Stevioside
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
804.88
Molecular Formula
C38H60O18
IUPAC Name
13-[(2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]kaur-16-en-18-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Stevia rebaudiana
Active Constituents
Stevioside, Rebaudioside A
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Interacts with sweet taste receptors (T1R2/T1R3) on the tongue; approx 300x sweeter than sucrose.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Poorly absorbed intact.
D: Distributed in GI tract.
M: Cleaved by gut flora to steviol, which is absorbed and glucuronidated.
E: Renal (as steviol glucuronide).
Pharmacodynamics
Provides intense sweetness without caloric value; mild hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects.
Synthesis Pathway
Biosynthesized via the MEP pathway yielding the kaurane skeleton.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Mild GI upset, slight hypotension.
Contraindications
None established (GRAS status).
Drug Interactions
Anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics (additive effects at massive doses).
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Powders, Liquids (Food additive)
Official Compendia
USP (Dietary)