M01027
POTENCY OF STEVIOSIDE FROM Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.)
AS NATURAL SWEETENER
Yohanes Martono
Chemistry Department Faculty of Science And Maths
Satya Wacana Christian University
email address: yohanes_mart@yahoo.co.id
Abstract
The world wide demand for high potency sweeteners is expected to increase especially the
demand of natural sweetener. Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) produces steviol glycosides included
stevioside that have properties as natural sweetener. The aims of this study were to investigate
extraction method effectiveness based on stevioside content, to compare pre-formulation of
stevioside sweetener and sucrose solution, and to investigate hypoglycemic potency of
ethanol extract of Stevia leaf. The method used was solvent extraction by maseration and
soxhlet extraction followed by decolorization pigment and crystallization of steviol glycoside.
Stevioside content analysis based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Hedonic test was used for comparing sucrose solution and pre-formulation of stevioside
sweetener, and glucose tolerance method was used to investigate hypoglycemic test of ethanol
extract of stevia leaf. The results showed that maseration extraction method was more
effective to extract stevioside than soxhlet extraction and 0.1% pre-formulation stevioside
solution had the same sweet taste with 5 % sucrose solution. Concentration 0.7 kg/mg BW of
ethanol extract of stevia leaf decreased ± 27% blood glucose level in mice.
Key words: stevioside, Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.), natural sweetener
INTRODUCTION
The worldwide demand for high potency sweeteners is increasing and, with blending of
different sweeteners becoming a standard practice, the demand for alternatives is expected to
increase. The sweet herb, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, produces an alternative sweetener with
the added advantage that Stevia sweeteners are natural plant products. In addition, the sweet
steviol glycosides have functional and sensory properties superior to those of many high
potency sweeteners.
Stevia leaves contain diterpene glycosides, namely, stevioside, rebaudiosides A-F,
steviolbioside, and dulcoside A (Figure 1), which are responsible for the typical sweet taste.
Of the four major diterpene glycoside sweeteners present in Stevia leaves only two, stevioside
and rebaudioside A, have had their physical and sensory properties well characterized.
Stevioside is between 110 and 270 times sweeter than sucrose. (Brandle et all., 2005).
Stevia leaf extracts are used in Japan, Korea, and certain countries of South America to
sweeten soft drinks, soju, soy sauce, yogurt, and other foods, whereas in the United States
they are used as dietary supplements. For example, the Japanese and Koreans have used
annually in recent years about 200 and 115 tons of stevia extracts, respectively. (Gardana et
all., 2003). Extract of the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni have been used for many years in
the treatment of diabetes in South America (Gregersen et all., 2004). Therefore, it was
considered of interest to investigate extraction method effectiveness based on stevioside
content, to compare pre-formulation of stevioside sweetener and sucrose solution, and to
investigate hypoglycemic potency of ethanol extract of Stevia leaf.
Figure 1. Chemical structures of the main Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) sweetener and
their aglycon steviol.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Chemicals. Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) leafs were taken from Tawangmangu, Karanganyar,
Central Java. Ethanol, ether, ethyl acetate, hexane (technical grade), methanol, acetonitrile
(LC grade, Merck), Stevioside standard (Wako, Japan, 99.2%).
Sample preparation.
Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) leafs were cleaned and dried under 50 οC for 24 hours. Dried leafs
were pulverized with grinder. Sample was defatted with hexane by soxhlet extraction.
Sample extraction
Maseration Method
100 g defatted sample were added by 1000 mL ethanol and extracted (4 x 1 hours) at 50 οC.
Solution was filtered to separate residue and filtrate (Ms).
Continuous Extraction by soxhlet
100 g defatted sample were extracted by soxhlet with 1000 mL ethanol at 90°C until clear
solution gained (Sx).
Both, ethanol solution from Ms and Sx ectraction were concentrated by rotary evaporator.
Concentrated solutions were added by water (1:1 v/v) and ready to be declhorophyllated.
Sample Dechlorophyllation (Jumpatong et all., 2006)
Dechlorophyllation was used to decolourise solution especially from chlorophyll pigment.
The method used was electrocoagulation. The conditions for electrocoagulation were as follows:
two clean aluminium plates, each of 3x15 cm dimensions were used as electrodes. These were
spaced 1.5 cm apart and dipped 7 cm into the magnetically-stirred solution containing 0.1% (w/v)
NaCl as supporting electrolyte. Direct current (0.9 A, 16.9-31.6 V) from a power supply was then
passed via the two electrodes through the solution. After 2 x 4 hours of electrolysis, the mixture
in the beaker was filtered. This step will produced yellowish clear solution. Then, solution was
re-defatted by grading partition with ether (3 x 100 mL). Aqueous phase was taken and ready to
be clarified.
Sample clarification and Crystallization
pH solution was adjusted with 50% citric acid until pH = 3.00. The solution was clarified with
caoline and filtered. pH solution was adjusted to 10.5 with CaO and clarified again with
caoline. Solution was filtered and adjusted to pH = 7.00 with 50% citric acid. Solution was redefatted by ether (2 x 100 mL) and partitioned with ethyl acetate (5 x 100 mL). Organic phase
was concentrated by rotary evaporator until crystal formed. For maximizing yield, solution
was kept in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Crystal analysis
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) (Pasquel et all, 2000)
Stevioside identification in crystal was conducted by TLC and compared with standard.
Stationary was silica plate 60 F254 and mobile phase was ethyl acetate: ethanol: water (130:
27: 20 v/v/v). Spot was visualized by UV 254 nm.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Stevioside was separated by HPLC. The conditions of HPLC were: reverse phase
chromatography with C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm). As mobile phase were water: methanol
(70:20 v/v) (A) 76% and acetonitrile (B) 24%. Sample volume was 20 µL at flow rate 1.5
mL/min and detected at 217 nm by UV Smart Line Knauer detector.
Spectral Analysis by Spectrophotometer
Crystal was dissolved in H3PO4: acetonitrile (1:1 v/v) and scanned in wavelength range 200 –
400 nm. Spectra of sample were compared with standard spectra.
Pre-formulation
Stevioside crystal was covered with Pharmacoat 606, and added with carrier substance
maltodextrine DE 35-40 with ratio as mention in Table 1.
Table 1. Pre-Formulation Stevioside Crystal With Maltodextrine DE 35-40
No
Kristal Steviosida (gram)
Maltodekstrin DE 35-40 (gram)
1
0,0
1,0
2
0,1
0,9
3
0,4
0,6
Organoleptic Test
Hedonic test method was used to investigate organoleptic receive from panelist. Preformulation crystals were dissolved in 100 mL. Hedonic test for sweeteness degree was done
by 17 panelists. Six parameters were used for assessment, 6 = sweetest, 5 = very sweet, 4 =
sweet, 3 = sweet enough, 2 = not sweet, and 1 = lack of sweet. Treatments were compared
with 5% (w/v) sucrose solution.
Hypoglycemic Test
Glucose Tolerance Test (Yulinah et all., 2001)
Male Wistar mice (Biofarma, Yogyakarta) were divided in to five groups, negative control
(starch 1%), sucrose, dose 0.3 g/kg bw of ethanol extract, dose 0.7 kg/kg bw of ethanol
extract, and positive control saccharine 1 g/kg bw. Before test, mice were fasted for 18 hours,
but were still given tap water. Each mice was treated with the treatments according to the
groups and after one hour was given 10% glucose solution at dose 2 g/kg bw per oral. Blood
glucose level was determined 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after glucose intake.
Blood Glucose Level Determination (Yulinah et all., 2001)
Blood glucose level was determined by enzymatic reaction with GOD-PAP and measured by
spectrophotometry method. 0.1 mL blood sample was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes.
0.02 mL serum was added deproteinased solution and centrifuged at 3000 rpm 10 minutes. 20
µL supernatant was added 2 mL reagent GOD-PAP. After 30 minutes incubation at room
temperature, absorbance of solution was measured at 546 nm by Shimadzu UV Mini 1240
spectrophotometer.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Extraction and Crystallization
Stevioside extraction was conducted through several steps such as defattitation, extraction,
dechlorophyllation, clarification, and crystallization. Two methods were used to extract
sample, maseration and soxhlet. According to Moraes and Macido (2001), ethanol could
extract stevioside with clearly solution compared to methanol and water. Impurities
elimination, such as fat, non-polar substances, must be done for forming stevioside crystal.
Dechlorophyllation was done to eliminate green color from pigment. Green color could affect
visualization of crystal and reduce economical value. The result showed that
dechlorophyllation by electrocoagulation could reduce 90.99% green color. This result was
consistent with Jumpatong et all (2006) that electrocoagulation could eliminate green color
more than 90%.
Beside impurities elimination, crystallization was affected by pH of solution. Treatment to
adjust pH into extreme condition, for example from acid to base could form crystal (DuBois,
2005). Citric acid was used to eliminate metal, protein, and color impurities to produce better
crystal physical characterization (Kumpar and Sampath, 1986). The result showed that
maseration method was more effective to produce crystal than soxhlet extraction. Maseration
method yields 0.65% crystal, while soxhlet extraction yields 0.45%. Beside on yield
quantities, effectiveness was determined based on stevioside content in crystal.
Stevioside Identification and Quantitation
Qualitatively, extract component could be identified by TLC method (Pasquel et all., 2000).
TLC profiles of crystal compared to standard were shown in Figure 2.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 2. TLC profile of (a) standard; (b) crystal of Ms; (c) crystal of Sx
The result showed that Ms crystal had closer Rf (0.70) to standard (0.73) than Sx crystal
(0.65). Ms crystal was identified higher similar to standard than Sx crystal. This result was
supported by spectra analysis of Ms and Sx crystal compared to standard. The result showed
that spectra of Ms crystal was much similar with standard than Sx crystal. The spectra profiles
of Ms, Sx, and standard were shown in Figure 3. The identification was continuoued by
HPLC method. Chromatogram profile of Ms and Sx crystal compared to standard shown in
Figure 4. Consistent with TLC and spectrophotometry result, Ms crystal was more similar
profile with standar than Sx crystal. Event, Sx crystal chromatogram showed that stevioside
compound was degraded. Identification of stevioside showed that maseration method was
more effective than soxhlet to produce stevioside crystal.
Based on relative measured compared to standard by HPLC method, stevioside content in Ms
crystal was higher than Sx crystal. Stevioside content in Ms crystal was 34.72% while in Sx
crystal was 24.64%. This result showed that maseration method was more efective than
soxhlet. Stevioside in Sx crystal was degraded that can be affected by high temperature factor.
Soxhlet method used 90 °C to extract stevioside in sample. This step caused stevioside
degradation (Pasquel et all., 2000).
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 3. Spectra profiles of (a) standard; (b) Ms crystal; (c) Sx crystal
Pre-formulation Stevioside Crystal
Stevioside crystal was pre-formulated with carier substance maltodextrine DE 35-40. Based
on organoleptic result showed that 0.1% stevioside had the same sweet taste with 5% sucrose
solution. While, 0.4 % stevioside was much sweeter than 5% sucrose solution. This result still
can be optimized by improving pre-formulation with suitable binder and carrier. Beside,
improving disolution crystal in water can increase sweet taste of solution and increasing
sweeteness value of crystal in solution. The organoleptic results of each pre-formula were
shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Organoleptic Test Result
Maltodekstrin 1%
Steviosida 0,1%
Sukrosa 5%
Steviosida 0,4%
1,2308 ± 0,4385 a
3,2308 ± 0,8321 b
3,2931 ± 0,8623 b
5,1538 ± 0,9871 c
note: number followed by different alphabet showed significant difference between average
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 4. Chromatogram profiles of (a) standard; (b) Ms crystal; (c) Sx crystal
Hypoglycemic Test
This test was conducted to investigate stevioside potency to reduce blood glucose level
(hypoglycemic). This parameter could be used as parameter for antidiabetic agent potency.
The result was shown in Table 3., Table 4., and Figure 5.
Table 3. Glucose Tolerance Test Ethanol Extract Stevia Leaf In Mice
Glucose level (mg/dL)
Treatments
Before
30 min
60 min
90 min
120 min
Control
63
120
117
108
109
Saccharine 1 g/kg BW
80
103
112
105
97
Sucrose 1 g/kg BW
95
134
158
176
189
Dose 0,3 g/kg BW
77
130
129
97
101
Dose 0,7 g/kg BW
81
129
119
103
94
Tolbutamid 50 mg/kg BW*
72,4
85,7
99
88,6
48
*Source : Yulinah et all., 2001.
Figure 5 showed that sucrose increased blood glucose level at 120 min. Saccharine did not
both increased or decreased blood glucose level. It means that saccharine as artificial
sweetener is used only for increasing sweet taste but not for decreasing blood glucose level.
Continuous over consumsion of saccharine in long periode can induced cancer cell
(Mudjajanto, 2005).
Tabel 4. Blood Glucose Level Relative (%) After Glucose Intake
Relatif kadar gula darah (%) setelah
penambahan glukosa
Treatments
30 menit
60 menit
90 menit
120 menit
Control
100
97,5
90
90,83
Saccharine 1 g/kg BW
100
108,74
101,94
94,17
Sucrose 1 g/kg BW
100
117,91
131,34
141,04
Dose 0,3 g/kg BW
100
99,23
74,62
77,69
Dose 0,7 g/kg BW
100
92,25
79,84
72,87
Tolbutamid 50 mg/kg BW *
100
115,52
103,38
56,01
*Source : Yulinah et all., 2001.
Figure 5. Blood Glucose Level Relative (%) After Glucose Intake
Ethanol extract of stevia leaf at dose 0.3 g/kg BW decreased 25.38% blood glucose level in
periode range 30 – 120 min, while at dose 0.7 g/kg BWdecreased 27.13% but both extract
were lower than tolbutamid (43.99%) as antidiabetic drug. An elevation of insulin and
suppression of glucagon are the primary cause of antihyperglycemic effect of Stevia
rebaudiana (Bert.) in diabetic rats. Stevioside containing in Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) may
indirectly contribute to anti-hyperglycemic action of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) in diabetic rats
via its effect to potentiate insulin release (Suanarunsawat et all., 2004).
CONCLUSION
The results showed that maseration extraction method was more effective to extract stevioside
than soxhlet extraction and 0.1% pre-formulation stevioside solution had the same sweet taste
with 5 % sucrose solution. Concentration 0.7 kg/mg BW of ethanol extract of stevia leaf
decreased ± 27% blood glucose level in mice. Stevioside is not only potent as natural
sweetener but also for antidiabetic agent.
REFERENCE
Brandle, J.E., Starratt, A.N., dan M. Gijzen. 2005. Stevia rebaudiana Its biological, chemical
and agricultural properties. http://www.lni.unipi.it/stevia/stevia/stevia0005.htm.
DuBois,G.E. 2005. Steviolmonoside Analogs.
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4402990.html [140 September 2008]
Gardana, C., Simonetti, P., Canzi, E., Zanchi, R., and Pietta, P. 2003. Metabolism of
Stevioside and Rebaudioside A from Stevia rebaudiana Extracts by Human Microflora. J.
Agric. Food Chem., 51, 6618-6622
Gregersen, S., Jeppesen, P.B., Holst, J.J., and Hermansen, K. 2004. Antihyperglycemic
Effects of Stevioside in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects. Metabolism, Vol 53, No 1: pp 73-76
Jumpatong, K., Phutdhawong., dan Buddhasukh D. 2006. Dechlorophyllation by
Electrocoagulation. Molecules. 11 : 156-162
Kumar dan Sampath. 1986. Method for Recovery of Stevioside, United State Patent 4599403.
Moraes, Ĕlida de Paula., Machado, Nádia Regina Camargo Fernandes. 2001. Clarification of
Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni extract by adsorption in modified zeolite s. Maringá,
23(6): 1375-1380.
Mudjajanto, E.S. 2005. Keamanan Jajanan Tradisional. http://www.kompas.com/kompascetak/0502/17/ilpeng/1563189.htm [12 September 2008]
Pasquel, A., Meireles, M.A.A., Marques, M.O.M., dan A.J. Petenate. (2000). Extraction Of
Stevia Glycosides With CO2 + Water, CO2 + Ethanol, AND CO2 + Water+ Ethanol, Braz. J.
Chem. Eng. São Paulo, vol.17 n.3: 438-448.
Yulinah, E., Sukrasno, dan Fitri, M.A. 2001. Aktivitas Antidiabetika Ekstrak Etanol Herba
Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthaceae)). JMS 6 (1), 13 – 20.
Suanarunsawat, T., Klongpanichapaka, S., Rungseesantivanon,S., and Chaiyabutr, N. Glycemic
effect of stevioside and Stevia rebaudiana in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Eastern
Journal of Medicine: 9: 51-5
AS NATURAL SWEETENER
Yohanes Martono
Chemistry Department Faculty of Science And Maths
Satya Wacana Christian University
email address: yohanes_mart@yahoo.co.id
Abstract
The world wide demand for high potency sweeteners is expected to increase especially the
demand of natural sweetener. Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) produces steviol glycosides included
stevioside that have properties as natural sweetener. The aims of this study were to investigate
extraction method effectiveness based on stevioside content, to compare pre-formulation of
stevioside sweetener and sucrose solution, and to investigate hypoglycemic potency of
ethanol extract of Stevia leaf. The method used was solvent extraction by maseration and
soxhlet extraction followed by decolorization pigment and crystallization of steviol glycoside.
Stevioside content analysis based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Hedonic test was used for comparing sucrose solution and pre-formulation of stevioside
sweetener, and glucose tolerance method was used to investigate hypoglycemic test of ethanol
extract of stevia leaf. The results showed that maseration extraction method was more
effective to extract stevioside than soxhlet extraction and 0.1% pre-formulation stevioside
solution had the same sweet taste with 5 % sucrose solution. Concentration 0.7 kg/mg BW of
ethanol extract of stevia leaf decreased ± 27% blood glucose level in mice.
Key words: stevioside, Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.), natural sweetener
INTRODUCTION
The worldwide demand for high potency sweeteners is increasing and, with blending of
different sweeteners becoming a standard practice, the demand for alternatives is expected to
increase. The sweet herb, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, produces an alternative sweetener with
the added advantage that Stevia sweeteners are natural plant products. In addition, the sweet
steviol glycosides have functional and sensory properties superior to those of many high
potency sweeteners.
Stevia leaves contain diterpene glycosides, namely, stevioside, rebaudiosides A-F,
steviolbioside, and dulcoside A (Figure 1), which are responsible for the typical sweet taste.
Of the four major diterpene glycoside sweeteners present in Stevia leaves only two, stevioside
and rebaudioside A, have had their physical and sensory properties well characterized.
Stevioside is between 110 and 270 times sweeter than sucrose. (Brandle et all., 2005).
Stevia leaf extracts are used in Japan, Korea, and certain countries of South America to
sweeten soft drinks, soju, soy sauce, yogurt, and other foods, whereas in the United States
they are used as dietary supplements. For example, the Japanese and Koreans have used
annually in recent years about 200 and 115 tons of stevia extracts, respectively. (Gardana et
all., 2003). Extract of the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni have been used for many years in
the treatment of diabetes in South America (Gregersen et all., 2004). Therefore, it was
considered of interest to investigate extraction method effectiveness based on stevioside
content, to compare pre-formulation of stevioside sweetener and sucrose solution, and to
investigate hypoglycemic potency of ethanol extract of Stevia leaf.
Figure 1. Chemical structures of the main Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) sweetener and
their aglycon steviol.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Chemicals. Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) leafs were taken from Tawangmangu, Karanganyar,
Central Java. Ethanol, ether, ethyl acetate, hexane (technical grade), methanol, acetonitrile
(LC grade, Merck), Stevioside standard (Wako, Japan, 99.2%).
Sample preparation.
Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) leafs were cleaned and dried under 50 οC for 24 hours. Dried leafs
were pulverized with grinder. Sample was defatted with hexane by soxhlet extraction.
Sample extraction
Maseration Method
100 g defatted sample were added by 1000 mL ethanol and extracted (4 x 1 hours) at 50 οC.
Solution was filtered to separate residue and filtrate (Ms).
Continuous Extraction by soxhlet
100 g defatted sample were extracted by soxhlet with 1000 mL ethanol at 90°C until clear
solution gained (Sx).
Both, ethanol solution from Ms and Sx ectraction were concentrated by rotary evaporator.
Concentrated solutions were added by water (1:1 v/v) and ready to be declhorophyllated.
Sample Dechlorophyllation (Jumpatong et all., 2006)
Dechlorophyllation was used to decolourise solution especially from chlorophyll pigment.
The method used was electrocoagulation. The conditions for electrocoagulation were as follows:
two clean aluminium plates, each of 3x15 cm dimensions were used as electrodes. These were
spaced 1.5 cm apart and dipped 7 cm into the magnetically-stirred solution containing 0.1% (w/v)
NaCl as supporting electrolyte. Direct current (0.9 A, 16.9-31.6 V) from a power supply was then
passed via the two electrodes through the solution. After 2 x 4 hours of electrolysis, the mixture
in the beaker was filtered. This step will produced yellowish clear solution. Then, solution was
re-defatted by grading partition with ether (3 x 100 mL). Aqueous phase was taken and ready to
be clarified.
Sample clarification and Crystallization
pH solution was adjusted with 50% citric acid until pH = 3.00. The solution was clarified with
caoline and filtered. pH solution was adjusted to 10.5 with CaO and clarified again with
caoline. Solution was filtered and adjusted to pH = 7.00 with 50% citric acid. Solution was redefatted by ether (2 x 100 mL) and partitioned with ethyl acetate (5 x 100 mL). Organic phase
was concentrated by rotary evaporator until crystal formed. For maximizing yield, solution
was kept in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Crystal analysis
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) (Pasquel et all, 2000)
Stevioside identification in crystal was conducted by TLC and compared with standard.
Stationary was silica plate 60 F254 and mobile phase was ethyl acetate: ethanol: water (130:
27: 20 v/v/v). Spot was visualized by UV 254 nm.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Stevioside was separated by HPLC. The conditions of HPLC were: reverse phase
chromatography with C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm). As mobile phase were water: methanol
(70:20 v/v) (A) 76% and acetonitrile (B) 24%. Sample volume was 20 µL at flow rate 1.5
mL/min and detected at 217 nm by UV Smart Line Knauer detector.
Spectral Analysis by Spectrophotometer
Crystal was dissolved in H3PO4: acetonitrile (1:1 v/v) and scanned in wavelength range 200 –
400 nm. Spectra of sample were compared with standard spectra.
Pre-formulation
Stevioside crystal was covered with Pharmacoat 606, and added with carrier substance
maltodextrine DE 35-40 with ratio as mention in Table 1.
Table 1. Pre-Formulation Stevioside Crystal With Maltodextrine DE 35-40
No
Kristal Steviosida (gram)
Maltodekstrin DE 35-40 (gram)
1
0,0
1,0
2
0,1
0,9
3
0,4
0,6
Organoleptic Test
Hedonic test method was used to investigate organoleptic receive from panelist. Preformulation crystals were dissolved in 100 mL. Hedonic test for sweeteness degree was done
by 17 panelists. Six parameters were used for assessment, 6 = sweetest, 5 = very sweet, 4 =
sweet, 3 = sweet enough, 2 = not sweet, and 1 = lack of sweet. Treatments were compared
with 5% (w/v) sucrose solution.
Hypoglycemic Test
Glucose Tolerance Test (Yulinah et all., 2001)
Male Wistar mice (Biofarma, Yogyakarta) were divided in to five groups, negative control
(starch 1%), sucrose, dose 0.3 g/kg bw of ethanol extract, dose 0.7 kg/kg bw of ethanol
extract, and positive control saccharine 1 g/kg bw. Before test, mice were fasted for 18 hours,
but were still given tap water. Each mice was treated with the treatments according to the
groups and after one hour was given 10% glucose solution at dose 2 g/kg bw per oral. Blood
glucose level was determined 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after glucose intake.
Blood Glucose Level Determination (Yulinah et all., 2001)
Blood glucose level was determined by enzymatic reaction with GOD-PAP and measured by
spectrophotometry method. 0.1 mL blood sample was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes.
0.02 mL serum was added deproteinased solution and centrifuged at 3000 rpm 10 minutes. 20
µL supernatant was added 2 mL reagent GOD-PAP. After 30 minutes incubation at room
temperature, absorbance of solution was measured at 546 nm by Shimadzu UV Mini 1240
spectrophotometer.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Extraction and Crystallization
Stevioside extraction was conducted through several steps such as defattitation, extraction,
dechlorophyllation, clarification, and crystallization. Two methods were used to extract
sample, maseration and soxhlet. According to Moraes and Macido (2001), ethanol could
extract stevioside with clearly solution compared to methanol and water. Impurities
elimination, such as fat, non-polar substances, must be done for forming stevioside crystal.
Dechlorophyllation was done to eliminate green color from pigment. Green color could affect
visualization of crystal and reduce economical value. The result showed that
dechlorophyllation by electrocoagulation could reduce 90.99% green color. This result was
consistent with Jumpatong et all (2006) that electrocoagulation could eliminate green color
more than 90%.
Beside impurities elimination, crystallization was affected by pH of solution. Treatment to
adjust pH into extreme condition, for example from acid to base could form crystal (DuBois,
2005). Citric acid was used to eliminate metal, protein, and color impurities to produce better
crystal physical characterization (Kumpar and Sampath, 1986). The result showed that
maseration method was more effective to produce crystal than soxhlet extraction. Maseration
method yields 0.65% crystal, while soxhlet extraction yields 0.45%. Beside on yield
quantities, effectiveness was determined based on stevioside content in crystal.
Stevioside Identification and Quantitation
Qualitatively, extract component could be identified by TLC method (Pasquel et all., 2000).
TLC profiles of crystal compared to standard were shown in Figure 2.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 2. TLC profile of (a) standard; (b) crystal of Ms; (c) crystal of Sx
The result showed that Ms crystal had closer Rf (0.70) to standard (0.73) than Sx crystal
(0.65). Ms crystal was identified higher similar to standard than Sx crystal. This result was
supported by spectra analysis of Ms and Sx crystal compared to standard. The result showed
that spectra of Ms crystal was much similar with standard than Sx crystal. The spectra profiles
of Ms, Sx, and standard were shown in Figure 3. The identification was continuoued by
HPLC method. Chromatogram profile of Ms and Sx crystal compared to standard shown in
Figure 4. Consistent with TLC and spectrophotometry result, Ms crystal was more similar
profile with standar than Sx crystal. Event, Sx crystal chromatogram showed that stevioside
compound was degraded. Identification of stevioside showed that maseration method was
more effective than soxhlet to produce stevioside crystal.
Based on relative measured compared to standard by HPLC method, stevioside content in Ms
crystal was higher than Sx crystal. Stevioside content in Ms crystal was 34.72% while in Sx
crystal was 24.64%. This result showed that maseration method was more efective than
soxhlet. Stevioside in Sx crystal was degraded that can be affected by high temperature factor.
Soxhlet method used 90 °C to extract stevioside in sample. This step caused stevioside
degradation (Pasquel et all., 2000).
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 3. Spectra profiles of (a) standard; (b) Ms crystal; (c) Sx crystal
Pre-formulation Stevioside Crystal
Stevioside crystal was pre-formulated with carier substance maltodextrine DE 35-40. Based
on organoleptic result showed that 0.1% stevioside had the same sweet taste with 5% sucrose
solution. While, 0.4 % stevioside was much sweeter than 5% sucrose solution. This result still
can be optimized by improving pre-formulation with suitable binder and carrier. Beside,
improving disolution crystal in water can increase sweet taste of solution and increasing
sweeteness value of crystal in solution. The organoleptic results of each pre-formula were
shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Organoleptic Test Result
Maltodekstrin 1%
Steviosida 0,1%
Sukrosa 5%
Steviosida 0,4%
1,2308 ± 0,4385 a
3,2308 ± 0,8321 b
3,2931 ± 0,8623 b
5,1538 ± 0,9871 c
note: number followed by different alphabet showed significant difference between average
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 4. Chromatogram profiles of (a) standard; (b) Ms crystal; (c) Sx crystal
Hypoglycemic Test
This test was conducted to investigate stevioside potency to reduce blood glucose level
(hypoglycemic). This parameter could be used as parameter for antidiabetic agent potency.
The result was shown in Table 3., Table 4., and Figure 5.
Table 3. Glucose Tolerance Test Ethanol Extract Stevia Leaf In Mice
Glucose level (mg/dL)
Treatments
Before
30 min
60 min
90 min
120 min
Control
63
120
117
108
109
Saccharine 1 g/kg BW
80
103
112
105
97
Sucrose 1 g/kg BW
95
134
158
176
189
Dose 0,3 g/kg BW
77
130
129
97
101
Dose 0,7 g/kg BW
81
129
119
103
94
Tolbutamid 50 mg/kg BW*
72,4
85,7
99
88,6
48
*Source : Yulinah et all., 2001.
Figure 5 showed that sucrose increased blood glucose level at 120 min. Saccharine did not
both increased or decreased blood glucose level. It means that saccharine as artificial
sweetener is used only for increasing sweet taste but not for decreasing blood glucose level.
Continuous over consumsion of saccharine in long periode can induced cancer cell
(Mudjajanto, 2005).
Tabel 4. Blood Glucose Level Relative (%) After Glucose Intake
Relatif kadar gula darah (%) setelah
penambahan glukosa
Treatments
30 menit
60 menit
90 menit
120 menit
Control
100
97,5
90
90,83
Saccharine 1 g/kg BW
100
108,74
101,94
94,17
Sucrose 1 g/kg BW
100
117,91
131,34
141,04
Dose 0,3 g/kg BW
100
99,23
74,62
77,69
Dose 0,7 g/kg BW
100
92,25
79,84
72,87
Tolbutamid 50 mg/kg BW *
100
115,52
103,38
56,01
*Source : Yulinah et all., 2001.
Figure 5. Blood Glucose Level Relative (%) After Glucose Intake
Ethanol extract of stevia leaf at dose 0.3 g/kg BW decreased 25.38% blood glucose level in
periode range 30 – 120 min, while at dose 0.7 g/kg BWdecreased 27.13% but both extract
were lower than tolbutamid (43.99%) as antidiabetic drug. An elevation of insulin and
suppression of glucagon are the primary cause of antihyperglycemic effect of Stevia
rebaudiana (Bert.) in diabetic rats. Stevioside containing in Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) may
indirectly contribute to anti-hyperglycemic action of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) in diabetic rats
via its effect to potentiate insulin release (Suanarunsawat et all., 2004).
CONCLUSION
The results showed that maseration extraction method was more effective to extract stevioside
than soxhlet extraction and 0.1% pre-formulation stevioside solution had the same sweet taste
with 5 % sucrose solution. Concentration 0.7 kg/mg BW of ethanol extract of stevia leaf
decreased ± 27% blood glucose level in mice. Stevioside is not only potent as natural
sweetener but also for antidiabetic agent.
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