Production and Release of Isoflavonoids by Lupin Cell Cultures

Cell cultures derived from white lupin (Lupinus albus) radicles consist of a mixture of friable cell aggregates and finely divided cells. Both types of tissue accumulate two isoflavonoid aglucones, genistein and 2′-hydroxygenistein, their 7-O-glucosides, and their respective 6-, 8-, and 3′-monoprenyl-, as well as the 6,3′-diprenyl derivatives. Most of these metabolites are differentially released in the culture medium. The relative amounts of aglucones, glucosides and prenylated derivatives that are produced by the aggregates and cells, as well as those excreted into the medium, are discussed in relation to culture growth.