Enhancement of Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis in Bacopa monnieri: An in vitro Study

Enhanced production of total saponins was obtained from 40 day old suspension cultures of Bacopa monnieri. The callus yielded not only a 166% increased concentration of saponins but also produced two novel prominent bands of saponins compared to the natural plant system. We report here for the first time an increased potential of cell lines of B. monnieri in suspension for production of saponins; the active constituents responsible for neuropharmacological and nootropic action of the plant. Our studies can be utilised in meeting the demand and supply ratio of the drug with constant and elevated production of saponins produced in short duration.