Effects of rare earth elements on the growth of Cistanche deserticola cells and the production of phenylethanoid glycosides.

The rare earth elements Nd, La, Ce at proper concentrations had positive effects on the cell growth of Cistanche deserticola and production of phenylethanoid glycosides (PeG). A mixture of rare earth elements (MRE, La(2)O(3):CeO(2):Pr(6)O(11):Sm(2)O(3)=255:175:3:1, mol/mol) showed the most remarkable effects. After 30 day's culture, 0.02 mmoll(-1) MRE gave the highest content (20.8%) and production (1.6 gl(-1)) of PeG, which were 104 and 167% higher than those obtained in control (without rare earth elements).