Effects of UV irradiation on cell viability, anthocyanin, and flavonoid contents of callus-cultured Malva neglecta cells

Callus cultures from leaf explants of Malva neglecta were initiated in vitro, and their capacity to produce UV absorbing compounds was analysed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of UV-B and ITV-C on UV absorbing compounds (e.g., flavonoid, anthocyanin, tannin) of callus cultured Melva neglecta cells. The calli were exposed to different doses of UV irradiation as follows: 144, 288, 432, 576, 720, 864, 1296, and 1728 j/m(2) for UV-B and 204, 408, 612, 816, 1020, 1284, 1836, and 2448 j/m(2) for UV-C. The results showed that the flavonoids and anthocyanins were increased significantly; compared with the control cells. In addition, tannin such as catechin was increased by longer exposure to UV-C and UV-B, compared to control. The viability percent of cells under UV treatment decreased, compared with those of the control cells.