ARS | Publication request: Exogenous Carbon Applications Enhance the Simultaneous Occurrence of Growth, Morphogenesis and Rosmarinic Acid Levels in Spearmint Plantelets In Vitro

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: November 13, 2006
Publication Date: March 29, 2007
Citation: Tisserat, B., Berhow, M.A., Vaughn, S.F. 2007. Exogenous carbon applications enhance the simultaneous occurrence of growth, morphogenesis and rosmarinic acid levels in spearmint plantelets in vitro [abstract]. American Chemical Society. p. A156.

Technical Abstract: The caffeoyl ester rosmarinic acid (RA) synthesized in the phenylpropanoid pathway exhibits several proven medicinal properties. RA is constitutively synthesized in spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) plantlets grown in vitro and its content can be manipulated by nutritional and physical treatments. Carbon applications (atmospherically or nutritionally) readily increase RA yields in vitro. For example, spearmint plantlets grown under 10,000 'L CO2 L-1 exhibited a 5-fold increase in RA levels over untreated controls. Similarly, applications of high sugar levels applied to the media dramatically increased RA levels also. Enhanced carbon environments allow for enhanced plantlet growth (fresh weight), morphogenetic responses (leaves, roots and shoots) and secondary metabolism (RA).