Analysis of stevioside in Stevia rebaudiana

Abstract

Analysis of stevioside from Stevia rebaudiana was carried out using systematic procedures of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography yielding the crude stevioside in 12.5%. This procedure was followed by thin layer chromatography and examination of the spots under UV light at 254 and 366 nm, and spraying reagent followed by mixing of fractions on the basis of Rf values. Semi purified fraction obtained from crude stevioside by column chromatography and further evaluation by thin layer chromatography appeared as a mixture showing the presence of four major components (Rf values 0.27, 0.34, 0.42 and 0.60). These finding were similar to reported values for the constituents namely rebaudiosides A, stevioside, rebaudiosides B and steviolbioside, and stevia glycoside reported to occur in Stevia rebaudiana.   Key words:  Stevioside, Stevia rebaudiana, chromatography, column chromatography.