Studies in Cell Suspension Cultures of Cassia didymobotrya. Part III. The Biotransformation of Chalcones to Flavones and Biflavanones

Older (29 day) cell cultures of Cassia didymobotrya are shown to possess enzymes which can effectively catalyze the conversion of chalcones to flavone and novel biflavanone products. The substrates 2',4,4'-trihydroxychalcone and 3-methoxy-2,4,4'-trihydroxychalcone were evaluated in terms of bioconversion yields versus time of incubation, and the effect, if any, of H2O2 and horseradish peroxidase on such bioconversions. Comments concerning the nature of the intermediates involved are presented.