Biotransformation of 6beta-santonin by Phytolacca acinosa cell suspension cultures.

To obtain more valuable derivatives for the further structural modification of 6beta-santonin (1) via biotransformation by using cell suspension cultures of Phytolacca acinosa. The substrate 1 was incubated with cell suspension cultures of P. acinosa, the products were obtained by chromatography, and identified on the basis of their physical and spectral data (HRMS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, NOE and IR). After incubation with cell suspension cultures of P. acinosa, 1 was converted into five products. Among them, 3 is a new compound. 6beta-santonin could be selectively reduced and hydroxylated by the cell suspension cultures of P. acinosa, which would provide valuable intermediates for its further structural modification.