Microsome-mediated transformation of O-methylandrocymbine to demecolcine and colchicine

Microsomal preparations from immature seeds of Colchicum autumnale L. catalyse the ring expansion reaction of O-methylandrocymbine to demecolcine in the presence of NADPH and O2. In addition evidence is given for further transformation of demecolcine to colchicine in the presence of acetyl-CoA and NADPH.