title: Bio-Transformation of (G-3H)-digitoxin and (G-3H)-digoxin by Digitalis purpurea.
abstract: The biotransformation of (G- (3)H) digitoxin and (G- (3)H) digoxin has been studied in a strain of Digitalis purpurea in which cardenolides of the B series were predominant. A direct method of introducing the tritiated glycosides into the plant is described and the conversions monitored at intervals during the subsequent 6 weeks. Conversion of labelled digitoxin to purpurea glycosides A and B, gitoxin and gitaloxin occurred. Of particular interest was the conversion of digitoxin to the digitalose - containing glycosides, strospeside and verodoxin. Digoxin, an exogenous glycoside to D. purpurea, was glycosylated to desacetyl lanatoside C; there was some conversion to B and E series glycosides but only minimal formation of A series cardenolides.
authors.affiliation: Post Graduate School of Studies in Pharmacy, University of Bradford, Bradford, England.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Linley
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Mekkawi