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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2013, 16(1): 49-58en  Rosmarinic acid production in plant in vitro culturesHalina Ekiert, Inga Kwiecień, Agnieszka Szopa Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kraków Summary Rosmarinic acid, a caffeic acid and α-hydroxydihydrocaffeic acid ester, is a widespread secondary metabolite in the plant kingdom, particularly in many species of the family Lamiaceae, (especially in subfamily Nepetoideae) and in family Boraginaceae. This compound shows a lot of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral actions. In addition, rosmarinic acid exhibits antiallergic, UV radiation-protectant and free radical scavenging properties. It is display also in anticancer and hepato- and cardioprotective activities. Owning to these values rosmarinic acid can find applications in cosmetology and medicine. Steps in the rosmarinic acid biosynthesis were identified based on investigations of in vitro cultures. The studies were carried out in Coleus blumei (Lamiaceae) cell cultures. Chemical synthesis of this compound is possible but requires many stages. This paper presents the options for rosmarinic acid production using plant biotechnology methods. Review of scientific studies in this field revealed that the greatest success was achieved using endogenous accumulation of this compound in biomass from plant in vitro cultures. The research team from the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany MC JU has begun studies in this direction. Interesting results were obtained also after genetic transformation of plant material. Key words: Boraginaceae, endogenous accumulation, "hairy roots" cultures, rosmarinic acid, Lamiaceae, plant in vitro cultures |