Cell cultures of Cayratia trifolia (Vitaceae) a tropical lianas were maintained in Murashige and Skoog’s medium containing 0.25 mg l−1 NAA 0.2 mg l−1 kinetin and casein hydrolysate 250 mg l−1. Cell suspension cultures of C. trifolia accumulate stilbenes (piceid resveratrol viniferin ampelopsin) which on elicitation by any of 500 μM salicylic acid 100 μM methyl jasmonate 500 μM ethrel and 500 mg l−1 yeast extract added on the 7th day were enhanced by 3- to 6-fold (5–11 mg l−1) by the 15th day.