SALICYLIC ACID STIMULATES THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF LIGNANS IN THE CELL SUSPENSION CULTURE OF GMELINA ARBOREA ROXB

Abstract

The present communication reports the induction of lignan biosynthesis in the cell suspension culture of Gmelina arborea Roxb. The calli were induced from the true leaf explant harvested from two-week old seedling over MS medium containing 13.5μM 2,4-D and 0.92μM kinetin. From these calli, a callus line was developed, which was friable and fast growing. Moreover, the selected callus line also synthesized lignan as indicated by the filter paper test and TLC analysis. The cell suspension culture was initiated from this callus line and its growth kinetics studied on the basis of cell count, packed cell volume and cell viability. Later the suspension culture was elicited with three concentrations each of yeast extract and salicylic acid during the log phase of growth. Elicitation with 250mg/l salicylic acid increased the biosynthesis of all the lignan derivatives detected in the culture. Thus, we recommend the use of 250mg/l salicylic acid to stimulate the lignan synthesis in G. arborea cell suspension culture.