Steviol glycosides: chemical diversity, metabolism, and function

J Nat Prod. 2013 Jun 28;76(6):1201-28. doi: 10.1021/np400203b. Epub 2013 May 28.

Abstract

Steviol glycosides are a group of highly sweet diterpene glycosides discovered in only a few plant species, most notably the Paraguayan shrub Stevia rebaudiana. During the past few decades, the nutritional and pharmacological benefits of these secondary metabolites have become increasingly apparent. While these properties are now widely recognized, many aspects related to their in vivo biochemistry and metabolism and their relationship to the overall plant physiology of S. rebaudiana are not yet understood. Furthermore, the large size of the steviol glycoside pool commonly found within S. rebaudiana leaves implies a significant metabolic investment and poses questions regarding the benefits S. rebaudiana might gain from their accumulation. The current review intends to thoroughly discuss the available knowledge on these issues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diterpenes, Kaurane / analysis
  • Diterpenes, Kaurane / chemistry*
  • Diterpenes, Kaurane / metabolism
  • Glycosides / analysis
  • Glycosides / chemistry*
  • Glycosides / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Stevia / chemistry*
  • Sweetening Agents / analysis
  • Sweetening Agents / chemistry*
  • Sweetening Agents / metabolism

Substances

  • Diterpenes, Kaurane
  • Glycosides
  • Sweetening Agents
  • steviol