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Planta Med 1988; 54(2): 149-152
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-962374
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Stimulation of Indole Alkaloid Content in Vanadium-Treated Catharanthus roseus Suspension Cultures

Stephen G. Tallevi1 , Frank DiCosmo1 , 2
  • 1Centre for Plant Biotechnology, Department of Botany, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada.
  • 2Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada.
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Publication History

1987

Publication Date:
24 January 2007 (online)

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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.

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