Stevia is the genus of a cluster of about 150 different species of herbs including the Stevia eupatoria, Stevia ovata, Stevia plummerae, Stevia rebaudiana, Stevia salicifolia and Stevia serrata. This species belongs to the family Asteraceae also called as the sunflower family.

This specie is located primarily in the regions of the tropical South America and Central America as well their sub tropical terrains. The specie called Stevia rebaudiana which is also known popularly as sweet leaf is famous for the part suggested by its name. it is used as a substitute for sugar with a delay in onset and prolonged effect of sweetness while some of its extract may produce a bitter after taste if taken in larger quantities. The extracts from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana have a potency of 300 times as compared to the regular sweetness of sugar.

There are currently many uses of the herb which are being debated upon by herbal medicine researchers as well as pharmaceuticals all across the globe as the herb is said to have been beneficial in many ailments such as high blood glucose, high blood pressure and obesity.
It has been subjected to many bans but is popularly being used as an alternative to sugar in Japan and is being sold in the United States of America as a dietary supplement.
A current product called Rebiana which uses stevia as a base product is being developed for commercial purposes by the Coca-Cola Company and Cargill.