Stevioside targets the NF-κB and MAPK pathways for inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis of chondrocytes and ameliorates osteoarthritis in vivo

•Stevioside can suppress IL-1β-induced cartilage metabolic imbalance, inflammation and apoptosis.•Stevioside can delay disease progression in a mice osteoarthritis model.•Stevioside mediates its cellular effect by inhibiting the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.