Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of Stevia rebaudiana and compare it with acetylcholine and multiple antagonists like atropine, ondansetron, and verapamil on rabbit ileum, as it is a commonly used natural sweetener nowadays.
Methodology: This study was conducted experimentally on Rabbit ileal tissue. Aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana was prepared and then 3 strengths, that is 5%, 10% & 15% were prepared. Power Lab (AD Instruments) was used to record ileal contractions. Rabbits’ ileum tissue was rested, and normal contractions were noted for 30 seconds. First, agonist acetylcholine (Ach 10-4) was added. The effect of three strengths of Stevia rebaudiana were recorded. After that, Stevia rebaudiana 15% was used in the presence of agonist. After this antagonist, atropine, ondansetron and verapamil were added alone and in the presence of Stevia rebaudiana 15%. SPSS 25 was used to analyze the data.
Results: Three strengths of Stevia rebaudiana did not significantly alter ileal contractions when compared with normal contractions. When used with agonist Ach, Stevia rebaudiana did not alter ileal contractions significantly. On the other hand, when Stevia rebaudiana was used with antagonists ondansetron (0.036mM and 0.36mM), it slightly altered ileal contractions. However, when used with verapamil (3x10-5), it further decreased the ileal contractions.
Conclusion: Stevia had either a minimal effect on intestinal motility or a slight inhibitory effect on ileal contractions, which could be due to its calcium channel blocking effect. There were no significant spasmogenic effects of stevia on ileal motility in rabbits

Key words: Stevia rebaudiana, acetylcholine, atropine, ondansetron, verapamil.