Accumulation of Ferulic Acid in Cell Cultures of <i>Ajuga pyramidalis</i> Metallica Crispa

Abstract

Cell cultures of Ajuga pyramidalis Metallica Crispa accumulate ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant cinnamic acid. Most of the ferulic acid was found in a soluble form in the cultures. Maximum accumulation of ferulic acid was found in highly pigmented cultures (138 mg/100 g of fresh weight). The leaves from greenhouse-grown plants had lower levels of ferulic acid (24 mg/100 g of fresh weight) compared to the cultures. A close relationship was observed between anthocyanin and ferulic acid accumulation in the cultures. Supplementation with gibberellic acid, a specific anthocyanin inhibitor, at 10, 100, and 1000 μM reduced the levels of both anthocyanins and ferulic acid in the cultures. Keywords: Ajuga pyramidalis; cell culture; ferulic acid