LIGNAN PRODUCTION BY IPOMOEA-CALLUS FROM CARBOHYDRATES

Lignans have proved to be interesting compounds for their possible ant itumour, antiHIV and Ca2+ antagonist activity. The tropical climbing s hrub Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet contains two particularly promising li gnans, arctigenin and trachelogenin, Callus cultures were established from the plant to examine whether the lignan production is conserved i n vitro. To modify the lignan production, carbohydrates in the medium were changed. Different sugars and sucrose levels were examined. Ligna ns were synthesized by the cultures, the sugar level and quality had a major influence on lignan production. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd .