Triterpenes and phenolics in callus of Maytenus aquifolium Mart.

The antiulcerogenic effects of Maytenus aquifolium Mart. extracts have been confirmed by biological assays and are apparently related to total phenols , more specifically tannins and triterpenes. Leaves of M. aquifolium have b een widely consumed in Brazil as a tea against ulcer. The present work repo rts the production of M. aquifolium callus on semi-solid media and cell sus pension cultures. Both were evaluated for their ability to accumulate trite rpenes and phenolics. Dried cells were extracted and phenolics and triterpe nes were analyzed by spectrometry and gas chromatography. Friedelan-3-ol wa s detected in cell suspension and friedelin in callus. Cells cultured in se misolid medium accumulated higher yields of phenolics than cell suspensions .