Effects of Methyl Jasmonate on Phenolic Acid Production in in vitro Root Cultures of Gentiana lutea and Gentiana boissieri

This research examines the impact of varying durations and concentrations of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments on the phenolic acid production in in vitro roots of Gentiana lutea and Gentiana boissieri. These species are highly valued for their bioactive metabolites in the pharmaceutical and food industries, as well as their ornamental appeal in horticulture. Nevertheless, both species face threats from overharvesting and human-induced pressures. The study utilized root cultures grown in liquid media, followed by MeJA elicitation at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM for durations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days. Phenolic acids, including gallic acid (GA), chlorogenic acid (CGA), caffeic acid (CA), p-coumaric acid (p-QA), o-coumaric acid (o-QA), ferulic acid (FA), cinnamic acid (CNA), and rosmarinic acid (RA), were quantified in the harvested roots using HPLC. The results revealed that phenolic acid levels were influenced by both MeJA concentration and application duration. The findings highlight that MeJA, when optimally applied, can enhance phenolic acid production in in vitro root cultures of G. lutea and G. boissieri effectively.