Optimization of bacoside A3 content in hydroponically cultivated Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri L. is a popular ayurvedic plant known for its cognitive properties. The active principle in B. monnieri responsible for its brain-stimulating character is a group of saponins, specifically, bacoside A (bacoside A3, bacopaside II, and bacopasaponin C). In this study, the impact of different nutrient formulations-Hoagland & Arnon (1938) (control), GL-L, Higro-Super, and Hoagland & Arnon (1950), and different light conditions viz., white LED lights (WL) & multi-spectral LED lights (ML) on the growth and bacoside A3 content of B. monnieri in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system were investigated. The data was analyzed using the ANOVA (p<0.05) and DMRT test. It was found that GLL+ML as a treatment showed the highest number of shoots/plant (51.2±3.6), number of leaves/plant (518±21.2), leaf area (1.28±0.04), fresh weight (28.82±5.7 g/plant), and dry weight (2.2±0.26 g/plant). Conversely, the Higro-Super+ML treatment illustrated the highest bacoside A3 content (3528 mg/kg) along with suitable growth, followed by Hoagland & Arnon (1938) +ML (3204 mg/kg). These research findings shed light on the importance of considering both light spectrum and nutrient availability in optimizing growth conditions for B. monnieri cultivation