Introduction to stevioside

Steviol glycosides are natural constituents of the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The leaves of S. rebaudiana Bertoni contain eight different steviol glycosides, the major constituent being stevioside (triglucosylated steviol), constituting about 5-10% in dry leaves. This chapter discusses major historical developments in the discovery and use of stevioside as a sweetener and dietary supplement. It lists all the chemical constituents of S. rebaudiana leaves. The chapter provides structures of different labdane type glycosides, triterpenoids, and sterols flavonoids isolated from S. rebaudiana. The sweet-tasting glycosides have been reported to be present in the leaves, flowers and stems but not in the roots of S. rebaudiana. The primary source of stevioside and rebaudioside A is the leaves. The chapter discusses the physical properties and chemical index for all the steviol glycosides. Stevioside (or rather total steviol glycosides) concentration in the extract is analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).