A similar pattern of behavior was observed for TFC and ORAC values. TFC and ORAC value are highest at 40 °C and lowest at 60 °C. The amount of total phenolic and total flavonoid may be better correlated to ORAC value than to the DPPH radical scavenging activity. In contrast to this study, an antioxidant activity of 52.92 ± 0.84 mg TE/g d.m., measured as DPPH radical scavenging activity of methanolic extract of fresh Stevia leaves, was reported [12]. This antioxidant activity increased to 126 and 64.9 mg TE/g d.m. after drying for 3 min at 180 °C and
100 °C, respectively, which could mean that any synergistic effect that could be developed is stronger at very high drying temperatures than at temperatures below 80 °C. Therefore,
drying was found to have a positive effect on the antioxidant activity of Stevia leaves, and dried Stevia leaves could be considered an important source of bioactive components with
high antioxidant activity.