Short synthesis of the natural product 3β-hydroxy-labd-8(17)-en-15-oic acid via microbial transformation of labdanolic acid

► Isolation of labdanolic acid (LA) from Cistus ladaniferus plant. ► Stereoselective hydroxylation of LA in 40% by the fungus Penicillium janczewskii. ► Two steps synthesis of natural product 3β-hydroxy-labd-8(17)-en-15-oic acid.