Qualitative and quantitative analysis of high-value metabolites from callus culture of Alcea rosea L.

This study explored how plant growth regulators (PGRs) impact callus induction, biomass accumulation, phytochemical synthesis, and the antioxidant and anti-aging potential of Alcea rosea L. callus cultures. Our findings revealed that the combination of 1 µM NAA and 0.1 µM TDZ leads to 100% callus induction frequency and the highest biomass accumulation, with a fresh weight of 267 g/L and a dry weight of 16.5 g/L. Maximum total phenolic (719.19 mg GAE/L) and total flavonoid (166.34 mg QE/L) production were observed in callus cultures treated with 1 µM NAA. High-performance liquid chromatography identified 9 anthocyanin compounds, with the highest total anthocyanin production (265.65 µM DW) recorded with a PGR concentration of 1 µM NAA + 0.1 µM TDZ. Antioxidant activities varied across different PGR concentrations, with notable values including DPPH-FRSA of 83.1%, ORAC value of 1089.13 µM TEAC, and maximum reduction in ROS/RNS levels by 87.56%. Anti-aging activities also varied, with tyrosinase inhibition peaking at 79.12%, vesperlysine-like AGEs’ inhibition at 68.32%, and pentosidine-like AGEs’ inhibition at 56.42%. This study introduces a novel approach that addresses traditional extraction method limitations by examining the impact of PGRs on callus culture initiation and secondary metabolite production, alongside antioxidative and anti-aging characteristics. Such methodologies potentially add to our understanding of A. rosea L.‘s therapeutic potential and contribute to sustainable techniques for producing bioactive compounds.