Phellibarin D with an unprecedented triterpenoid skeleton isolated from the mushroom Phellinus rhabarbarinus

Naturally Occurring Norsteroids and Their Design and Pharmaceutical Application

The main focus of this review is to introduce readers to the fascinating class of lipid molecules known as norsteroids, exploring their distribution across various biotopes and their biological activities. The review provides an in-depth analysis of various modified steroids, including A, B, C, and D-norsteroids, each characterized by distinct structural alterations. These modifications, which range from the removal of specific methyl groups to changes in the steroid core, result in unique molecular architectures that significantly impact their biological activity and therapeutic potential. The discussion on A, B, C, and D-norsteroids sheds light on their unique configurations and how these structural modifications influence their pharmacological properties. The review also presents examples from natural sources that produce a diverse array of steroids with distinct structures, including the aforementioned A, B, C, and D-nor variants. These compounds are sourced from marine organisms like sponges, soft corals, and starfish, as well as terrestrial entities such as plants, fungi, and bacteria. The exploration of these steroids encompasses their biosynthesis, ecological significance, and potential medical applications, highlighting a crucial area of interest in pharmacology and natural product chemistry. The review emphasizes the importance of researching these steroids for drug development, particularly in addressing diseases where conventional medications are inadequate or for conditions lacking sufficient therapeutic options. Examples of norsteroid synthesis are provided to illustrate the practical applications of this research.

Lanostane triterpenoids from the fungus Physisporinus vitreus and their inhibitory activity against nitric oxide production

Eight undescribed lanostane triterpenoids, physivitrins A-H, along with four known analogues, were isolated from cultures of the fungus Physisporinus vitreus. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, in which the absolute configuration of physivitrin A was elucidated using electronic circular dichroism calculation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) calculation with DP4+ analysis. Physivitrins B and C showed inhibitory activities against nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages with IC₅₀ values of 7.5 and 23.5 μM, respectively. Meanwhile, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, iNOS and IL-1β) mRNA expression was also inhibited by physivitrin B significantly.

Secondary Metabolites from Fungi-In Honor of Prof. Dr. Ji-Kai Liu's 60th Birthday

It is our pleasure and privilege to serve as Guest Editors for this Special Issue of the Journal of Fungi in honor of Professor Ji-Kai Liu's 60th birthday [...].

Cadinane sesquiterpenoids from the fungus Antrodiella albocinnamomea and their inhibitory activity against nitric oxide production

Seven previously undescribed cadinane sesquiterpenoids, albocinnamins A‒G, were isolated from the fungus Antrodiella albocinnamomea. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. Cadinane sesquiterpenoids were reported from A. albocinnamomea for the first time. All of these sesquiterpenoids possess an unusual ether ring with minor modifications. Albocinnamins D and G showed certain inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages with IC₅₀ values of 26.1 and 19.2 μM, respectively.

The phytochemistry and pharmacology of medicinal fungi of the genus Phellinus: a review

Phellinus Quél is one of the largest genera of Hymenochaetaceae, which is comprised of about 220 species. Most Phellinus macro-fungi are perennial lignicolous mushrooms, which are widely distributed on Earth. Some Phellinus fungi are historically recorded as traditional medicines used to treat various diseases in eastern Asian countries, especially China, Japan and Korean. Previous phytochemical studies have revealed that Phellinus fungi produce diverse secondary metabolites, which mainly contain polysaccharides, flavones, coumarins, terpenes, steroids, and styrylpyranones. Pharmacological documents have demonstrated that Phellinus mushrooms and their compounds have a variety of bioactivities, such as anti-tumor, immunomodulation, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation, anti-diabetes, neuro-protection, and anti-viral effects. This review surveys the literature reporting the isolation, characterization, and bioactivities of secondary metabolites from the fungi of the genus Phellinus, focusing on studies published in the literature up to April 2020. Herein, a total of more than 300 compounds from 13 Phellinus species and their isolation, characterization, chemistry, pharmacological activities, and relevant molecular mechanisms are comprehensively summarized.

Tricholopardins A and B, Anti-inflammatory Terpenoids from the Fruiting Bodies of Tricholoma pardinum

Two new Tricholoma terpenoids, tricholopardins A and B, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the basidiomycetes Tricholoma pardinum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, as well as electronic circular dichroism and optical rotatory dispersion calculations. Tricholopardin A potently inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with an IC₅₀ of 0.08 μM. Its anti-inflammatory effects on three inflammatory mediators were also evaluated. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for these products is discussed.

Lanostane triterpenoids from Tricholoma pardinum with NO production inhibitory and cytotoxic activities

Eight undescribed lanostane triterpenoids, pardinols A‒H, along with one previously reported lanostane triterpenoid, namely saponaceol B, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Tricholoma pardinum. Their structures and stereoconfigurations were established via combination of extensive spectroscopic analyses, alkaline methanolysis method and TDDFT/ECD calculations. Pardinols B and E-H exhibited certain inhibition activities of nitric oxide (NO) production with IC₅₀ value ranging from 5.3 to 14.7 μM, as well as cytotoxicities against human cancer cell-lines.

Survey of natural products reported by Asian research groups in 2016

The new natural products reported in peer-reviewed articles in 2016 in journals with good reputations were reviewed and analyzed. The advances that Asian research groups made in the field of natural products chemistry in 2016 were summarized. Compounds with unique structural features and/or promising bioactivities originating from Asian natural sources were discussed based on structural classification.

A new cyclic dipeptide from cultures of Coprinus plicatilis

Three cyclic dipeptides (1-3), including one new compound (1) were isolated from cultures of the basidiomycetes Coprinus plicatilis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 2D NMR techniques. At the same time, all compounds were tested for their cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines.