Biochemical responses to yeast extract and sucrose in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) cell culture

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. The seeds of Nigella sativa, also known as black seed, are used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for several illnesses including asthma, inflammation, diabetes, and hypertension. The cell culture of this plant is important because of its active ingredients and significance in medicine. In this research, the effects of fungal elicitor (zero, 0.5 and 1 mg/L), and sucrose (30, 45 and 60 g/L) on the cell culture of black cumin was investigated as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications. The cell growth characteristics and biochemical traits were assayed. The results showed that fungal elicitor and sucrose increased the membrane lipid peroxidation, protein concentration, phenol contents, hydrogen peroxide, and anthocyanin whereas peroxidase activity was significantly decreased compared to control. Generally, sucrose and fungal elicitor increased the growth and activity of the cell and increased the protein production by increasing oxidative stress in cells and increasing the entry of substances into the cell and stimulating metabolism.