Introduction: Aspartame is the most widely used artificial sweeteners. Stevia is a worldwide natural sweetener plant with medicinal and commercial importance. Stress responses are mediated both in the central and peripheral nervous system. The principal effectors of the stress response are localized in the hypothalamus, the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and the adrenal gland. This is commonly referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Aim: To compare the effect of aspartame and stivea on the pituitary adrenal axis.
Material and Methods: A total of 30 adult male albino rats were equally divided into three groups. Group I was the Control Group. Group II (ASP Group) received aspartame (ASP), at daily oral dose 250 mg/kg for 4 weeks. .Group III (stevia Group) received stevia at daily oral dose 250 mg/kg for 4 weeks.
Results: : In aspartame-treated group there was apoptosis of zona fasciculata cells with subsequent corticotrophic hyperplasia. In stevia treated groups minimal changes were observed with no significant changes in number of corticotrophes.
Conclusion: As a natural sweetener, stevia is safer than aspartame on the adrenal pituitary axis.