Planta Med 2008; 74 - PG80
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1084832

Microbial metabolism of Yohimbine

KY Orabi 1, HG Sary 1
  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait

Microbial cultures are known for being biocatalysts and for their ability to give an array of derivatives in adequate quantities that are difficult to obtain from mammals or synthesis. In addition, microbial models may be used to predict metabolic pathways in mammals. Insufficient reports about yohimbine microbial metabolism made it an attractive drug for investigation using different microorganisms to get possible metabolites.

Of eighty four microbial cultures screened for their ability to metabolize yohimbine, Bacillus cereus var. fluorescens showed definite metabolism, thus, it was selected for preparative-scale fermentation to afford three more polar metabolites. These metabolites were isolated, purified and subjected to spectral analyses. Their biological activities are being evaluated.

Yohimbine

Acknowledgements: Kuwait University, Faculty of Science, Science Analytical Facilities, supported by Grant number GS01/03 for spectral analyses.