Undifferentiated Cells of Tessaria absinthioides with High Nutritional Value and Health-Promoting Phytochemicals. An Approach Based on Plant Cellular Agriculture

Abstract

In vitro cultures of undifferentiated plant cells of Tessaria absinthioides, a native herb popularly recognized and used for its health benefits, were studied as potential food supplements. These tissues were incubated under two light conditions, and the biomass obtained was freeze-dried and oven-dried. To evaluate their nutritional value, their physicochemical and functional properties were determined. Although in some cases there were significant differences in the results according to the drying methodology applied, all these tissues presented a high proportion of proteins (23.6–28.3%), a low percentage of fats (< 2%) constituted mainly by phytosterols, and a significant amount of crude fibers (6.9–9.0%) and ashes (> 10%). In addition, the freeze-dried calli resulted in a product with better functional properties. On the other hand, their phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity were studied and compared with tissues from wild specimens and with green tea and chamomile as reference extracts.