| abstract |
The invention provides a novel process for the production of 6 beta ,14 alpha -dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione which comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Myrothecium and capable of hydrolyzing 4-androstene-3,17-dione to produce 6 beta ,14 alpha -dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione in a medium supplemented with 4-androstene-3,17-dione, and isolating 6 beta ,14 alpha -dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione from the cultured medium. According to the process of the present invention, 6 beta ,14 alpha -dihydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione and 14 alpha -hydroxy-4-androstene-3,6,17-trione can be produced with a high yield in a simple manner. |