ANTHOCYANINS IN CELL-CULTURES OF AJUGA-REPTANS

Anthocyanins were produced in selected callus cultures of Ajuga reptans either in darkness (1% on dry weight) or under a light-dark cycle (up to 2.5 %). In contrast with callus cultures, cell suspension cultures could only be established in a light-dark cycle. However, the anthocyanin production in suspension cultures was not stable and started decreasing after eight to 12 subcultures. Only anthocyanins belonging to the cyanidin class were detected. The major pigment was tentatively identified as a glucosylated cyanidin, acylated with p-hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid and malonic acid. Two other anthocyanins were only acylated with both aromatic acyl groups, while a fourth one resembled the major anthocyanin. © 1990.