Russian scientists have discovered a method to enhance the concentration of polyphenols, valuable antioxidant compounds, in plants, particularly tea. The research was conducted by specialists from the Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology and the All-Russian National Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking, and it was supported by the Russian Science Foundation. The findings were published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Polyphenols, which protect plant cells from stress factors like ultraviolet radiation, are also significant for human health as they act as antioxidants. The study focused on tea, utilizing callus cultures to achieve a year-round and high-yield production of these compounds under controlled conditions. The researchers experimented with three different light intensities: 5,000 lux, 7,500 lux, and 10,000 lux, over a period of 40 days.
Results indicated that the highest light intensity led to a 60% increase in polyphenol content compared to the initial level, while lower light conditions only resulted in a 25% increase. This suggests that light intensity plays a crucial role in the accumulation of these antioxidants. Natalia Zagoskina, head of the Plant Phenolic Metabolism Group, emphasized the potential for optimizing conditions for the production of pharmacologically valuable metabolites.
