Dose dependent effect of silver nitrate on enhanced production of gymnemic acid in cell suspension cultures of Gymnemasylvestre R. Br
Introduction and Aim: Gymnemasylvestre is rich source of triterpenoid saponins and is popularly known for its anti-diabetic potential. Gymnemic acid is chiefly responsible for its therapeutic potential. In fact, gymnemic acid is a group of compounds known as gymnemagenin (oleanane group) and other related compounds are gymnemasides (dammaranes). Despite of its immense medicinal importance, very few studies were conducted for enhanced gymnemic acid production. The present study undertaken for the enhanced gymnemic acid production using silver nitrate (AgNO3) as effective elicitor and its influence on other culture parameters. Materials and Methods:Callus culture was initiated for cell suspension culture establishment and is used to study the elicitor effect. Different doses of AgNO3 used at varied culture periods and its mediated effect on growth index, pH, EC and MDA content was conducted. Gymnemic acid production was estimated by HPLC. Results:Cell growth was positively influenced by AgNO3 with concomitant change in pH and EC of the medium. Apparent rise in MDA content in response to increased AgNO3 dosage was observed and is positively correlated with enhanced gymnemic acid production. Dose dependent effect of AgNO3 was observed at different culture periods used under study. Conclusion: Substantial improvements of gymnemic acid produced in response to AgNO3 at 100µM dosage can be used for its enhanced production at industrial scale. It also offers opportunities for studying elicitor influence on other parameters for gymnemic acid production