Extraction and characterization of sweet natural molecules with reduced caloric action from leaves of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni.

Extracts from Stevia rebaudiana contain low calory natural sweetener molecules. These substnaces have been extracted and characterized chemically. The paper also deals with possible applications and use of extracts from the leaves and part of the plant of Stevia rebaudiana as natural sweetener in foodstuff. The use in foodstuff of this new low calory natural ingredient has been tested at different temperatures and in baked products revealing a good stability at different temperatures and potential interest as ingredient in low calories foodstuff.