African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (14), pp. 1639-1642, 18 July 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Enhancement of 20-hydroxyecdysone production in cell suspension cultures of Vitex glabrata R.Br. by precursors feeding

Duangjai Sinlaparaya, Preeyada Duanghaklang and Sanha Panichajakul*

Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand

*Corresponding author. Email: spanichajakul@yahoo.com

Accepted 20 June, 2007

The effect of ecdysteroid precursors feeding on cell growth and 20-hydroxyecdysone production of Vitex glabrata suspension cultures were studied. On the addition of cholesterol, there was no apparent increase of 20-hydroxyecdysone while growth was partially inhibited at higher levels. Feeding of 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol did not affect the cell growth. Both precursors effectively increased production of 20-hydroxyecdysone. Feeding of 7-dehydrocholesterol as a precursor was most effective. The maximum 20-hydroxyecdysone productivity of about 1.31 mg/L/day was observed in culture with 10 mg/L 7-dehydrocholesterol. This data is the first indication that 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol feeding are effective precursors for 20-hydroxyecdysone formation in plant cell suspension culture.

Key words: 20-hydroxyecdysone, precursor feeding, suspension cultures, Vitex glabrata.