In vitro conversion of 2,3-oxidosqualene into dammarenediol by Panax ginseng microsomes.

(RS)-[3-3H]-2,3-Oxidosqualene (1) was converted into (20S)-dammarenediol (2) and not to (20R)-dammarenediol by a microsomal fraction prepared from the hairy root of Panax ginseng. The enzyme activity was highest at pH 6.0 and was not increased by the addition of any detergents. These properties differed significantly from those of other 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclases reported from higher plants and animals.