Establishment and assessment of cell suspension cultures ofMatricaria chamomillaas a possible source of apigenin under static magnetic field

Key message This study represents an optimized protocol for callus establishment and cell suspension culture ofMatricaria chamomilla, and the impact of the static magnetic field (SMF) on flavonoid metabolism and antioxidant activity were examined for the first time. The effect of growth regulators was investigated to enhance biomass growth and apigenin production. Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2,4-D (1.5 mg l(-1)) and Kinetin (0.5 mg l(-1)) showed the highest callus induction rate (100%), fresh weight, apigenin (0.82%) and apigenin-7-glucoside (1.57%) contents. Cell suspension culture was established, and the optimum subculture time was found to 13-15 days. SMF induced cell leaching and oxidative stress in all treated cells by an increase in H(2)O(2)content and more stimulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) enzymes activities. Total phenolic, flavonoid and DPPH activity increased in cells treated to SMF, and the maximum content of apigenin (1.3%) and apigenin-7-glucoside (2.1%) were identified in cell treated to 4 mT. These results provided an effective method for the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis inM. chamomillacell suspension culture, and the use of SMF as a tool for the induction of apigenin production.