steviolbioside

Steviolbioside is a steviol glycoside, a natural product derived from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana and related species. It is part of the family of steviol glycosides, which are known for their intense sweetness and use as non-caloric sweeteners. The molecule consists of the steviol diterpenoid aglycone linked to sugar moieties; the exact pattern of glycosylation varies among Stevia sources, but steviolbioside is recognized as one of the glycosidic derivatives of steviol.

Occurrence and identification: Steviolbioside has been identified in certain Stevia leaf extracts, typically present at lower concentrations than major components such as stevioside and the rebaudiosides. Its presence and structure have been established through analytical methods including high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Because the steviol glycoside profile can differ by cultivar, growing conditions, and extraction method, the relative abundance of steviolbioside can vary.

Properties and metabolism: Like other steviol glycosides, steviolbioside is not absorbed intact in the upper gastrointestinal tract; it is hydrolyzed by intestinal microbiota to the steviol aglycone, which is then absorbed and subjected to phase II metabolism (conjugation). Steviol glycosides are evaluated for safety as sweeteners, with regulatory agencies considering their overall use rather than focusing on a single minor component.

Regulatory status: Steviol glycosides as a class are approved as sweeteners in many jurisdictions, including the United States and the European Union. The regulatory treatment typically encompasses the mixture of steviol glycosides, of which steviolbioside is one component.