Alkaloid Production in Catharanthus Roseus Cell Cultures. XI. Biotransformation of 3′, 4′‐Anhydrovinblastine to Other Bisindole Alkaloids

Abstract
Biotransformation studies of 3′,4′‐anhydrovinblastine (1) in Calharanthus roseus cell suspension cultures are reported. A detailed study of one cell line, coded at „916”︁, has revealed that 1 is transformed to the natural bisindole alkaloids leurosine (2) and Catharine (3) in approximately 25–30 and 9–16% yield, respectively. In 24–48 h, about 40% of 1 is utilized by the cells. Conditions for biotransformation of 1 have not been optimized so the above yields quoted are not final.
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