The role of salicylic acid in elicitation for production of secondary metabolites in Cayratia trifolia cell suspension culture

Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin has been used in Ayurveda traditional medicine due to broad-spectrum medicinal activity to manage various ailments such as fever, rheumatic arthritis, rheumatic fever, anti-inflammatory, and antimitotic activity. In the present study, C. trifolia cell suspension cultures were utilized to establish the effects of salicylic acid on elicitation of the secondary metabolites. The cells treated with 100 μM concentration of salicylic acid elicitor showed an increase in flavanoids, phytosterols, and steroids content, i.e., 1.707±0.021, 2.35±0.020, and 2.547±0.040 mg/g dry weight, respectively.