Biotransformation of (+)- and (-)-carvone (1 and 2) by the larvae of common cutworm (Spodoptera litura) has been investigated. (+)-Carvone was transformed to (+)-(4S)-10-hydroxycarvone (1-1), (+)-(4S)-7- hydroxycarvone (1-2), and (-)-(4S)-8,9-dihydroxy-8,9-dihydrocarvone (1-3). (-)-Carvone (2) was transformed to (-)-(4R)-10-hydroxycarvone (2-1), (-)-(4R)-7-hydroxycarvone (2-2), (+)-(4R)-8,9-dihydroxy-8,9- dihydrocarvone (2-3), and (-)-(2R,4R)-10-hydroxycarveol (2-4). The results indicate that the main metabolic reaction of carvones by S. litura larvae is oxidation at vinyl group (C-8 and C-9).
Keywords: Spodoptera litura; biotransformation; carvone; insect.