We investigated the production of phenylpropanoids (phenolic compounds,
flavanols, flavonols and anthocyanins) and naphtodianthrones (hypericins) in
elicited Hypericum perforatum L. cell suspensions. To determine whether
secondary metabolite production could be enhanced, Hypericum cell suspensions
were exposed to mycelia extract from the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Elicited
Hypericum cell suspension cultures displayed reduced growth and viability and
a modification of secondary metabolites production. Anthocyanins were only
stimulated in fungal-elicited cell suspensions. Secondary metabolite
production in elicited Hypericum cells revealed an antagonism between the
flavonoid/naphtodianthrone and anthocyanin pathways. The data suggest a
modification of the channeling of the phenylpropanoid compounds. Together,
these results represent useful data for monitoring the channeling in
different secondary metabolite pathways during the scaled-up production of
naphtodianthrones for medicinal uses.