Assessment of the bioactive compounds in gamma irradiated stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) leaves

Stevia is wonderful alternative source and artificial sweetener for those who are diabetic. Gamma radiation is one technique that can alter a plant's physiological traits or phytochemical makeup without producing any dangerous byproducts or chemical initiators. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine the effect of gamma radiation (0, 3, 5, 7 and 10 kGy) on bioactive compounds of dry stevia leaves. As compared to samples that were not exposed to radiation, it is clear that all gamma radiation doses raised the percentages of carbohydrates, total steviosides, total sugar, reducing sugar, crude protein, and nitrogen, while decreasing the percentages of fat, ash, and fiber. The highest increase was achieved with a 7 KGy radiation dose. According to the HPLC profile chromatogram, stevia leaves exposed to 3, 5, and 7 KGy had higher concentrations of all identified phenolic compounds than non-irradiated leaves; 5 KGy was outperformed by 3 and 7 KGy, while 10 KGy resulted in a decrease in these compounds. While apigenin and ellagic acid only disappeared from leaves exposed to a 10 KGy, kaempferol was seen to disappear from all irradiated leaves. Furthermore, cinnamic acid was detected at radiation doses of 5, 7, and 10 KGy, whereas it was absent at the non-irradiated and 3 KGy radiation doses. The FTIR spectra of the irradiated and non-irradiated stevia samples displayed a comparable band profile. In conclusion, gamma irradiation of dried stevia leaves, particularly at 7 KGy, may improve the bioactive compound.