QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF BIOCHEMICAL CONTENT OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS OF STEVIA REBAUDIANA LEAVES

摘要

The purpose of current research work is quantitative investigation of total carbohydrates, reducing sugars, protein and amino acids in various leaf extracts of Stevia rebaudiana. Leaf extracts of Stevia were evaluated for their biochemical composition. In fresh leaves extract the percentage of carbohydrates is higher than reducing sugars and amino acids and least protein content. In dry leaves extract reducing sugars are present in highest percentage followed by carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids respectively. In the present work the concentration of sugars , proteins, amino acids were found to be higher in dry leaves than that of fresh leaves due to reduction in moisture content and net increase in dry mass. Protein and carbohydrate content was found to be highest in dry leaf extract of Stevia as compared to fresh leaf extract. The demand of Stevia is increasing widely due to its non caloric nature and usages as natural supplement for sugar. This study will help to set up certain protocols for purification of Stevia extract.