NUST Institutions Library Catalogue

The increasing demand for a suitable natural sweetener has been extensively investigated
keeping in mind the harmful and adverse effects of the traditional sugar. Regarding the
growing concerns about health issues, stevia plant has gained valuable popularity because of
its natural sweetness. In the present study, we explored the cost-effective approach for the
efficient extraction of steviol glycosides along with in the form of powder accompanied with
the manufacturing of tablets with appropriate binder and disintegrator. The aim is to
manufacture stevia tablets within accordance with the green technology rules, by utilizing
low amount of resources as much as possible. Study comprises of several stages including the
extraction of steviol glycosides with hot water accompanying its purification and
precipitation into powder form using activated charcoal and ethanol, secondary solvent,
respectively. Once done, the powder was characterized using UV analysis, XRD, FTIR and
GC-MS for identification of major steviol glycosides along with the dominant functional
groups, quantification, identification of volatile compounds and to check the degree of
crystallinity of the extracted powder. After the characterization, the stevia powder was mixed
with a-cellulose and sodium starch glycolate to be manufactured into tablets of relative size,
180 mg/tablet. after that, the tablets were subjected to quality control as per the standard of
international pharmacopeias to access whether they can be prepared on industrial scale or not,
prior to DRAP approval. The quality tests, comprised of weight variation, friability, tablet
hardness, rate of disintegration, and assay test, crucial for the active ingredients, gave
favorable results that ensured the tablet’s strength and consistency. The approach gave
valuable insights in the development and optimization of safe, highly stable, rapidly
disintegrated and efficient products as per the standards of IP, BP, and USP. All this proved
the potential of stevia in the management of diabetes.