Abstract: Preliminary identification by TLC and HPLC methods demonstrated that the calli induced from root, hypocotyl, cotyledon and flower bud of Carthamus tinctorius had the capability to synthesize a-tocopherol which has the strongest activity among Vitamin E family. Among these calli, the hypocotyl-callus and its suspension cells were better than others in growth rate and α-tocophcrol content. They reached 0.35, 0.39 gDW/l.d and 0.62, 2.28mg/100gDW respectively. MC medium was rather suitable for the cell growth of the callus which induced from hypocotyl. However, the medium supplemented with 10 CM (Coconut milk) or 0.1% CA(Casamino acid) could obviously raise cell growth rate, reached 0.45% or 0.41%gDW/l.d

Key words: Cartkamus tinctorius