A new resource of biocatalyst for asymmetric reduction of aromatic ketones has been discovered for the first time from a common plant seed, adzuki bean, i.e. Phaseolus angularis (Willd.) W.F. Wight. The study investigated the best methods to prepare the biocatalyst and its ability to reduce ketones. Our results indicated that the biocatalyst from adzuki bean could reduce various aromatic ketones at relatively high concentrations (e.g. 100 mM). exhibiting excellent stereoselectivity (>98% e.e.). In addition, it was found that NADPH acts as the reducing cofactor, which can be regenerated by the crude enzyme system itself using glucose as an auxiliary substrate. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.