Biotransformation of Chrysin and Apigenin by Cunninghamella elegans

Abstract

Biotransformation of chrysin by Cunninghamella elegans NRRL 1392 produced apigenin, apigenin 7-sulfate, apigenin 7,4′-disulfate, and a new metabolite identified as chrysin 7-sulfate. On the other hand, fermentation of apigenin, using the same microorganism, yielded apigenin 7-sulfate and apigenin 7,4′-disulfate. The structures of the metabolites were established by spectral analysis, and acid and enzyme hydrolyses in addition to comparison with reference samples.