Pigment elicitation and sun protection factor of callus induced from Cassia tora seedling explants

Natural pigments are derived from sources such as plant, animal, insects, and fungi. The anthraquinones are natural pigments that have pharmacological activities. They have applications in several domains such as the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and textile industries. Anthraquinones occur naturally in many plants including Cassia tora of the Fabaceae family. The present study focused on the production of pigments (anthraquinones) from callus of Cassia tora cultured on medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine and thidiazuron . The elicitor, salicylic acid, increased anthraquinone production in callus cultures whereas ethrel had minimum effect. Anthraquinone production increased twofold in callus inoculated in medium containing 10 mM salicylate. The yield obtained was 3709 ± 269.65 mg/kg dry weight of callus in Fraction B. The sun protection factor of the callus extracts was also assessed. The maximum sun protection factor observed was 38. Key message Growth analysis of Cassia tora callus, modulating callus growth and pigment (anthraquinones) production with the elicitors Ethrel and salicylic acid. Potential application of callus extract as Sun protectant.