Investigation of the chemical composition of cell cultures of DIOSCOREA CAUCASICA in connection with the production of BAS sources with cardioprotective potential

Dioscorea Caucasica is a source of various biologically active substances (BAS), e.g. saponins and polyphenols, which are known for their anti-atherosclerotic action. However, this species is in the Red List of many Russian regions. Biotechnological methods of production of callus, suspension, and root cultures in vitro can solve this problem. The research objective was to select the optimal BAS extraction parameters. The study featured in vitro cell cultures, grown according to standard methods, and extracts, obtained from these cultures using various organic solvents and extraction parameters, i.e. temperature, the ratio of raw material vs. extractant, time, etc. The best yield of the extract from callus cultures was observed when methanol was applied in a ratio of 1:10 at 40°C for 60 min. As for suspension cultures, the greatest yield was provided by isopropanol in a ratio of 1:10 at 40°C for 30 min. In case of root cultures, the most effective combination was that of isopropanol in a ratio of 1:10 at 40°C for 60 min. The root culture proved the source of the highest BAS content, namely caffeic acid, rutin, mangiferin, quercetin, and apigenin. The content of rutin was 13 and 22 times higher than that of callus and suspension cultures. TLC, HPLC, and NMR procedures demonstrated that the isopropanol extract contained such saponins as glucopyranoside, rhamnopyranoside, deltoside, protodioscin, spirosthenol A, and spirosthenol B. These substances are known for their antiatherosclerotic properties. Therefore, 
in vitro cell cultures of Dioscorea Caucasica can be used as raw materials for various pharmaceutical purposes, as well as in functional foods.

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