'Eau, Eira-Caa, Erva Doce, Estevia, Eupatorium rebaudianum, Green Stevia, Kaa Jhee, Mustelia eupatoria, Paraguayan Stevioside, Plante Sucrée, Reb A, Rebaudioside A, Rébaudioside A, Rebiana, Stévia, Stevia eupatoria, Stevia Plant, Stevia purpurea, Stevioside, Sweet Herb of Paraguay, Sweet Herb, Sweet Leaf of Paraguay, Sweetleaf, Yerba Dulce
Origin: Egypt
Notes: Steam sterilized. Non-irradiated. Non-GMO. Sold and labeled as for further manufacturing. Individuals must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose or use. As with any manufacturing process, we suggest a small, lab-scale manufacturing for evaluation purposes prior to full commercial manufacturing.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
* FDA disclaimer

References
Web MD
Examine.com
Life Extension