Application of in vitro stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) cultures in obtaining steviol glycoside rich material
Abstract
Stevia is a plant attracting attention due to its capability to synthesize a group of chemical
compounds with sweet taste, i.e. steviol glycosides. Steviol glycosides are successfully
applied as a natural sweetener, and some of them have also therapeutic properties. This
paper presents available information on the use of stevia plant tissue cultures with the focus
on their potential application in food industry. Detailed analysis was done concerning
the research employing in vitro culture techniques and the use of them in biosynthesis of
secondary metabolites of high importance for the food industry. Both established achievements
and most recent publications on stevia were used for assessment of practical applications
of the aforementioned techniques and prospects for their development.