A review of biochemical and nutritional properties of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Natural Sweetener)

摘要

Stevia as a bio-sweetener having no calories, and proved as not toxic for Human health, it is used in large quantity in industries and daily consumptions. About 300 times sweeter than sucrose. Stevia extracts, beside medicinal properties, contain a high level of sweetening compounds, known as steviol glycosides. This review is an effort to explore the possibilities of using stevia in commercial products, as well as to know the nutritional and biochemical contents present in stevia leaves, and use of stevia leaves as a basic constituent for many products for consumption.