Biotransformation of progesterone and pregnenolone by plant suspension cultures

Abstract

Progesterone was converted to 5α-pregnanolone palmitate in high yield by tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum var. Bright Yellow) and Sophora angustifolia callus tissues. In Sophora angustifolia callus, 5α-pregnanolone was detected at the same time. The results showed that progesterone undergoes stereospecific reduction of the α,β-unsaturated keto group and esterification. Pregnenolone was also converted to pregnenolone palmitate and 5α-pregnanolone palmitate by tobacco and Sophora angustifolia callus tissues.