Fofmation of the Lignan (+)-Secoisolariciresinol by Cell-free EXtracts of Arctium lappa

Abstract

Cell-free extracts of petioles of Arctium lappa catalyzed enantioselective formation of (+)-secoisolariciresinol [about 20% enantiomer excess (e.e.)] from achiral coniferyl alcohol in the presence of NADPH and H₂O₂. This is the first report of an enzymatic reaction to afford (+)-secoisolariciresinol enantioselectively.