Objective: To study the biotransformation of podophyllotoxin by the cell suspension culture and root culture systems of Rheum palmatum.
Method: Using plant tissue culture technology and HPLC techniques to isolate products. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means.
Result: Cell suspension culture of R. palmatum could convert podophyllotoxin to produce picropodophyllotoxin with the yield of 73.8%, while root culture of R. palmatum could convert podophyllotoxin to produce epipodophyllotoxin and apopodophyllotoxin.
Conclusion: Podophyllotoxin did not affect the pH value of the media used in tissue cultures. Both cell suspension culture and root culture of R. palmatum can convert podophyllotoxin.