SCMS Institute of Biotechnology develops process for producing White Steviol – ‘Sweetener of the future’

A team of scientists headed by Dr.C.Mohankumar, Director, SCMS Institute for Bioscience and Biotech Research and Development (SIBB-R&D) has developed a process for producing white steviol powder, a potential natural sweetener, from mature Stevia leaves. The process is economical and reliable. The processing protocol has been filed for Indian patent as no. 1436/CHE/2007.

Stevia rebaudiana, popularly known as honey leaf plant, is a sweet herb belonging to Asteracea family, indigenous to Paraguay. This plant has been used for centuries in the treatment of diabetes as a traditional medicine. The leaves of this plant contain several diterpene glycosides commercially known as steviol. The major glycoside is called stevioside which is one of the major sweeteners in use in Japan, China and Korea. This natural product tastes intensely sweet, up to 300 times sweeter than sucrose, but does not provide calories. Therefore, diabetic patients can use it effectively.
The therapeutic properties of steviosides as insulinotropic (activation of insulin production) and antihyperglycemic (reducing the level of glucose in blood) have been proven with sufficient experimental evidence. Considering the impact of Type-2 diabetes in human population at global level, the steviol as a dietary supplement will definitely safeguard the future generations.

Studies so far conducted in India on Stevia have been confined to the propagation of Stevia plants as well as the production of crude green Stevia powder. It is for the first time a process for producing white Steviol powder has been developed in India.

Production of white Steviol powder from Stevia leaves has enormous scope in food industry at international level.