A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF Stevia rebaudiana AND ITS SECONDARY METABOLITE SWEETENERS

Abstract

Stevia rebaudiana, member of an Asteraceae family, has a unique property of sweet leaves. The sweetness is because of the secondary metabolite produced, which is a glycoside. Among11 glycosides, primary sweetening agents are Stevioside, rebaudioside A and C. Production of these glycosides are very less in vivo hence there are several attempts performed where these are produced in vitro. Various extraction procedures had been applied for maximum steviol glycosides extraction. Further purification and analysis techniques are also used to the samples for having pure steviol glycosides. Previous studies indicated various ill effects of steviol glycosides on human health. Later on, it was proven safe for human consumption in its purest form. Further researches for finding new steviol glycosides are still going on. However, even much work is needed for its biotechnological production. This literature focuses on the work done of in vitro production, extraction and health effects of steviol glycosides.