The Effect of Salicylic Acid as an Elicitor for Galanthamine Production in Hippeastrum papilio (Ravenna) Van Scheepen Hydroponic Cultures

Hippeastrum papilio (Ravenna) Van Scheepen plant (H. papilio), endemic to South America, is an ornamental plant, a potential new source for industrial production of galanthamine (GAL). GAL is a natural compound, used for the cognitive treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In order to enhance the GAL and haemanthamine (HAEM) accumulation in H. papilio, elicitation with salicylic acid (SA) was tested in one-year-old hydroponic cultures. Three different concentrations of SA were applied (10, 50, and 100 μM/L), at various time points (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 148 h). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were performed to determine the alkaloid levels in leaves. The quantity of GAL and HAEM through the tested time points varied. Treatment with 100 μM/L SA for 148 h enhanced GAL biosynthesis by 19% compared to the initial level. A similar trend was observed for HAEM accumulation. The hydroponic system is suitable for H. papilio cultivation.