3-.alpha., 7-.alpha.-dihydroxy-12-keto-5-.beta.-cholanic acid is microbially produced from cholic acid by alkalophilic Bacillus strains. The preferred strains are Bacillus sp. FERM BP-3394 and Bacillus sp. FERM BP-3397.
3-.alpha.,7-.alpha.-二羟基-12-酮-5-.beta.-胆汁酸是由碱性芽孢杆菌菌株从胆汁酸中微生物生产的。优选的菌株是Bacillus sp. FERM BP-3394和Bacillus sp. FERM BP-3397。