Tissue specific expression of Anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenolics in leaf, fruit and root suspension cultures of Indian Mulberry (Morinda citrifola L.)

The cell suspension cultures were established from leaf, fruit and root explants of Indian Mulberry (Morinda citrifolia) for the production of medicinally important secondary metabolites, anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenolics and the effect of subculture on these secondary metabolites was studied. The MS medium formulated with NAA, BA and Kinetin was found to be effective to produce anthraquinones as well as flavonoids and phenolics. The presence of these compounds was confirmed by thin layer chromatography and phytochemical screening methods. The results showed that the leaf, fruit and root suspension cultures showed tissue specific expression of anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenolics. The root suspension culture showed 198 % and 204 % and fruit suspension culture showed 146 % and 161 % higher production of anthraquinones and flavonoids respectively than widely used leaf suspension culture whereas the phenolic contents were not differed at high extents in leaf, fruit and root suspension cultures. Also, the subculturing of these cultures exhibited no detrimental effect on production of anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenolics. Thus, the root and fruit suspension cultures can be proved as very efficient systems for the production of medicinally important secondary metabolites i.e. anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenolics on large scale so that these compounds can be used as natural medicines to cure and prevent many diseases.