In vitro Culture Establishment of Schizandra chinensis (turz.) Baill. and Rhodiola rosea L., Two Adaptogenic Compounds Producing Plants

Abstract

Schizandra chinensis and Rhodiola rosea are known to contain immune-stimulating compounds. Additionally, these compounds are able to increase the ability of an organism to adapt to environmental factors and to avoid the damage caused by such factors. A possible explanation of the mechanism behind this so called adaptogenic effect, is their influence on the level and activity of monoamines and opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins. The aim of our work was to develop and optimize the hormonal composition of a growth medium for cultures of these plants. The production of lignans by S. chinensis calli and biosynthesis of phenolic glycoside rhodioloside by R. rosea cells was also evaluated.

The highest stimulating effect on growth in the Schizandra chinensis culture was found with a nutrient medium containing 2,4-D 0.1 mg l^-1 with KT 1.0 mg l^-1 or NAA 1.0 mg l^-1 with KT 1.0 mg l^-1. For Rhodiola rosea culture, the best callus production was obtained with nutrient media containing 2,4-D 1.0 mg l^-1 and IBA 1.0 mg l^-1; 2,4-D 0.1 mg l^-1; 2,4-D 1.0 mg l^-1 or IAA 0.1 mg l^-1. Plants of Rhodiola rosea were regenerated in two media, one containing IAA 1.0 mg l^-1 and another with IBA 10.0 mg l^-1 and KT 1.0 mg l^-1. Root development was monitored after the addition of NAA 0.5 mg l^-1. However, in spite of increased growth, HPLC analysis did not reveal the presence of any lignans in the callus culture of Schizandra chinensis nor of the glycoside rhodiolosid in the callus culture of Rhodiola rosea. On the other hand, rhodiolosid was detected in Rhodiola rosea plants regenerated from calli. It is suggested that the phytohormone systems mentioned above are a major starting point for a further investigation focused on the induction of higher levels of secondary metabolite production in these callus cultures.

Key words: Phytohormones, Rhodiola rosea, Schizandra chinensis, Rhodiolosid

Jan Martin et al. In vitro Culture Establishment of Schizandra chinensis (turz.) Baill. and Rhodiola rosea L., Two Adaptogenic Compounds Producing Plants. J Phytol 2/11 (2010) 80-87.