Elicitation of pharmacologically active phenolic compounds from Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. Ex. Kurtz.

Quality of medicinal plants used for the production of galenics or pharmacologically useful compounds is usually assessed by the content of biologically active compounds. Most of these plants are grown in fields, this study focused to evaluate the effect of three natural elicitors salicylic acid, methyl salicylate and acetyl salicylic acid (SA, MSA, ASA) on phenolic compound content of Rauvolfia serpentina, and to compare the efficiency of several solvent system in phenolic compound extraction from this plant. A tremendous increase of phenolics and stimulation of the biomass yield were achieved. Tuning of organ specificity by modification of the concentration of elicitor was also observed. This methodology represents a convenient alternative to cell suspension or hydroponic cultures being applicable in wide agricultural practice and to improve phenolic concentration during extraction.

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► Effect of elicitors on phenolic compound content of Rauvolfia serpentina, was evaluated.
► Efficiency of solvent systems in phenolic compound extraction also was analyzed.
► The total levels of phenolics and specific phenolics increased with elicitors.
► SA and its derivatives may suggest as elicitor for induction of phenolics from R. serpentina.
► AcCN/H2O can be suggested as effective extraction solvent system for phenolics from R. serpentina.