[Biotransformation of dehydroepiandrosterone by hairy root cultures of Anisodus tanguticus].

Aim: To modify the structure of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Methods: Using hairy root cultures of Anisodus tanguticus to perform biotransformation of DHEA, using chromatographic and spectral techniques to isolate and identify the products.

Results: (1) The MS medium without plant hormone was suitable for the growth of the hairy root. (2) DHEA was converted into five products: androst-4-ene-3, 17-dione (I); 6alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3, 17-dione (II); 6alpha, 17beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-ene-3-one (III); androst-4-ene-3, 6, 17-trione (IV) and 17beta-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3-one (V).

Conclusion: It is the first time to use hairy root cultures of Anisodus tanguticus for the biotransformation of DHEA and five DHEA-related compounds were obtained.