Production of Δ 7 -Sterols from In Vitro Root Cultures of Endangered Gypsophila trichotoma

Species from the genus Gypsophila are known for their medicinal, industrial and decorative applications. G. trichotoma Wend. is an endangered plant species for the Bulgarian flora according to the Red Data Book. Δ⁷-Sterols, which are unusual and rare in the plant kingdom, are present in the roots of this species. In previous studies different in vitro cultures were established from aerial parts of the species. The objective of this study was to explore the possibility for production of Δ⁷-sterols from in vitro cultured roots of G. trichotoma. The root cultures were grown on six modified MS media and the quantity of sterols was analyzed. These findings will serve to solve the important matter of the role of nutrients on sterols biosynthesis.