Stevia and especially Nano-Stevia induced anti diabetic, antidepressant, and analgesic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease.This disease is almost associated with depression and impaired pain sensation.Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (stevia) has a sweet taste and a useful effect in blood glucose control.This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Stevia and Nano-stevia on psychological problems (e.g.depression and pain) induced by diabetes.Methods: By a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin, diabetes mellitus was induced in male Wistar rats.Stevia (20 mg/dl per day for 30 days) and Nano-stevia (20 mg/ dl per day for 30 days) were administrated intra-gastrically in diabetic rats.Using the forced swim test (FST) and formalin test, depression and pain behaviors were measured, respectively.Results: The results exhibited that male diabetic rats showed hyperglycemia, depressantrelated behavior, and hyperalgesic response.On the other hand, intragastric usage of Stevia (20 mg/dl per day for 30 days) and Nano-stevia (20 mg/dl per day for 30 days) modified the hyperglycemia, depressant-related response, and hyperalgesic effect in diabetic rats.Nanostevia indicated the maximum significant response rather than Stevia. Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that Stevia and particularly Nano-stevia could be beneficial in managing diabetes and its associated behavioral complications.