Transformation of Finasteride (I) by cell suspension cultures of Ocimum sanctum L. was investigated. Fermentation
of compound (I) with O. sanctum afforded three oxidized derivatives, 16b-hydroxyfinasteride
(II), 11a-hydroxyfinasteride (III) and 15b-hydroxyfinasteride (IV). Among these metabolites, compound
(II) was a new metabolite. Compound (I) and its derivatives were studied for their tyrosinase inhibition
assay. All test compounds exhibited significant activity compared to standard drug kojic acid, with compound
IV being the most potent member with an IC50 of 1.87 lM. Molecular docking revealed significant
molecular interactions behind the potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the tested compounds.