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Microbial transformation of diosgenin and its precursor furostanol glycosides

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Abstract

Microorganisms have been screened for biotransformational activity against diosgenin or its precursor furostanol glycosides obtained from fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Using diosgenin as the substrate, Cunninghamella elegans and Aspergillus nidulans produced some androstenes when α,α′-dipyridyl was supplemented to the transformation medium. Also, using the glycosides as a substrate, Rhizopus sp. produced diosgenin in >90% yield from the glycoside. The parameters were optimized to increase the yield of the androstenes.

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Correspondence to Nehad Zaki Adham.

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Adham, N.Z., Zaki, R.A. & Naim, N. Microbial transformation of diosgenin and its precursor furostanol glycosides. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 25, 481–487 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-008-9913-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-008-9913-1

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