Determination of gentiopicroside contents during somatic embryogenesis in Gentiana straminea Maxim

A protocol for regeneration of Gentiana straminea Maxim recently established in our laboratory, somatic embryogenesis was obtained from its leaf derived calli. The gentiopicroside contents of embryogenic calli, globular-, heart-, torpedo-, and cotyledon-shaped embryoids as well as regenerated plantlets were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Gentiopicroside was detectable in all materials tested. Embryogenic calli showed the lowest gentiopicroside content. The changes of gentiopicroside contents were not significant (P < 0.05) with the development of somatic embryos. The highest gentiopicroside content (30.7 mg g^?1 dry weight) was achieved in regenerated plantlets. The contents of gentiopicroside were not significant (P < 0.05) differences between control plants and embryogenic calli, different stages of somatic embryos and regenerated plantlets. This protocol could be employed for producing gentiopicroside or other medicinal compounds.