Olivetol as product of a polyketide synthase in Cannabis saliva L

A polyketide synthase (PKS) was suggested to catalyze the first step of cannabinoid biosynthesis, leading to olivetolic acid. An activity of a PKS was detected in the protein extract of Cannabis saliva flowering top. The enzyme converts one molecule of n-hexanoyl-CoA and three molecules of malonyl-CoA to olivetol. The product was identified by its UV-spectrum, mass spectrometry analysis and comparison with reference compound. The activity of the enzyme was also found in the upper leaves, but the activity occurring there is lesser than in the one occurring in the flowers. The activity of chalcone synthase (CHS), another PKS enzyme, was also found in the protein extract. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.