Biotransformation of exogenous (-)-(4R)-isopiperitenone in cell suspension cultures of Mentha piperita resulted in oxidized products, with (-)-7-hydroxyisopiperitenone being the major compound. The mass of products obtained $unde^{18}O_2$, atmosphere was two units higher than that under normal atmosphere. The biotransformation was inhibited by several cytochrome P450-specific inhibitors as well as by carbon monoxide. Carbon monooxide inhibition was substantially overcome by irradiation of cells with blue light including light at 450nm wavelength. These results suggested that a cytochrome P450-type monooxygenase was involved in the biotransformation.