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Planta Med 2013; 79(11): 909-915
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1328706
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Electrophysiological, Vasoactive, and Gastromodulatory Effects of Stevia in Healthy Wistar Rats

Saquiba Yesmine
School of Medical & Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
,
Kylie Connolly
School of Medical & Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
,
Nicholas Hill
School of Medical & Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
,
Fiona R. Coulson
School of Medical & Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
,
Andrew S. Fenning
School of Medical & Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 27 November 2012
revised 12 March 2013

accepted 16 May 2013

Publication Date:
05 July 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects of stevia, Stevia rebaudiana (Asteraceae), have been demonstrated in several human and animal models. The current study aims to define steviaʼs role in modifying the electrophysiological and mechanical properties of cardiomyocytes, blood vessels, and gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Tissues from thoracic aorta, mesenteric arteries, ileum, and left ventricular papillary muscles were excised from 8-week-old healthy Wistar rats. The effects of stevia (1 × 10−9 M to 1 × 10−4 M) were measured on these tissues. Steviaʼs effects in the presence of verapamil, 4-AP, and L-NAME were also assessed. In cardiomyocytes, stevia attenuated the force of contraction, decreased the average peak amplitude, and shortened the repolarisation phase of action potential – repolarisation phase of action potential20 by 25 %, repolarisation phase of action potential50 by 34 %, and repolarisation phase of action potential90 by 36 %. Stevia caused relaxation of aortic tissues which was significantly potentiated in the presence of verapamil. In mesenteric arteries, incubation with L-NAME failed to block stevia-induced relaxation indicating the mechanism of action may not be fully via nitric oxide-dependent pathways. Stevia concentration-dependently reduced electrical field stimulated and carbachol-induced contractions in the isolated ileum. This study is the first to show the effectiveness of stevia in reducing cardiac action potential duration at 20 %, 50 %, and 90 % of repolarisation. Stevia also showed beneficial modulatory effects on cardiovascular and gastrointestinal tissues via calcium channel antagonism, activation of the M2 muscarinic receptor function, and enhanced nitric oxide release.

Key words

Stevia rebaudiana (Asteraceae) - Wistar rats - cardiovascular function - electrophysiology - action potential duration - gastrointestinal smooth muscle
 

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