Effects of light waves on Cell Growth and Baicalin Accumulation in Suspension Culture of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

Abstract:

We investigated influences of white light, UV-B, red light and blue light on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, baicalin content and cell growth in suspension culture of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. PAL activity and baicalin accumulation were promoted significantly by UV-B, moderately by white and blue lights. Red light had negative effects on PAL activity and baicalin accumulation. Baicalin content and PAL activity remarkably increased with UV-B intensity rising from 0 to 60 μmol m^-2 s^-1. The cell growth was promoted by red light, inhibited by UV-B, and unaffected by blue and white lights. Following treated with the alternation of 8 h UV-B of 60 μmol m^-2 s^-1 and 16 h red light of 50μmol m^-2 s^-1, fresh cell weight and baicalin content were 1.16- and 3.2-fold, respectively, higher than the controls. The yield of the total baicalin was 439 mg L^-1 which was 3.8-fold higher than controls.

Key words:Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; Cell suspension culture; Light inducement; Phenylalanine