Alkaloid Production in Root and Shoot Cultures of Catharanthus roseus

Abstract

Root and shoot cultures were induced from seedlings of Catharanthus roseus. Root cultures and cell suspension cultures derived from the root cultures showed similar alkaloid spectra to the roots of intact plants. The alkaloid spectra of shoot cultures and the aerial parts of intact plants were similar to each other but different from those of root and suspension cultures. Illumination affected the alkaloid spectra of shoot cultures. Shoot cultures produced 3′,4′anhydrovinblastine, an immediate precursor of vinblastine.