Metabolites In Medicinal Plants Research Articles

In situ visual and content changes analysis of coumarins in Radix Angelicae dahuricae by LSCM combined with LC-MS technology

In this study, a simple, accurate and green localization method of coumarins in Radix Angelicae dahuricae was established with fresh Radix Angelicae dahuricae as research material to reveal the distribution and accumulation of coumarins, based on frozen section and fluorescence imaging technology. The best frozen section conditions were established by comparing the effects of different cryoprotectants on the quality of Radix Angelicae dahuricae's frozen sections, according to the loss of coumarins and the complexity of the operation process. The coumarin components in Radix Angelicae dahuricae at different stages were located and quantitatively analyzed, and coumarin components distribution positions and content changes were identified using fluorescence imaging combined with LC-MS technology. The results showed that 30 μm slice thickness with 15 % glycerin protectant treatment is the best condition for frozen section. Fluorescence imaging showed that coumarins in Radix Angelicae dahuricae were mainly distributed in secretory tissue, the content over different periods showed an “S” curve of growth and coumarins reached their highest content in early September. The distribution and accumulation of coumarins in roots were revealed, which provided a reference for the synthesis and metabolism mechanism of metabolites in medicinal plants and the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine.

Analysis of endophyte diversity of Gentiana officinalis among different tissue types and ages and their association with four medicinal secondary metabolites.

BackgroundThe difference of metabolites in medicinal plants has always been concerned to be influenced by external environmental factors. However, the relationship between endophytes and host metabolites remains unclear.MethodsIn this study, we used 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing to compare endophyte diversity among different tissue types and ages of Gentiana officinalis. Endophyte diversity and abundance was also analyzed in relation to the abundance of four secondary metabolites (Gentiopicroside, Loganic acid, Swertiamarine and Sweroside).ResultsThe diversity and richness of G. officinalis endophyte differed as a function of tissue types and ages. Four metabolites of G. officinalis were significantly correlated with the abundance of dominant endophyte genera. The predictive function analysis showed that metabolism was main function of endophytic bacteria in different tissue and year root samples, while saprotroph was dominant trophic modes of endophytic fungi in the different year root samples. The dominant trophic modes of endophytic fungi was saprotroph and pathotroph, and relative abundances differed in the different tissue samples. The results of this study will help to elucidate the plant-microbial interactions and provide key information on the role of endophytes in the production of G.officinalis and its important metabolites.

Unveiling Natural and Semisynthetic Acylated Flavonoids: Chemistry and Biological Actions in the Context of Molecular Docking.

Acylated flavonoids are widely distributed natural metabolites in medicinal plants and foods with several health attributes. A large diversity of chemical structures of acylated flavonoids with interesting biological effects was reported from several plant species. Of these, 123 compounds with potential antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, analgesic, and anti-complementary effects were selected from several databases including SCI-Finder, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and others. Some selected reported biologically active flavonoids were docked in the active binding sites of some natural enzymes, namely acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, aldose reductase, and HIV integrase, in an attempt to underline the key interactions that might be responsible for their biological activities.

Chromosome‐level genome of Entada phaseoloides provides insights into genome evolution and biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins

As a medicinal herbal plant, Entada phaseoloides has high levels of secondary metabolites, particularly triterpenoid saponins, which are important resources for scientific research and medical applications. However, the lack of a reference genome for this genus has limited research on its evolution and utilization of its medicinal potential. In this study, we report a chromosome-scale genome assembly for E. phaseoloides using Illumina, Nanopore long reads and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technology. The assembled reference genome is 456.18 Mb (scaffold N50=30.9Mb; contig N50=6.34 Mb) with 95.71% of the sequences anchored onto 14 pseudochromosomes. E. phaseoloides was estimated to have diverged from the Leguminosae lineage at ~72.0 million years ago. With the integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data, gene expression patterns and metabolite profiling of E. phaseoloides were determined in different tissues. The pattern of gene expression and metabolic profile of the kernel were distinct from those of other tissues. Furthermore, the evolution of certain gene families involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins and terpenes was analysed and offers new insights into the formation of these two metabolites. Four CYP genes, one UGT gene and related transcription factors were identified as candidate genes contributing to regulation of triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis. As the first high-quality assembled reference genome in the genus Entada, it will not only provide new information for the evolutionary study of this genus and conservation biology of E. phaseoloides but also lay a foundation for the formation and utilization of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants.

Analysis of endophyte diversity of two Gentiana plants species and the association with secondary metabolite

BackgroundThe influence of external environmental factors on secondary metabolites of medicinal plants has always been studied. However, little is known about the relationships between endophytes and host metabolites, especially the relationship differences between different plant species. Thus, we used high-throughput sequencing methods to compare endophyte diversity from roots of two closely related species, Gentiana officinalis and G. siphonantha, from the same production area, and analyze the association with four secondary metabolites (Gentiopicroside, Loganic acid, Swertiamarine and Sweroside).ResultsThe fungal and bacteria communities’ richness and diversity of G. siphonantha was higher than G. officinalis. Ascomycota and Proteobacteria were dominant fungal and bacterial phylum of the two closely related species. At the genus level, Tetracladium and Cadophora were dominant fungal genus in G. officinalis and G. siphonantha samples, respectively. While Pseudomonas was dominant bacterial genus in two closely related species, with relative abundances were 8.29 and 8.05%, respectively. Spearman analysis showed that the content of loganic acid was significantly positively correlated with endophytic fungi, the content of gentiopicroside, swertiamarine and sweroside were significantly positively correlated with endophytic bacteria in the two related species. PICRUSt and FUNGuild predictive analysis indicated that metabolism and saprotroph was primary function of endophytic bacteria and fungi in the two related species.ConclusionOur results will expand the knowledge on relationships of plant-microbe interactions and offer pivotal information to reveal the role of endophytes in the production of Gentiana plant and its important secondary metabolite.

Photoreceptor regulation of Hypericum perforatum L. (cv. Topas) flowering under different light spectrums in the controlled environment system

The content of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants is affected by several internal and external stimuli. Light quality is regarded as one of the considerable environmental factors affecting plant photomorphogenesis processes and bio-active compounds biosynthesis. There is a great demand for high-quality medicinal plants and plant factory systems would be helpful in response to this demand. But, before using these systems, the light spectrum required for each species must be determined. So, in this study the Hypericum perforatum L. cv. Topas plantlets were subjected to six red (R) to blue (B) light ratio treatments including 100 R:0B, 80 R:20B, 50 R:50B, 20 R:80B, 0 R:100B, and white LED was considered as control. Among the six various light treatments, plants grown under 100% red LED showed the highest fresh and dry weight of flowers, foliage and roots. The total shoot number, flowering shoot number, and flower number were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by red light spectrum, while the blue light LED and especially monochromatic blue light resulted in growth retardation. The blue light spectrum promoted the proline concentration and oxidative stress markers such as H 2 O 2 and MDA, whereas soluble sugars concentration was higher in plants under red LED light. The highest percentage of hypericin (4.42%/m 2 ), pseudohypericin (8.07%/m 2 ), and hyperforin (50.67%/m 2 ) were detected in flowers under red light treatment, calculated based on square meter. Total phytochrome was higher in the leaves of plants under R50: B50 LED and 100 R:0B treatments. Expression of the photoreceptor and flowering-related genes HpPHYA, CRY1, CRY2, GI, CO and FTL, were affected in plants under sole red light. Molecular studies have shown that red light has a flowering-enhancing effect, in contrast, blue light has a deterrent effect on H. perforatum flowering. This corroborates that red light can promote H. perforatum growth and flowering by inducing morphological, physiological and molecular responses. • 100% red LED light provoked flowering and metabolite synthesis. • Expression of the photoreceptor and flowering-related genes induced by red LED. • Presence of blue light increased proline, H 2 O 2 and malondialdehyde content.

Stimulation of Secondary Metabolites and γ-Terpinene Synthase by Silver Nanoparticles in Callus Cultures of Carum carvi.

Biotechnology and nanotechnology are important tools for understanding biochemical pathways. They can be used efficiently for stimulating and increasing the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The present study aimed to identify the γ-terpinene synthase gene (CcTPS2) as an effective contributor to the biosynthetic pathway of monoterpenes. The effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 50 and 100mg l- 1) and time (24 and 48h) were examined on secondary metabolites in cell suspension cultures of Carum carvi. This involved the identification, isolation, and sequencing of a partial sequence in the CcTPS2 gene of C. carvi. The genomic sequence of CcTPS2 comprised 292bp which were organized into two exons (110 and 82bp) and one intron (100bp), while the cDNA was 192bp. In the scale of nucleotides, the CcTPS2 gene showed 96% similarity with the TPS2 gene of Oliveria decumbens. We generated sequence data of the CcTPS2 gene for the first time in this species, thereby enabling further developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for terpene biosynthesis and other chemical derivatives in C. carvi. The results of GC/MS and GC/FID showed that AgNPs strongly affected the secondary metabolites in cell suspension cultures of C. carvi. According to the results, the AgNPs (50mg l- 1) increased p-cymene and carvone contents in comparison with the control. The exposure of plants to 100mg l- 1 AgNPs induced the production of thymol and carvacrol. The results of real-time PCR revealed that the exposure of plants to 100mg l- 1 AgNPs caused a significant upregulation of CcTPS2 expression for 24h. These cell suspension cultures were elicited by AgNPs, the application of which proved as an effective method to improve the production of secondary metabolites in vitro.

Effect of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium fertilization on dystrophic soil on the content of secondary metabolites in Hydrocotyle umbellata L. var. bonariensis (Lam.) Spreng

The knowledge of medicinal plants is of great importance for popular health. On the other hand, the levels of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants is an important parameter to be evaluated. The study of the nutrition of plants and the production of metabolites can provide the identification of beneficial factors and also find out if there are harmful effects of this fertilization/nutrition. In this study, three experiments were carried out (nitrogen, phosphate and potassium fertilization) in the culture of Hydrocotyle umbellata L. var. bonariensis (Lam.) Spreng on dystrophic Red Latosol on metabolite production (total phenols, total flavonoids and hibalactone content). It was used the soil of a rural property in the municipality of Anápolis – Goiás (Brazil). The experimental design was completely randomized, in a controlled environment. The experiment involved the following dosages of fertilization: nitrogen (0; 30; 45; 60 e 75 kg of N.ha-1); phosphate (0; 120; 150; 180 e 210 kg of P2O5.ha-1) and potassium (0; 25; 50; 75 e 100 kg of K2O.ha-1). The maximum contents of total phenols were with the medium level of nitrogen, zero level of phosphorous and highest level of potassium. For the total flavonoid, the maximum contents were obtained with the medium levels of nitrogen and potassium and zero level of phosphorus. Finally, the hibalactone content was favored by highest level of nitrogen and zero levels of phosphorus and potassium.

The Influence of Environmental Conditions on Secondary Metabolites in Medicinal Plants: A Literature Review.

Medicinal plants, a source of different phytochemical compounds, are now subjected to a variety of environmental stresses during their growth and development. Different ecologically limiting factors including temperature, carbon dioxide, lighting, ozone, soil water, soil salinity and soil fertility has significant impact on medicinal plants' physiological and biochemical responses, as well as the secondary metabolic process. Secondary metabolites (SMs) are useful for assessing the quality of therapeutic ingredients and nowadays, these are used as important natural derived drugs such as immune suppressant, antibiotics, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer. Plants have the ability to synthesize a variety of secondary metabolites to cope with the negative effects of stress. Here, we focus on how individual environmental variables influence the accumulation of plant secondary metabolites. A total of 48 articles were found to be relevant to the review topic during our systematic review. The review showed the influence of different environmental variables on SMs production and accumulation is complex suggesting the relationship are not only species-specific but also related to increases and decline in SMs by up to 50 %. Therefore, this review improves our understanding of plant SMs ability to adapt to key environmental factors. This can aid in the efficient and long-term optimization of cultivation techniques under ambient environmental conditions in order to maximize the quality and quantity of SMs in plants.

UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS and NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach to Access the Seasonality of Byrsonima intermedia and Serjania marginata From Brazilian Cerrado Flora Diversity.

Seasonality is one of the major environmental factors that exert influence over the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The application of the metabolomics approach for quality control of plant extracts is essentially important because it helps one to establish a standard metabolite profile and to analyze factors that affect the effectiveness of the medicinal plants. The Brazilian Cerrado flora is characterized by a rich diversity of native plant species, and a number of these plant species have been found to have suitable medicinal properties. Some of these plant species include Byrsonima intermedia and Serjania marginata. To better understand the chemical composition of these plant species, we conducted a study using the state-of-the-art techniques including the HPLC system coupled to an Exactive-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization interface UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS and by NMR being performed 2D J-resolved and proton NMR spectroscopy. For the analysis, samples were harvested bimonthly during two consecutive years. UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS data were preprocessed and the output data uploaded into an in-house Excel macro for peak dereplication. MS and NMR data were concatenated using the data fusion method and submitted to multivariate statistical analysis. The dereplication of LC-HRMS data helped in the annotation of the major compounds present in the extracts of the three plant species investigated allowing the annotation of 68 compounds in the extracts of B. intermedia (cinnamic acids, phenolic acids derived from galloyl quinic and shikimic acid, proanthocyanidins, glycosylated flavonoids, triterpenes and other phenols) and 81 compounds in the extracts of S. marginata (phenolic acids, saponins, proanthocyanidins, glycosylated flavonoids among other compounds). For a better assessment of the great number of responses, the significance of the chemical variables for the differentiation and correlation of the seasons was determined using the variable importance on projection (VIP) technique and through the application of the false discovery rate (FDR) estimation. The statistical data obtained showed that seasonal factors played an important role on the production of metabolites in each plant species. Temperature conditions, drought and solar radiation were found to be the main factors that affected the variability of phenolic compounds in each species.

Analysis of Endophyte Diversity of Rheum palmatum from Different Production Areas in Gansu Province of China and the Association with Secondary Metabolite.

Investigations of the differences in the metabolites of medicinal plants have typically focused on the effects of external environmental factors. However, little is known about the relationship between endophytes diversity and host metabolites. We used high-throughput sequencing methods to compare the endophyte diversity of Rheum palmatum from eight different production areas in Gansu Province of China and to analyze the association between those areas and five secondary metabolites (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion). The results show that the diversity and OTUs (Operational taxonomic units) abundance of endophytic fungi and bacteria of R. palmatum differed according to production area. Spearman analysis showed that the five secondary metabolites of R. palmatum were positively correlated with the diversity and abundance of endophytic fungi. Comparing both space and environmental differences to determine influences on community structure, VPA analysis revealed that geographic factors explained more difference in community composition of fungal and bacterial endophytes than climate factors. PICRUSt and FUNGuild predictive analysis indicated that metabolites were the primary components of endophytic bacteria in all samples, while the function of endophytic fungi was composed of dominant trophic modes (saprotroph and pathotroph), and relative abundances were different. Our results help elucidate the correlation of plant–microbe interactions and offer pivotal information to reveal the role of endophytes in the production of R. palmatum and its important secondary metabolite.

Study on the content of some metals in soil by XRF method and evaluating their effect on the total phenolic and flavonoid content of methanol extracts from two medicinal plants in An Giang Province

Several metals in soil affect the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. In this study, we have determined concentrations of K, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu in soils collected at Tinh Bien, Tri Ton, Thoai Son, and Cam Mountain areas in An Giang province by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF). We simultaneously evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid content of methanol extracts from Solanum torvum (Sw.) leaves and Zingiber zerumbet (L.) rhizomes harvested in Tinh Bien and Cam Mountain. The results showed that the concentrations of metals reached the highest values at the soil particle size 0.25 mm among three sizes: 0.25 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm. Whereas, the metal contents at two sampling depths 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm were similar. The concentrations of K and Cu in the soil in Tinh Bien are higher than Cam Mountain at 1.18 times and 1.70 times; however, the Fe, Zn, Mn content in Tinh Bien is lower at 2.16 times, 1.64 times, and 1.43 times. Thereby, it can be seen that the higher concentration of K and Cu may contribute to increasing the total phenolic content about 1.8 times with the Zingiber zerumbet (L.) rhizomes sample, and the flavonoid content by 2.5 times for the Solanum torvum (Sw.) leaves sample in Tinh Bien compared to Cam Mountain. Meanwhile, the concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Mn did not affect the flavonoid and phenolic content in these two plants

Effects of ecological factors on shape and ginsenoside of Panax ginseng

The ecological environment is closely related to the growth and quality of authentic medicinal materials. Ginseng is very strict with its natural environment and grows mostly in the damp valleys of forests, and the appearance and chemical composition of ginseng under different growth environments are very different. This article reviews the effects of different ecological factors(including light, temperature, altitude, moisture, soil factors, etc.)on the appearance and chemical composition(mainly ginsenosides) of ginseng. Through systematic review, it is found that soil physical factors are the most important ecological factors that affect the appea-rance of ginseng, and soil bulk density plays a key role; temperature affects ginsenosides in ginseng medicinal materials The dominant ecological factors for the accumulation of chemical ingredents; strong light, high altitude, high soil moisture, low soil nutrient and strong acid soil can influence the accumulation of secondary metabolites in ginseng. Environmental stress can also stimulate the formation and accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. Appropriate low temperature stress, high or low water stress, acid or alkali stress can also promote the accumulation of ginsenosides. This article systematically reviews the ecological factors that affect the appearance and chemical composition of ginseng, and clarifies the dominant ecological factors and limiting factors for the formation of ginseng's appearance and quality, as well as beneficial environmental stress factors, in order to provide a theoretical basis for ginseng ecological planting and ginseng quality improvement.

Розроблення технологічної схеми екстракції коренів Carlina acaulis

Розроблено технологічні схеми одержання екстрактів коренів Carlina acaulis, які дали змогу отримувати вторинні метаболіти лікарських рослин для виробництва фармацевтичних препаратів. Carlina acaulis є лікарською рослиною, яка нині є недостатньо вивченою. Відомо, що корені містять дубильні та смолисті речовини, інулін (12-18 %), барвники, ефірну олію (1-2 %) та цукор. Встановлено, що для максимального вилучення фенольних сполук і флавоноїдів потрібно правильно підібрати ефективну технологію екстрагування. Розроблено на підставі кінетичних закономірностей екстрагування технологічні схеми двома способами – настоюванням та настоюванням з перемішуванням в апараті з мішалкою. Запропоновано як екстрагент використати 70 % водно-етанольну суміш, співвідношення сировина: екстрагент – 1:10, розмір частинок 2 мм. Встановлено, що час екстрагування методом настоювання становить 48 год, методом настоювання з перемішуванням – 3 години. Отримано настоянку в'язкої консистенції, світло-коричневого кольору із вмістом етанолу не більше 15 %, сухим залишком не менше 70 % і також перевірено на мікробіологічну чистоту. Технологічна схема виробництва містить підготовку рослинної сировини (подрібнення, просіювання, зважування), отримання первинної витяжки (мацерація) та фільтрування й освітлення настоянки (очищення від баластних речовин способом охолодження, відстоювання, фільтрування та ін.). Зроблено висновок, що на підставі розроблених технологічних схем можна отримувати екстракти C. acaulis з максимальним виходом фенольних сполук та флавоноїдів. Одержані настоянки мають високі органолептичні та фізико-хімічні показники та можуть застосовуватись як лікарський засіб.

Assessing the efficacy of climate resilient microbial inoculants for enhanced phytochemical production from Indian licorice (Abrus precatorius L.)

Chemical fertilizers adversely affect beneficial micro-organism of the soil with high residual contamination in the plants which subsequently raises questions on the quality of useful metabolites of medicinal plants. The study investigates the efficacy of plant growth-promoting microbes, i.e., Bacillus pseudomycoides RS6B, Bacillus firmus RS7B, Aspergillus luchuensis RS6F, and Aspergillus tamarii RS8F, individually as well as in consortium on growth and glycyrrhizic acid content of Indian licorice (Abrus precatorius L). The maximum increase in biomass of root, stem, and leaves was obtained as 2.48 folds, 2.40 folds, and 2.41 folds along with 4.95, 4.63 and 2.61 folds in glycyrrhizic acid content, respectively on the rhizo-engineering of the consortium of all the 4 microbes. The microbial inoculants also increased soil organic carbon (1.44 times), available phosphorus (3.06 times), and microbial biomass carbon (3.01 times) in the soil after 120 DAS over non inoculated control. It appears that the microbial consortium of these 4 PGPMs is a highly efficient growth promoter over no microbes and individual PGPM for Indian licorice. It can be developed as a potential bioinoculant for the ecological cultivation of this important and commercial medicinal plant.

Polyphenolic Compounds - A Promising Leads for Antiviral Therapy

Medicinal plants consist of a wide range of phytochemicals, which are usually described as secondary metabolites. The production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants affects different factors, like stress and defensive responses. Various factors, such as species differences, environmental variables, and so on, will influence the type and level of the presence of secondary metabolites. Phytochemicals are produced by these medicinal plants and have a range of biological effects on human he

Progress of studies on ATP-binding cassette transporters and transportation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants

ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters are one of the largest protein families in organisms, with important effects in regulating plant growth and development, root morphology, transportation of secondary metabolites and resistance of stress. Environmental stress promotes the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites, which determines the quality of medicinal plants. Therefore, how to improve the accumulation of secondary metabolites has been a hotspot in studying medicinal plants. Many studies have showed that ABC transporters are extremely related to the transportation and accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants. Recently, with the great development of genomics and transcriptomic sequencing technology, the regulatory mechanisms of ABC transporters on secondary metabolites have attached great attentions in medicinal plants. This paper reviewed the mechanisms of different groups of ABC transporters in transporting secondary metabolites through cell membranes. This paper provided key theoretical basis and technical supports in studying the mechanisms of ABC transporters in medicinal plant, and promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites, in order to improve the quality of medicinal plants.

Discovery of Bioactive Compounds from Traditionally used Medicinal Plants: A Profile of Nilufar Z. Mamadalieva

Discovery of Bioactive Compounds from Traditionally used Medicinal Plants: A Profile of Nilufar Z. Mamadalieva

Research progress on effect of AP2/ERF transcription factors in regulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis

AP2/ERF transcription factor is a kind of transcription factors widely existing in plants, and contains at least a conserved AP2/ERF domain composed of about 60-70 amino acids. AP2/ERF transcription factors are widely involved in a variety of physiological processes in plants, including plant development, fruit ripening, flower development and other plant development processes, as well as such stress response processes as damage, pathogen defense, high-salt condition and drought. In recent years, secondary metabolic engineering that takes transcription factors as genetic manipulation targets has developed rapidly in improving the content of active ingredients and the quality of medicinal plants. This paper reviews the recent progress in the regulation of secondary metabolites biosynthesis with AP2/ERF transcription factors, and provides theoretical basis for the exploration of efficient regulatory targets, the regulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants, the targeted improvement of the content of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine, and the sustainable supply of high-quality traditional Chinese medicines.

Induction of Biosynthetic Genes Related to Rosmarinic Acid in Plant Callus Culture and Antiproliferative Activity Against Breast Cancer Cell Line.

Rosmarinic acid is considered as one of the most important secondary metabolites in medicinal plants especially of family Lamiaceae. Rosmarinic acid can prevent both the tumor initiation and promotion stages of carcinogenesis. The aim of current study was to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of Hyssopus officinalis and Thymus vulgaris callus crude extracts contained rosmarinic acid on breast cancer cells with correlation to phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway genes expression. Calli of both plants were maintained on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with kinetin and 2,4-D. Rosmarinic acid was determined spectrophotometrically in both seed-germinated plants (control) and callus tissues. Transcriptional profiling of rosmarinic acid pathway genes was performed with RT-PCR system. The human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was treated with different levels of crude extracts at different time intervals in order to show their effects on the cell proliferation using a cell viability colorimetric assay (MTT). The results showed a significant increase of rosmarinic acid content up to 6.5% in callus compared to control. The transcriptional profile of the selected rosmarinic acid genes in callus tissues indicated significant effects on the rosmarinic acid content in both genotypes. T. vulgaris (90 μg mL-1) and H. officinalis (150 μg mL-1) callus extracts had exhibited highest reduction in the cell MCF-7 viability after 48 h of exposure. It was concluded that rosmarinic acid production increased in callus tissue, showed the higher gene expression levels and remarkably inhibited growth of human breast cancer cell line.