Biotransformation of phenolic compounds by the cultured cells of Catharanthus roseus

The cultured cells of Catharanthus roseus were able to convert 2-, 3-, and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohols into their corresponding hydroxybenzyl-β-d-glucopyranosides or β-d-glucopyranosylbenzyl alcohols, and then convert 2- and 3-hydroxybenzyl-β-d-glucopyranosides into primeverosides and vicianosides. Further, the C. roseus cells were capable of hydroxylation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid to afford 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and then glucosylation of the newly introduced phenolic hydroxyl group.