Background & Aim: Changes in lifestyle, decrease in physical exercise along with incidence of obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases indicate a need for low calorie formulations. The sweetness of Stevia, a natural sweetener, is estimated to be 300 times as much as that of sugar. Extraction of stevia leaves is considered a promoter of calorie balance and a beneficial part of a healthy diet. Stevia is also used to treat diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, hypertension, exhaustion and depression. Experimental: Regarding the aforementioned applications and critical role of sucrose in the creation of texture, color and taste, the replacement of sucrose is an important issue. Most researches indicate the fact that sugar-free products are not pleasant and acceptable; thus, the presence of sugar is inevitable i.e. in case of complete substitution, concurrent consumption of both sugar and stevia (different combinations) seemingly gives it more flavors and makes it the most demanded product. This article reviews effective parameters in sucrose substitution with stevia and the results obtained from it. Industrial and practical recommendations: Its bitter aftertaste can diminish its consumption in food formulation; however, other flavoring agents and fillers can modify this problem. With regard to its high sweetness (300 times as much as sucrose), its consumption is low and thus it is economically justifiable. Using this sweetener in daily industries, fruit juices and confectioneries as a sucrose substitute is possible with respect to the research findings. تفاصيل المقالة

Background & Aim: Considering the inevitable side effects of chemical drugs, nowadays, herbal medicine has gained a special importance. Cinnamon of Lauraceae Family, is commonly used as a food spice and medicine. It is famous to be, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, and antispastic. It also prevents abdominal bloating, increases sweating and uterus muscle constrictions. Cinnamon’s essence is known to have anti-fungal and antibacterial effects, which most presumably reflects the presence of ortho methoxy cinnamic aldehyde components in it (OR which is due to the presence of ortho methoxy cinnamic aldehyde components). Cinnamon extracts contain eugenol compounds which characterizes the fibrinolytic effects of it.Furthermore, Cinemon and its derivatives can also influence the central nervous system and alleviate the pain. Additionally, cinnamon compounds can influence insulin effects and reduce the insulin resistance and consequently result in positive effects on blood sugar level. One of its most important effects is the effect on increased sexual drive. Direct or indirect effect of cinemon compounds in increasing hormonal production and release could well be due to increase of nitric acid synthesis. It also contains volatile and non-volatile non-phenolic ingredients that most probably bring about its anti-oxidant effects. Recommended applications/industries: Considering the mentioned effects of cinnamon and its extracts and additional ease of extraction and its cost effectiveness, it can be easily used in pharmaceutical and food industries. In food industry, it's anti-microbial and anti-oxidants effects and even for packaging strategies as a natural conservator cinnamon can be an effective candidate. تفاصيل المقالة