Abstract
Addition of vanadyl sulphate to cell suspensions of Catharanthus roseus was found to increase ajmalicine, catharanthine, and tryptamine levels. Up to 500
µg/g dry weight catharanthine and 131.0 µg/g dry weight ajmalicine were detected in
vanadyl sulphate-treated cells. This represents an approximate increase of 50% over
control levels. This stimulation was found to be dependent upon the concentration
of vanadyl sulphate administered and upon the cell age. High tryptamine levels were
not correlated with increased tryptophan decarboxylase activity. Vanadium content
of the cells was found to reach a maximum within 1 min following vanadyl sulphate
treatment as measured by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis.
