We showed [the] anti-HCV effect of stevioside and the additive anti-HCV
effect by combination of stevioside with interferon
in vitro, and the activation of interferon signal was considered as one of the mechanism[s]," the investigators stated.
Thus, they concluded that, "stevioside is a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection," and they plan to conduct a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of stevioside therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.