Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is an annually cultivated plant from the Brassicaceae family, closely related to Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. It is well known for its rich nutritional profile, providing essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals such as glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. In recent years, its bioactive components, particularly glucosinolates and their metabolites, have gained increasing interest. Numerous studies have highlighted the health benefits of broccoli and its derivatives, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, metabolic-regulating, and neuroprotective properties. As a result, broccoli is regarded as a functional food with significant health potential. The global nutraceutical market is expanding, particularly in emerging economies, creating a promising opportunity to develop broccoli into value-added products. Understanding the nutritional benefits and health effects of different parts of broccoli provides a foundation for further research and utilization [1].
The aim of the study: to explore the potential of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) callus cultures as an alternative source of bioactive phytochemicals under in vitro conditions. The main objectives are to assess the efficiency of callus induction, analyze its phytochemical composition, and evaluate the bioactivity (antioxidant and antibacterial properties) of callus-derived extracts in comparison to a nutrient medium without growth regulators.
Material and methods of research. Broccoli explants (leaves, stems and roots) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Additionally, the amino acids L-methionine and L-tryptophan were added. Antioxidant assays using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavening, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ABTS were performed. The concentrations of antioxidant phytochemicals, i.e. carotenoids, total phenolics, phenolic acids were determined, the activity of antioxidant enzymes of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated.
Results. Results indicates antioxidative activity according DPPH, FRAP assays was in callus culture of Brassica oleracea var. italica induced on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine and auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and supplemented with L-tryptophan and L-methionine. The results highlight the potential of broccoli callus cultures to produce valuable phytochemicals with promising bioactivities. Future studies will focus on optimizing culture conditions to enhance metabolite accumulation.
Conclusions. Phytochemical tests have confirmed the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites in callus cultures of broccoli. These cultures have the potential to produce valuable phytochemicals with promising bioactivities.