An optimization of flavonoid production from the suspension culture of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi cells

Flavonoid production by suspended cells of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi was studied and the medium was optimized for cell growth and baicalin production. In SH medium the flavonoid production was not closely associated with the cell growth. A modified SH medium, FPM, was therefore designed for enhanced baicalin production. In FPM, both cell growth and baicalin production were increased by 1.5 times and 1.67 times than in the original SH medium, respectively. The increases could be attributed to the increased metabolic activities involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis as represented by enhanced activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase.