Induction of flavonoid biosynthesis by in vitro cultivation of Astragalus glycyphyllos L.

Establishment of in vitro cultures from Astragalus glycyphyllos, determination of biomass and analysis of total flavonoids, rutin and camelliaside A were performed. To increase flavonoid production various combinations of plant hormones and light/dark regimen were investigated. Suspension cultures with exogenous quercetin were evaluated for possible increase in flavonoid production. Shoots, calli and suspensions were successfully established. Rutin and camelliaside A were proved in highest amount in shoots. Calli, cultivated on modified G48 medium, with double amount of Ca2+ and Mg2+, achieved higher total flavonoid content (2.37 and 2.03 mg/g DW). Suspensions cultures, cultivated on modified G48 medium with 10, 20 and 30 mg/mL quercetin achieved higher total flavonoid content (0.09, 0.10 and 0.13 mg/mg DW). Biotransformation of quercetin to isoquercitrin was achieved. The highest concentration of isoquercitrin (56.73 ng/mg DW) was observed on suspensions cultures cultivated on modified G48 medium, with 20 mg/mL quercetin