Chemistry and in vivo profile of ent-kaurene glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni-an overview

The ent-kaurene type of diterpenoid glycosides are typically the characteristics of leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, the plant with sweet leaves. Relative to sucrose, the potent sweetness intensities of these glycosides have projected them as cost effective sucrose substitute. In the present paper, the structural and physicochemical features of ent-kaurene glycosides of Stevia along with an insight into the structure-sweetness relationship are presented. Despite their age-old widespread use in several parts of the world, there still remains certain concern regarding safety profile of these glycosides. Henceforth, the pharmacokinetic, pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of ent-kaurene glycosides is reviewed.