Media optimization for flavonolignans accumulation and growth index of callus culture of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn

Silymarin is a mixture of flavonolignans extracted from the dried fruits of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn and approved for liver disorders. Flavonolignan production was examined in callus cultures of this plant. The influence of different ratios and concentrations of auxin (2, 4-D, Picloram and IAA) and cytokinins (Kin and BAP) on the growth index and production of flavonolignans in Murashige & Skoog media was examined. The flavonolignans content (5.52 %) in 2-month-old calli were treated with 3 mg l-1 picloram and 0.4 mgl-1 Kin was higher than that of values obtained for other treatments. In thin layer chromatography analyses of these samples revealed, four bands including, silychristin, taxifolin, silydianin and silybin. There were seven isolated components in calli from media supplemented with 3 mg l-1 picloram and 0.4 mg l-1 Kin; taxifolin (0.001 mg g-1 DW), silychristin (0.007), silydianin (0.013), silybinA (0.215), silybinB (0.105), isosilybinA (0.072), and isosilybinB (0.032) by high-performance liquid chromatography method.