AIM To determine the dynamics of growth and total tanshinones accumulation in crown gall cultures of Salvia miltiorrhiza in MS and 67 V liquid media. METHODS Fresh, dry weight and total tanshinones yields in the cultures and in the medium were determined every 5 days in crown gall suspension cultures. RESULTS In MS medium, the logarithmic growth phase of crown gall cultures in S.miltiorrhiza was from the 5th to 30th days, and the stationary growth phase was from the 30th to 35th days. From the 25th to 30th days, physiological activity of crown gall cultures was higher and their growth was better. However, in 67 V medium, the logarithmic growth phase of crown gall cultures was from the 10th to 25th days, and the stationary growth phase was from the 25th to 35th days. Total tanshinones were largely accumulated in the cultures and in the medium after 25 days. The total tanshinones yield (60 mg·L -1 ) was reached at the 35th day. CONCLUSION Knowing the regularity of the growth and total tanshinones accumulation in crown gall cultures of S.miltiorrhiza will be helpful to take proper regulative measures in order to obtain the maximum total tanshinones yield.
