Breakthrough in Sustainable Boldine Production: Chilean Scientists Unlock Cambial Meristematic Cell System from Peumus boldus

Researchers from the University of Concepción, Chile, have developed a pioneering in vitro system for inducing cambial meristematic cells (CMCs) from Peumus boldus—a native medicinal tree famous for its potent alkaloid boldine. Published in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (2025), the study provides the first reproducible platform to generate boldine-producing cell cultures under controlled laboratory conditions.

Using thin transverse cell layer (tTCL) explants derived from different internodes of three P. boldus genotypes, scientists optimized hormonal balances—mainly 2,4-D and kinetin—to stimulate friable callus and suspension cell formation. Among tested genotypes, Genotype 8 demonstrated the highest morphogenic potential, with prolific cell aggregation and superior structural integrity.

Histochemical and chromatographic analyses confirmed boldine accumulation up to 17.5 mg/g dry weight in callus tissue—comparable to natural leaf and bark levels. Although UV-A elicitation moderately increased alkaloid yield, the key achievement lies in proving that undifferentiated cambial-derived cells can biosynthesize boldine efficiently, reducing dependence on forest harvesting.

This breakthrough not only enhances understanding of tissue-specific metabolic potential in woody species but also lays the groundwork for sustainable biotechnological valorization of P. boldus through renewable cell culture systems. The findings mark a significant advance toward eco-friendly, scalable production of plant-based pharmaceuticals in Chile and beyond.

Reference

Aguilera-Soto, V., Garrido-Bigotes, A., Guedes, L., Avilés-Kruuse, N., González-Campos, J., Vera-Castro, T., Koch, L., Benedetti, S., & Hasbún, R. (2025). Genotype- and internode-dependent induction of cambial meristematic cells from thin transverse discs of Peumus boldus Mol. For boldine-producing cell culture systems. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 163(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11240-025-03235-8