Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is widely studied because of its foliar steviol glycosides. Fructan-type polysaccharides were recently isolated from its roots. Fructans are reserve carbohydrates that have important positive health effects and technological applications in the food industry. The objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) from S. rebaudiana roots and in vitro adventitious root cultures and evaluate the potential prebiotic effect of these molecules. The in vitro adventitious root cultures were obtained using a roller bottle system. Chemical analyses (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance, and off-line electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry) revealed similar chemical properties of FOSs that were obtained from the different sources. The potential prebiotic effects of FOSs that were isolated from S. rebaudiana roots enhanced the growth of both bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, with strains specificity in their fermentation ability.

Department of Chemistry State University of Maringá Ave Colombo 5790 87 020 900 Maringá Brazil

Department of Microbiology and Technology Dairy Research Institute Ke Dvoru 12a 160 00 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Pharmacy State University of Maringá Ave Colombo 5790 87 020 900 Maringá Brazil

Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences State University of Maringá Ave Colombo 5790 87 020 900 Maringá Brazil

Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences State University of Maringá Ave Colombo 5790 87 020 900 Maringá Brazil; Department of Pharmacy State University of Maringá Ave Colombo 5790 87 020 900 Maringá Brazil

Program of Master in Health Promotion University Center of Maringá Ave Guedner 1610 87 050 900 Maringá Brazil

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