Optimization of major culture elements on growth and Shikonin production in the Lithospermum erythrohizon Hairy Root Culture

Abstract

The effects of basal media, carbon, nitrogen, phosphate and some major macro elements on growth and shikonin production in Lithospermum erythrorhizon hairy root culture were studied. Among examined media, growth of hairy root cultured in B5 liquid medium was rapid, whereas shikonin production was high in MS liquid medium. Under B5 basal medium, sucrose concentration for optimal growth and shikonin production was 9% and 4% respectively. The growth and shikonin production on pH changes in B5 medium resulted little effect in pH 5.8 to pH 8.8 ranges, whereas growth was decreased dramatically in both above 8.8 and under 5.8. Nitrogen source and concentration effected on the growth rate wsa in B5 medium (50 mM KNO₃and 1 mM NaH₂PO₄), whereas the highest shikonin production was in the condition supplemented with 5 mM KNO₃and 10 mM NaH₂PO₄.