PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES AND ESTIMATION OF MAJOR STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES IN VARIED PARTS OF STEVIA REBAUDIANA

Objective: Determination of physicochemical parameters, comparativephytochemical screening of leaves, stem and root extract of S. rebaudiana and qualitative and quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites (Stevioside and Rebaudioside A) through HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Methods : Standards methods were followed for physicochemical and phytochemical analysis and HPLC was used for estimation of Stevioside and Reb A. Quantification of metabolites was done by plotting a standard curve for standards. Results : Leaves, stem and root possesses different phytochemicals however, leaves showed all tests positive for phytochemicals. Leaves of S rebaudiana possess higher stevioside (1.13±0.02 mg/ml) than stem (0.88±0.008 mg/ml). Concentration of Reb A in the leaves (0.071±0.005 mg/ml) was also higher than stem (0.052±0.002 mg/ml). Conclusion : Qualitative and quantitative estimation of various parts of S rebaudiana revealed that leaf showed the maximum type and amount of secondary metabolites which are of immense medicinal use of mankind.