PRODUCTION OF EMETINE AND CEPHAELINE FROM CELL-SUSPENSION AND EXCISED ROOT CULTURES OF CEPHAELIS-IPECACUANHA

Production of the ipecac alkaloids, emetine and cephaeline was studied in cell suspension and excised root cultures of Cephaelis ipecacuanha. A two-stage cell suspension culture was developed for enhanced accumulation of the alkaloids. In the first-stage, suspension cultures were established in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing 2,4-D and NAA which was suitable for cell growth and the second-stage culture system was composed of MS medium containing IBA, IAA and 6% sucrose which favoured alkaloid production. The production of emetine and cephaeline was greatly increased in the two-stage culture method compared to the single-stage culture. Optimal alkaloid synthesis was obtained in excised root culture of the plant in medium composed of half-strength MS salts, IBA (0.25 mg l-1) and 2% sucrose. A discernible higher accumulation of cephaeline in two-stage cell suspension culture as well as in excised root culture in comparison to that of the three-year-old roots was attained.