Structural Elucidation of Quinovose-Containing Steviol Glycosides from Enzymatic Biotransformation of Stevia rebaudiana
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Two steviol glycosides containing quinovose were isolated from a biotransformation mixture of stevia extract derived from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. These compounds were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). These compounds were designated as Rebaudioside QM and the novel Rebaudioside 2QM. Based on structural similarity, we hypothesize that Stevioside E may serve as a biosynthetic precursor for Rebaudioside QM. Comprehensive LC-MS profiling also suggests potential precursors for Rebaudioside 2QM. Tentative biosynthetic pathways were proposed for both compounds. The presence of these unknown compounds further supports the notion that S. rebaudiana harbours a wide array of yet-undiscovered steviol glycosides, potentially driven by the inherent diversity of UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) within the plant itself. The discovery of Rebaudioside QM and Rebaudioside 2QM expands the known diversity of steviol glycosides and provides new insights into glycosylation patterns in S. rebaudiana, which may support the development and production of novel sweeteners with improved sensory and physicochemical properties.
Source: Molecules
Institution: PureCircle (Malaysia)
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7128768465