Elicitation and enhancement of bacoside production using suspension cultures of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst

The effect of different elicitors [jasmonic acid, salicylic acid] and precursors [calcium pantothenate, cholesterol, sodium nitroprusside] on the stimulation of biomass and secondary metabolite production in suspension cultures of Bacopa monnieri was studied. Induction of primary callus cultures was successfully carried out on the Gamborg's B-5 (B-5) medium fortified with 2, 4-D (1.0 mg l(-1)) using Bacopa monnieri leaves as explants. The friable fine suspension cell culture was raised on parent B-5 media without agar. The elicitation using different elicitors and precursors at varying concentrations was carried out over a period of 3, 6, 9, 15 days. Elicitor treated cultures showed marked increase in biomass and bacoside production around 6th-9th day (0.98 GI DW). In the present study, salicylic acid at 1.0 mg l(-1) induced a maximum elicitation in bacoside content (6.58 mg g(-1) DW). The present study provides favorable evidence on the potential of bacoside production using suspension cultures of B. monnieri. The study results also indicate the beneficial effects of elicitation on metabolite production in in vitro suspension cultures of B. monnieri plant known for its cognitive improving properties.