Anthraquinones from hairy root cultures of Cassia obtusifolia

Hairy root cultures of Cassia obtusifolia clones transformed with Agrobacte rium rhizogenes strain 9402 were established to investigate the anthraquino ne production. Seven anthraquinones, together with betulinic acid, stigmast erol and sitosterol;were isolated from the hairy roots. Their chemical stru ctures were elucidated on the basis of chromatographic and spectral data. T he effects of culture,conditions and rare earth element Eu3+ On the product ion of six free anthraquinones have also been investigated. It was found th at changes of the elements in the culture medium and addition of rare earth element Eu3+ can greatly influence the contents of free anthraquinones in the hairy roots; (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.