Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Transient Expression in Nicotiana Benthamiana Leaves for Triterpene Production at a Preparative Scale
Published on: August 16, 2018
[Biotransformation of cycloartane-type triterpenoid from myrrh]
Qing-Qing Zhong1, Hong-Lei Zhou, Tao Shen
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan 250355, China. zhongqingqing2006@126.com
Objective:
To study the biotransformation of cycloartan-24-ene-1alpha,2alpha, 3beta-triol isolated from myrrh and find new antitumor bioactive cycloartane-type derivatives.
Methods:
Fourteen microbial strains were cultured in potato medium at 27.8 degrees C for 7 days. The strain of Penicillium janthinellum was selected for preparative transform assay, and cultured in potato medium at 27.8 degrees C for 10 days. The medium was extracted by EtOAc, and then EtOAc layer was purified by the silica gel column chromatography. The product was structurally elucidated by MS and NMR spectra, and their anti-proliferative effects against human prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cells were evaluated using MTT assay.
Results:
The substrate was transformed to two new hydroxyl substituted triterpenoids, with a yield of 21.15%; The products displayed anti-proliferative effect against PC3 and DU145 cells with IC50 values of 14.5 micromol/L and 27.8 micromol/L, respectively.
Conclusion:
Cycloartane-type triterpenoid can be bio-transformed by Penicillium janthinellum, and leading to the isolation of two new hydroxyl substituted derivatives.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Phase I Reactions: Oxidation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Carbon-Containing Systems
Oxidation reactions are fundamental in aromatic carbon-containing systems. An example is the hydroxylation of phenobarbital, a process that transforms it into...
Phase II Reactions: Miscellaneous Conjugation Reactions
A key example involves the conjugation of cyanide ions, which impair cellular respiration and alter hemoglobin into non-oxygen-carrying cyanmethemoglobin. To neutralize this threat, a sulfur atom from thiosulphate is transferred to the cyanide ion, catalyzed by the enzyme rhodanese, resulting in an inactive compound called thiocyanate. The production of...
Bioremediation
Phase II Reactions: Glucuronidation
