Two stage cultures for the production of berberine in cell suspension cultures of Thalictrum rugosum.

Two stage culture systems were examined in cell suspensions of Thalictrum rugosum which produce berberine in a growth associated manner. The utilization of indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) as a growth regulator, in place of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), at various growth phases was investigated. Although the enhancing effect was clear when it was used separately, in combination with 2,4-D effect of IAA was suppressed and medium change from 2,4-D to IAA was detrimental to product formation. The decrease of berberine production in this two stage culture may be due to the loss of conditioning factors associated with medium replacement.