Optimization of carbon source for hairy root growth and withaferin A and withanone production in Withania somnifera.

: This study optimized carbon sources in half MS liquid medium for maximum biomass accumulation and withanolides production in hairy root culture of Withania somnifera. The highest production of withaferin A and withanone was achieved when sucrose and sucrose+glucose were used individually as carbon sources. The hairy root suspension culture supplemented with a lower level of sucrose (2%) favored hairy root biomass accumulation (1.41 g DW) followed by sucrose+glucose (2+1) when compared with other carbon sources in half MS liquid medium after 40 days of culture. The hairy roots grown on sucrose (4%) enriched half MS liquid medium stimulated higher production of withaferin A (2.21 mg/g DW) and withanone (2.41 mg/g DW) on the 40th day of culture, followed by sucrose+glucose (4+1%) compared with glucose, fructose, maltose and other combinations tested.