In vitro and in vivo assessment of inhibitory effect of stevioside on pro-inflammatory cytokines

Objective: Stevioside is a natural non-caloric sweetener which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity.  The aim of  the present study was to examine in vitro and in vivo effects of  stevioside on rats  plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α),  interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TNF-α and IL-1β release from lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Materials and Methods: Male wistar rats weighing between 170-220 g were given stevioside (0, 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW/day) for 6 weeks. Mononuclear cells were separated from peripheral blood samples.  TNF-α and IL-1β levels in plasma and the release of TNF-α and IL-1β from PBMCs were determined using rat enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results:  Plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were found to be non-detectable in control and groups treated with 500 and 1000 mg/kg of stevioside.  Regarding TNF-α release from LPS-stimulated    PBMCs, rats that were orally fed with 500 and 1000 mg/kg of stevioside were significantly different (p