Prathan Luecha1, Attachai Trunjaruen2,3, Theeraphat Kongnok2, Wipa Yaowachai4, Pattaraphorn Panomai5, Pitakpong Maneerattanarungroj6, Nisarat Tungpairojwong2, Monthira Monthatong2, Worasitikulya Taratima2*
1Department of Pharmacognosy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Khon Kaen University,
Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
2Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
3Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand
4Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, the Botanical Garden Organisation, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
5Health Science and Aesthetic Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
6Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
*Corresponding author’s email: worasitikulya@gmail.com
Received: 25 August 2025 / Revised: 15 October 2025 / Accepted: 01 November 2025 / Published Online: 21 November 2025
Abstract
Phytolacca americana L. (pokeweed) Root contain valuable pharmaceutical compounds but their slow growth and invasive spread make large-scale cultivation difficult. The purpose of this study was to optimize conditions for the enhancement of secondary metabolites while examining the effects of NaCl, MeJA, and SA on the amount of phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins in pokeweed callus cultures. Significant interactions between elicitor concentration and duration were observed for all phytochemical parameters (p < 0.05). MeJA at 100 µM for 3 days and SA at 150 µM for 9 days produced the highest phenolic contents (14.26 and 15.82 µg/mg DW, respectively; p < 0.001) and enhanced antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP). NaCl at 200 mM for 21 days maximized EsA content (16.73 µg/mg DW), surpassing natural roots and all other treatments (p < 0.001). Phenolic content correlated positively with antioxidant capacity, indicating phenolic compounds as major contributors to antioxidant activity. In contrast, EsA showed negative correlations with other parameters, suggesting its accumulation was independent of phenolic biosynthesis and antioxidant properties. All elicitors upregulated biosynthetic genes via signaling and transcription factor activation. Overall, NaCl, MeJA, and SA effectively enhanced bioactive compounds in pokeweed callus cultures, offering a promising alternative for metabolite production without relying on natural plant resources.
Keywords: Abiotic elicitor, Antioxidant activity, Elicitation, Esculentoside A, Saponin
