Production of scopolamine by normal root culture of Hyoscyamus niger

Normal root of Hyoscyamus nigerwas cultivated in various nutrient conditions to optimize root growth and scopolamine production. Nitrate or phosphate concentration had little effect on root growth, while the low levels of nitrate or phosphate enhanced specific scopolamine content by 44% and 39%, respectively. Glucose or fructose was not adequate for the root culture as a carbon source, while the root growth was markedly enhanced at high sucrose concentration (up to 9%). The growth rate (0.59g dw./L.d.) and scopolamine productivity (1.98 mg/L.d.) was increased greater in roots with 9% initial sucrose concentration as compared to 3% sucrose (0.28 g dw./L.d., 0.98 mg/L.d.)