Production of triterpenoid saponin glycosides in Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. through tissue culture with elicitor and precursor treatments

Triterpenoid saponin glycosides are bioactive compounds found in Bacopa monnieri that enhance learning and memory functions [ 1 ] [ 2 ]. This study aimed to explore the effects of elicitors and precursors [ 3 ] on the production of these bioactive compounds in B. monnieri tissue culture. Methyl jasmonate and yeast extract significantly increased bioactive compound levels in all tested concentrations, with day 6 being the optimal duration for elicitor treatments. At concentrations of 200 μM methyl jasmonate, the highest levels of total triterpenoid saponin glycosides was recorded at 26.24±0.06 mg/g DW. Similarly, the combination of 100 μM methyl jasmonate and 1 mg/mL yeast extract further enhanced total triterpenoid saponin glycosides to 27.89±0.77 mg/g DW. When elicitor and precursor treatments were combined, the maximum total bioactive compound content reached 52.62±0.19 mg/g DW using a combination of 1 mM L-alanine, 100 μM L-phenylalanine, 100 μM methyl jasmonate, and 1 mg/mL yeast extract. These findings demonstrate that the production of triterpenoid saponin glycosides can be effectively enhanced through elicitor and precursor treatments. These techniques offer a promising alternative approach for increasing bioactive compound yields and may provide value-added and effective raw materials for the herbal and food supplement industries. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany