EFFECTIVENESS OF STEVIA REBAUDIANA WHOLE LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST THE VARIOUS MORPHOLOGICAL FORMS OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI IN VITRO
P. A. S. Theophilus, M. J. Victoria, K. M. Socarras, K. R. Filush, K. Gupta, D. F. Luecke, E. Sapi*
Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
Received: September 7, 2015; Accepted: October 26, 2015
Lyme disease is a tick-borne multisystemic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Administering antibiotics is the primary treat- ment for this disease; however, relapse often occurs when antibiotic treatment is discontinued.
The reason for relapse remains un- known, but recent studies suggested the possibilities of the presence of antibiotic resistant Borrelia persister cells and biofilms.
In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of whole leaf Stevia extract against B. burgdorferi spirochetes, persisters, and bio- film forms in vitro.
The susceptibility of the different forms was evaluated by various quantitative techniques in addition to differ- ent microscopy methods. The effectiveness of Stevia was compared to doxycycline, cefoperazone, daptomycin, and their combina- tions.
Our results demonstrated that Stevia had significant effect in eliminating B. burgdorferi spirochetes and persisters. Sub- culture experiments with Stevia and antibiotics treated cells were established for 7 and 14 days yielding, no and 10% viable cells, respectively compared to the above-mentioned antibiotics and antibiotic combination.
When Stevia and the three antibiotics were tested against attached biofilms, Stevia significantly reduced B. burgdorferi forms. Results from this study suggest that a natural product such as Stevia leaf extract could be considered as an effective agent against B. burgdorferi.
Keywords: Borrelia burgdorferi, biofilms, persister cells, Stevia rebaudiana, antibiotic resistance
Abbreviations: ATCC – American type culture collection; BSK-H – Barbour–Stoner–Kelly H; CefP – cefoperazone; DapM – daptomycin; DoxC – doxycycline; EPS – extracellular polymeric substances; Log phase – logarithmic phase; PBS – phosphate buffered saline; PI – propidium iodide; PTLDS – post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome
Full article here
http://www.akademiai.com/doi/pdf/10.1556/1886.2015.00031
While this is only a preliminary study and should not be interpreted to mean the consumption of whole stevia extract will result in clinical improvements comparable or superior to conventional antibiotics, it opens the door to future research on the topic.
Reports Below Have NOT Been Confirmed- Patient Reports Only
Used in Study- Nutramedix brand Stevia
Dr. Cowden Recommendations- The study was preliminary and had no information regarding dosages. I contacted Dr. Cowden regarding the Stevia dosage and he suggests 30 drops 2x per day for an average sized adult when used as an antimicrobial.
Here is an earlier message from Dr. Eva Sapi on what dosage of Stevia might be appropriate: Yes, that is how we discovered it we want to wake up the so called persisters with sugar and Stevia should very significant effect on Borrelia. How much ? dr Cowden recommends 10-15 drops 2x daily but please find him on Facebook and double check with him. bests Eva
Dr. Cowden on general Stevia benefits, 2 minute video- Click Here