Stevia Rebaudiana

Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as candyleaf, sweetleaf, or sugarleaf, is a prominent plant species within the Asteraceae family and the genus Stevia. The plant is particularly prized for its leaves, which are processed to create various sweetener products.

Remarkably, the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana contain over 30 different steviol glycosides, with stevioside and rebaudioside A being the most prevalent. These glycosides are the primary compounds responsible for the plant's sweetness. Among the extracted compounds, the rebaudiosides (A to F), steviolmonoside, rubusoside, dulcoside A, and steviolbioside stand out. Of notable interest are rebaudioside D and rebaudioside M, found in dried leaves in minute amounts of 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. Despite their low natural abundance, rebaudioside M is marketed for use in food and beverages, while rebaudioside D is also employed as a non-caloric sweetener in the food industry.

Overall, Stevia rebaudiana stands out not only for its remarkable sweetness but also for its diverse array of glycosides, making it a subject of significant interest in both food and scientific communities.

Stevioside

Stevioside is a natural sweetener that is safe for consumption and has no known allergic reactions. It is suitable for diabetics, PKU patients, and individuals who are obese and aiming to lose weight by avoiding sugar. Stevioside not only helps in controlling blood sugar levels but also acts as a blood pressure-lowering agent, making it a dual-purpose compound with potential therapeutic benefits for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

In addition to these benefits, stevioside exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties by inhibiting cytokine release and blocking the activation of TLR2, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as by affecting proteins such as caspase-3 and Bax. These properties suggest that stevioside may be an effective agent in managing various inflammatory conditions and promoting overall metabolic health.

Rebaudioside A

Rebaudioside A (Reb A) is a steviol glycoside derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Its molecular structure is unique, consisting exclusively of glucose as its monosaccharide units. Specifically, Reb A is composed of four glucose molecules: one linked to the steviol framework at the hydroxyl group via a glycosidic bond, and another attached at the carboxyl group via an ester bond.

Rebaudioside A is approximately 240 times sweeter than sugar, making it one of the sweetest and most stable steviol glycosides. It is less bitter compared to stevioside and offers several additional benefits. It does not add any calories or carbohydrates to the diet and has no impact on blood glucose or insulin levels, making it a suitable sweetener for individuals managing their blood sugar. Moreover, Reb A acts as an α-glucosidase inhibitor with an IC50 of 35.01 μg/ml, potentially offering additional health benefits.

Rebaudioside D

Rebaudioside D is a natural, non-caloric sweetener that offers a strikingly high level of sweetness, approximately 350 times greater than that of sucrose. Distinguished by its minimized bitter aftertaste, it surpasses most other steviol glycosides in palatability. In 2017, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified rebaudioside D as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS), paving the way for its use as a food additive within the industry. This combination of high sweetness, reduced bitterness, and safety approval makes rebaudioside D a promising alternative to traditional sweeteners in various culinary and food manufacturing applications.

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Our extensive catalog offers a wide range of phytochemicals, including those derived from Stevia rebaudiana. Researchers and healthcare professionals can depend on our high-purity compounds for their studies, ensuring they have reliable materials to explore therapeutic potentials. Experience the difference our expertise can make—contact us today!

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