The Use of Silver Nitrate as an Elicitor to Increase Bioactive Compounds in Artichoke [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] Callus Culture

The globe artichoke belongs to the Asteraceae family and has become more and more popular among other vegetables due to its beneficial health-promoting features that are related to bioactive compounds present in leaves. The plant materials have inadequate proportions of valuable bioactive compounds in nature, so researchers are emphasizing on how to enhance their amounts. In vitro techniques with integrated novel practices can be employed to enhance phytochemicals from any plant. The current study aimed to determine and assess valuable bioactive components in 3 artichoke cultivars via callus cultures which were subjected to a treatment of 4 different concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 mg L^-1) of silver nitrate. Results indicated that well-balanced levels of plant growth regulators were necessary for stimulating the callus formation of globe artichoke. The findings of the current study also revealed the importance of cultivar differences regarding callus formation. Experimental results revealed that variation in silver nitrate concentrations had a significant effect on biomass, total phenolic content and total antioxidant activities. The results of the current, study may offer a good strategy by promoting bioactive compounds of globe artichoke leaves for utilizing in large-scale industries, pharmacology, and food supplements.