Caffeine and theobromine formation by tissue cultures of Camellia sinensis

Abstract Callus and root suspensions from Camellia sinensis have been established to produce and accumulate caffeine and theobromine as secondary metabolites. Leaf fragments from a mature greenhouse tea plant, grown on MS medium supplemented with IAA (5.7 μM) produced roots, while leaf explants of the same plant cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (4.5 μM) and BA (0.45 μM), gave rise to the formation of friable callus. Both callus and roots when transferred to MS liquid medium supplemented with 2,4-D (4.5 μM) and BA (0.45 μM), produced caffeine and theobromine, which were detected by TLC, UV and GC.