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| Acute Toxicity Test (LD50)
made by Japan Food Sanitation Corporation in 1991 Results: Very low acute toxicity Three groups of 10 mice each of 20 grams were tested. One ml of Stevia Extract Liquid was forcibly administered at a time via mouth to each mouse of one group. This quantity was equivalent to 3 liters for a human adult. They were normal for 7 days and grew without any abnormalities. Detection Test made by Japan Food Sanitation Corporation in 1992 Results: Arsenic, lead, cadmium, tin, or pathogenic bacteria were not detected. Patch Test made by the Association of Japan Hair Science in 1990 Results: All negative The fin chambers with Stevia Extract Liquid applied were pasted tight on the elbow skin of 42 examinees for 48 hours. Live Bacteria Test made by Kitazato University Hygiene Science Center in 1991 Results: All negative Detection Test on Prohibited Drugs made by Laboratory of Japan Racing Chemistry Foundation in 1991 Results: All negative Stevia Extract Liquid was administered to racing horses before a race, and urine and blood were collected from them after the race. Any of 48 kinds of prohibited drugs were not detected in the urine and blood. |
| 1. Suspected report on rat infertility
A 5% extract of Stevia rebaudiana given to rats in the drinking water was reported by Mazei-Planas to induce infertility in the magazine "Science" published in 1968. The proof to the contrary: Induction of infertility disproved. The co-researchers of Mazei-Planas as well as other researchers in USA and Germany denied the induction of infertility. In 1975 and 1981, very severe tests were made on Stevia rebaudiana in Japan, too, and it was reported that no induction of infertility was observed. In addition, the Japan Stevia Industry Association requested Japan Food Analysis Center to conduct an examination in the same method as specified in the magazine "Science." The result was that administration of Stevia rebaudiana to rats in a 2~3 times more quantity than in Planas's test did not show any induction of infertility. JBB's comments: The test on selected sterile cows by administration of Stevia Extract Liquid proved that more than 80% of them got pregnant. The test was made by Miyakonojo Animal Clinic, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. 2. Suspected report on toxicity and carcinogenicity of stevioside Steviol which is generated by digestion of Stevia in the digestive tracts may cause a substantial change on DNA after metabolic activation. The proof to the contrary: Pharmacological test and other various tests on subchronic toxicity, chronic toxicity, and carcinogenicity were conducted in Japan. None of them showed any problems. 3. Suspected report on toxicity of the transition substance from stevioside The proof to the contrary: (1) Huntington Research Center Ltd. in UK conducted a 13 week examination by administration of stevioside to rats according to the toxicity test guideline of Ministry of Health and Welfare, Japan. The result was negative. (2) National Institute of Hygienic Sciences, Japan, performed a test on teratogenicity of stevioside in pregnant rats by forced administration via mouth of one gram /kg/day of stevioside-diluted water. The result was negative. |