Saikosaponin productivity was examined in a Bupleurum falcatum L. BFHR2 hairy root culture in response to changes in the sucrose content $(2{sim}8%)$, nitrogen content $(0{sim}250mM;NH_4NO_3)$, phosphate content $(0{sim}12mM;NaH_2PO_4)$, and the potassium content $(0{sim}87.2 mM; KCl)$ of the culture media. We found that the conditions for maximal saikosaponin production differed from those for optimal root growth. Highest saikosaponin yield was achieved for 8% sucrose, 62mM $NH_4NO_3$ 1.2 mM $NaH_2PO_4$, and 0.5mM KCl.