Production and Release of Isoflavonoids by Lupin Cell Cultures

Cell cultures derived from white lupin (Lupinus albus) radicles consist o f a mixture o f friable cell aggregates and finely divided cells. Both types o f tissue accumulate two isoflavonoid aglucones, genistein and 2'-hydroxygenistein, their 7-O-glucosides, and their respective 6-, 8-, and 3'-monoprenyl-, as well as the 6,3'-diprenyl derivatives. M ost o f these metabolites are differen­ tially released in the culture medium. The relative amounts o f aglucones, glucosides and prenylated derivatives that are produced by the aggregates and cells, as well as those excreted into the medium, are discussed in relation to culture growth.