A Review on Chemical Composition, Biosynthesis of Steviol Glycosides, Application, Cultivation, and Phytochemical Screening of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni

Aims: Stevia rebaudiana which is commonly known as sweet leaf herb is used to extract non caloric sweet steviol glycosides. Thus based on available reports about its chemical composition, biosynthesis of steviol glycosides, application, cultivation, and phytochemical screening an attempt has been made to review to Stevia rebaudiana in context of its medicinal and pharmaceutical importance. Methodology: Literature search have been done in the web using google scholar, PubMed as search platform. More than two-thirds of the references are within 15 years. Results: According to the literature search S. rebaudiana leaves contain non caloric steviol glycosides and pharmaceutically important other phytochemicals. Miccropropagation is the best propagation method to overcome difficulties in conventional propagation methods. Conclusion: It is concluded that in vitro cultures has potential to extract important phytochemicals used in various pharmaceutical, food (flavoring agents, food additives) and perfume industries.