Effects of age and growth regulators on serially propagated Digitalis Ianata leaf and root cultures.

The cardenolide thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) and gasliquid chromatographic (GLC) patterns from leaf and root culture extracts were similar to those obtained from the plant. Leaf cultures at 8 and 12 wk-old contained more primary cardiac glycosides (Lanatoside A, B, C), than 4 wk-old leaf cultures. As high as 44 mg% dry wt. of digoxin, as determined by RIA, was present in 12 wk-old leaf cultures. The concentration of digoxin increased in both leaf and root cultures when treated with either gibberellic acid (GA) or mefluidide, and leaf organ cultures elongated with GA treatment.