Attenuation of metabolic dysfunctions in the skeletal muscles of type 1 diabetic rats by Stevia rebaudiana extracts, via AMPK upregulation and antioxidant activities.

Background: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves are well-known for their sweetness and have been used as a non-caloric sweetener in several countries. It has numerous therapeutic properties which have been proven safe and effective over hundreds of years. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the possible antioxidant effects of stevia extracts and their role in regulating AMPK in type-1 diabetic rats.