Biotransformation of alpha santonin

Bacillus cereus UI-1477 was able to convert alpha-santonin into 1,2-dihydrosantonin in a 64% yield. The chemical identity of the obtained metabolite was confirmed by UV, IR, 1D- and 2D-, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Biological evaluation showed a complete loss of both anthelmintic and antimicrobial activity of 1,2-dihydrosantonin in comparison to alpha-santonin