Production of cinnamyl glycosides in compact callus aggregate cultures of Rhodiola rosea through biotransformation of cinnamyl alcohol.

Rhodiola rosea is a multipurpose medicinal plant with adaptogenic properties: it increases the body's nonspecific resistance and normalizes body functions. The commercial interest for roseroot-based products has quickly increased worldwide. Nearly all raw-materials originate from natural populations. As a result of the intensive collection the species has become endangered. Production of the pharmaceutical compounds from the medicinal plants in cell cultures is an alternative to field cultivation. The present protocol describes the establishment of compact callus aggregate culture of Rhodiola rosea and the production of cinnamyl alcohol glycosides through biotransformation.