Intra-gastrically administration of Stevia and particularly Nano-Stevia reversed the hyperglycemia, anxiety, and memory impairment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Type II diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders considered chronic hyperglycemia resulting from deficits in insulin secretion or insulin function. This disease usually links with various psychological problems such as anxiety and cognitive dysfunctions. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a natural and healthy substitute sweetener for sugar and artificial sweeteners. It has become essential for human diets and food manufacturers. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of Stevia and Nano-stevia on the regulation of anxiety and memory processes in male diabetic rats. The elevated plus-maze (EPM) test-retest procedure was used to assess anxiety and memory in male diabetic rats. The findings exhibited that induction of diabetes caused a distorted cellular arrangement in the liver tissue of male rats. On the other hand, intra-gastrically administration of Stevia (1 ml/kg) and nano-Stevia (1 ml/kg) indicated a normal appearance in the liver tissue of male diabetic rats. Moreover, induction of diabetes caused the augmentation of blood glucose, reduction in time spent in%open-arm time (%OAT) on the test day, and enhancement of%OAT on the retest day. Therefore, induction of diabetes in rats produced hyperglycemia, anxiogenic effect, and memory impairment and these responses were reversed by drug treatment. Furthermore, intra-gastrically application of Stevia (1 ml/kg) and nano-Stevia (1 ml/kg) reversed the hyperglycemia, anxiogenic effect, and memory impairment in male diabetic rats. Interestingly, Nano-Stevia exhibited the highest significant response rather than Stevia. In conclusion, the results of this research suggested the beneficial properties of Stevia and particularly Nano-Stevia on inducing anti-diabetic effects, anxiolytic behavior, as well as memory improvement in male diabetic rats.