Sequential Isolation of Superoxide Dismutase and Ajmaline from Tissue Cultures of Rauwolfia serpentinaBenth

Two biologically active compounds, the enzyme superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and the anti-arhythmic indole alkaloid ajmaline, were isolated from a callus culture of Rauwolfia serpentinaBenth. Sequential isolation of biologically active compounds by metal–chelate affinity chromatography followed by azoadsorbent affinity chromatography allowed us to obtain highly purified products. The yields of superoxide dismutase and ajmaline were 180 mg/kg biomass and 16.5 g/kg dry weight, respectively.