Abstract :
Sugar related disorders are significant causes of global death among all age groups. The use of artificial sweetener
as a sugar supplement is a common practices, but causes side effects especially on weight gain and heart related
problems. The use of natural sweetener obtained from Stevia rebaudiana leaves has been practiced since 18th
century and has gained more popularity in last two decades. The natural sugar supplement is of low calorie hence
safe to be consumed. The chemical steviol glycosides mainly present in form of stevioside and rebaudioside in the
leaves makes it commercialy significant as a natural sugar substitute. Besides it also contain nutrients, vitamins,
fiber, volatile oil and thus thirty times sweeter than white sugar. The leaves also possess antimicrobial, antifungal,
antidiabetic, anticariogenic, antioxidant, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antitumor activities.
The aim of this article is to project the economic value of S. rebaudiana leaves as natural sweetner and its
potentiality as health-product. The study emphasize to enhance quality in leave composition using new genetic
engineering and other biotechnological techiques with sustainable use and preservation.
Keywords: Stevia rebaudiana, natural sweetener, chemical composition, medicinal use
Keyword :
Stevia rebaudiana, natural sweetener, chemical composition, medicinal use