Bioactive p-terphenyl derivatives from a Cordyceps-colonizing isolate of Gliocladium sp

Rogersonins C-F, 9H-Imidazo[2,1-i]purine-Incorporating Adenine-Polyketide Hybrids from an Ophiocordyceps-Associated Clonostachys rogersoniana

Rogersonins C-F (1-4), four unprecedented adenine-polyketide hybrids featuring a rare 9H-imidazo[2,1-i]purine (1,N6-ethenoadenine) moiety, were isolated from an Ophiocordyceps-associated fungus, Clonostachys rogersoniana. Their structures were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. The absolute configurations of 1-4 were assigned by a combination of the modified Mosher method, chemical degradation, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and X-ray crystallography using Cu Kα radiation. Compound 3 downregulated the expression of PD-L1 protein in MDA-MB-231 and A549 cells, but did not show detectable effect on mRNA transcription of the PD-L1-encoding gene CD274.

Altersteroids A-D, 9,11-Secosteroid-Derived γ-Lactones from an Alternaria sp

Altersteroids A-D (1-4), four new 9,11-secosteroid-derived γ-lactones, were isolated from cultures of the ascomycete fungus Alternaria sp. Their structures were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. The absolute configuration of 1 was established by X-ray crystallographic analysis of its di-p-nitrobenzenesulfonate 1a using Cu Kα radiation, whereas those for 2-4 were assigned by quantum-chemical calculations. Compounds 1-4 incorporate a γ-lactone moiety fused to the steroid D ring at C-13/C-14. Compound 3 showed moderate cytotoxicity toward four tumor cell lines and induced an apoptotic process in A549 cells. Notably, compound 3 showed equipotent activity against the cisplatin-sensitive MB49 and -resistant MB49 CisR cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 12.7 μM.

p-Terphenyl glucosides from the culture broth of Phlebiopsis castanea

A new p-terphenyl derivative, hydroxystrepantibin D (1), was isolated along with two known p-terphenyls (2 and 3) from the culture broth of Phlebiopsis castanea. These compounds were isolated using silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase medium-pressure liquid chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were determined based on spectroscopic methods. These compounds exhibited free radical scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values in the range from 22.2 to 158.4 μM against 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical and in the range from 161.1 to 356.1 μM against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.

Cladoxanthones A and B, Xanthone-Derived Metabolites with a Spiro[cyclopentane-1,2'-[3,9a]ethanoxanthene]-2,4',9',11'-tetraone Skeleton from a Cladosporium sp

Cladoxanthones A (1) and B (2), two xanthone-derived metabolites featuring a new spiro[cyclopentane-1,2'-[3,9a]ethanoxanthene]-2,4',9',11'(4a'H)-tetraone skeleton, were isolated from cultures of the ascomycete fungus Cladosporium sp., together with the known mangrovamide J (3). Their structures were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were assigned by X-ray crystallography using Cu Kα radiation. Compound 1 could be generated from the hypothetical precursors related to α-methylene ketone and dihydro-xanthone via a Diels-Alder reaction, while 2 could be an oxidative coupling product resulting from 1 and 3. Compounds 1 and 2 showed weakly cytotoxic effects.

Structural diversity and biological activity of natural p-terphenyls

p-Terphenyls are aromatic compounds consisting of a central benzene ring substituted with two phenyl groups, and they are mainly isolated from terrestrial and marine organisms. The central ring of p-Terphenyls is usually modified into more oxidized forms, e.g., para quinone and phenols. In some cases, additional ring systems were observed on the terphenyl-type core structure or between two benzene moieties. p-Terphenyls have been reported to have cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. In this review, we will mainly summarize the structural diversity and biological activity of naturally occurring p-Terphenyls referring to the research works published before.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-021-00117-8.

Polyhydroxy p-Terphenyls from a Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus candidus LDJ-5

Six undescribed polyhydroxy p-terphenyls, namely asperterphenyllins A–F, were isolated from an endophytic fungus Aspergillus candidus LDJ-5. Their structures were determined by NMR and MS data. Differing from the previously reported p-terphenyls, asperterphenyllin A represents the first p-terphenyl dimer connected by a C-C bond. Asperterphenyllin A displayed anti-influenza virus A (H1N1) activity and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 53 μM and 21 μM, respectively. The anti-influenza virus A (H1N1) activity and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity of p-terphenyls are reported for the first time. Asperterphenyllin G exhibited cytotoxicity against nine cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.4 to 1.7 μM. Asperterphenyllin C showed antimicrobial activity against Proteus species with a MIC value of 19 μg/mL.

One New Terphenyl Glycoside From a Sponge-Derived Fungus Trichoderma reesei (HN-2016-018)

One new terphenyl glycoside (1), gliocladinin D, together with 4 known compounds (2-5) were isolated from the sponge-derived fungus Trichoderma reesei (HN-2016-018). The structure of the new compound was elucidated by the comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Compound 3 exhibited moderate Topo I inhibitory activity.

The disruption of verM activates the production of gliocladiosin A and B in Clonostachys rogersoniana

Gliocladiosin A (1) and B (2), two dipeptides conjugated with macrolides, were identified from a verM disruption mutant of the Cordycep-colonizing fungus Clonostachys rogersoniana. The structures and absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, including MS, NMR, CD and X-ray diffraction. A biogenetic pathway for 1 and 2 was proposed. These two compounds showed moderate antibacterial effects.

Rogersonins A and B, Imidazolone N-Oxide-Incorporating Indole Alkaloids from a verG Disruption Mutant of Clonostachys rogersoniana

Rogersonins A (1) and B (2), two new indole alkaloid-polyketide hybrids, have been isolated from cultures of a verG disruption mutant of the Cordyceps-colonizing fungus Clonostachys rogersoniana; their structures were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were assigned using the modified Mosher method and via electronic circular dichroism and NMR calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 incorporate an imidazolone N-oxide moiety that has not been reported in any natural products.

Pholiotone A, a new polyketide derivative from Pholiota sp

Pholiotone A (1), a new polyketide derivative, with tetrahydrobenzofuran-4(2H)-one skeleton, together with four known compounds, trichodermatides A (2) and B (3) and koninginins B (4) and E (5), were isolated from the crude extract of Pholiota sp. The structures of all the isolated compounds were determined mainly by NMR experiments, the modified Mosher method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. The antifungal and cytotoxicity of all isolates were evaluated.

Hawaiienols A-D, Highly Oxygenated p-Terphenyls from an Insect-Associated Fungus, Paraconiothyrium hawaiiense

Four new highly oxygenated p-terphenyls, hawaiienols A-D (1-4), have been isolated from cultures of Paraconiothyrium hawaiiense, a fungus associated with the Septobasidium-infected insect Diaspidiotus sp.; their structures were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2-4 were assigned by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using Cu Kα radiation and via electronic circular dichroism calculations, respectively. Compound 1 incorporated the first naturally occurring 4,7-dioxatricyclo[3.2.1.0^3,6]octane unit in its p-terphenyl skeleton and showed cytotoxicity toward six human tumor cell lines.

Secondary Metabolites from the Root Rot Biocontrol Fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea

Three cyclopentanoids (phlebiopsin A⁻C), one glycosylated p-terphenyl (methyl-terfestatin A), and o-orsellinaldehyde were isolated from the biocontrol fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea, and their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis, as well as by LC-HRMS. The biological activity of the compounds against the root rot fungus Heterobasidion occidentale, as well as against Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium canescens, was also investigated, but only o-orsellinaldehyde was found to have any antifungal activity in the concentration range tested.

VerZ, a Zn(II)2Cys6 DNA-binding protein, regulates the biosynthesis of verticillin in Clonostachys rogersoniana

Verticillins are the dimeric epipolythiodioxopiperazines (ETPs) produced by the fungus Clonostachys rogersoniana. Despite their profound biological effects, they are commonly produced in rice medium as complex mixtures that are difficult to separate, limiting further study and evaluation for this class of metabolites. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the regulation of verticillin biosynthesis. Recently, we cloned the biosynthetic gene cluster of verticillin (ver), and identified the only regulatory gene verZ in this cluster. The deduced product of verZ contains a basic Zn(II)₂Cys₆ DNA-binding domain. Disruption of verZ significantly reduced the production of 11'-deoxyverticillin A (C42) and decreased the transcriptional level of the verticillin biosynthetic genes. To further reveal its function, a recombinant gene encoding the DNA-binding domain of VerZ was expressed in E. coli and the His₆-tagged VerZbd was purified to homogeneity by Ni-NTA chromatography. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) showed that VerZbd bound specifically to the promoter regions of the verticillin biosynthetic genes. Bioinformatic analysis of the VerZbd-binding regions revealed a conserved palindromic sequence of (T/C)(C/A)(G/T)GN₃CC(G/T)(A/G)(G/C). Base substitution of the conserved sequence completely abolished the binding activity of VerZbd to its targets. These results suggested that VerZ controls verticillin production through directly activating transcription of the biosynthetic genes in C. rogersoniana.

Punctaporonins N-S, New Caryophyllene Sesquiterpenoids from Cytospora sp

Six new caryophyllene sesquiterpenoids, punctaporonins N-S (1-6), and three known ones, 6-hydroxypunctaporonins B (7), A (8), and E (9), have been isolated from solid cultures of Cytospora sp. The structures of 1-6 were elucidated primarily by NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned by X-ray crystallographic analysis of its S-MTPA ester. Compounds 2, 5, and 6 showed modest cytotoxicity against HeLa cells.

Two new polyketides from the ascomycete fungus Leptosphaeria sp

Leptosphaerins H and I (1 and 2), two new xanthone derivatives, and six known compounds, leptosphaerin F (3), monodictysin B (4), norlichexanthone (5), leptosphaerin D (6), moniliphenone (7) and emodinbianthrone (8) have been isolated from a scale-up fermentation of the ascomycete fungus Leptosphaeria sp. Their structures were primarily elucidated by interpretation of NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned using the modified Mosher method, whereas that of C-8a in 2 was determined via the CD data. Compound 6 showed modest cytotoxicity against a panel of three human tumor cell lines.

High-throughput sequencing-based analysis of endogenetic fungal communities inhabiting the Chinese Cordyceps reveals unexpectedly high fungal diversity

Chinese Cordyceps, known in Chinese as “DongChong XiaCao”, is a parasitic complex of a fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) and a caterpillar. The current study explored the endogenetic fungal communities inhabiting Chinese Cordyceps. Samples were collected from five different geographical regions of Qinghai and Tibet, and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer-1 sequences from each sample were obtained using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that Ascomycota was the dominant fungal phylum in Chinese Cordyceps and its soil microhabitat from different sampling regions. Among the Ascomycota, 65 genera were identified, and the abundant operational taxonomic units showed the strongest sequence similarity to Ophiocordyceps, Verticillium, Pseudallescheria, Candida and Ilyonectria Not surprisingly, the genus Ophiocordyceps was the largest among the fungal communities identified in the fruiting bodies and external mycelial cortices of Chinese Cordyceps. In addition, fungal communities in the soil microhabitats were clustered separately from the external mycelial cortices and fruiting bodies of Chinese Cordyceps from different sampling regions. There was no significant structural difference in the fungal communities between the fruiting bodies and external mycelial cortices of Chinese Cordyceps. This study revealed an unexpectedly high diversity of fungal communities inhabiting the Chinese Cordyceps and its microhabitats.

Hypocriols A-F, Heterodimeric Botryane Ethers from Hypocrea sp., an Insect-Associated Fungus

The new heterodimeric botryane ethers hypocriols A-F (1-6) and the known compounds 4β-acetoxy-9β,10β,15α-trihydroxyprobotrydial (7), dihydrobotrydial (8), 10-oxodehydrodihydrobotrydial (9), and dehydrobotrydienol (10) were isolated from the solid cultures of an insect-associated fungus Hypocrea sp. The structures of 1-6 were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned using the modified Mosher method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, whereas those for 3-5, and 2 and 6 were deduced via ECD calculations and circular dichroism data, respectively. Compounds 1-6 appear to be the first heterodimeric botryane ethers and showed antiproliferative effects against a small panel of four human tumor cell lines.

New cadinane sesquiterpenoids from the basidiomycetous fungus Pholiota sp

The basidiomycetous fungus Pholiota sp. produced five new cadinane sesquiterpenoids pholiotins A–E (1–5). The absolute configurations were determined by X-ray diffraction, the Snatzke's method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations.

A new phenolic enamide and a new meroterpenoid from marine alga-derived endophytic fungus Penicillium oxalicum EN-290

Ten secondary metabolites (1-10) including a new phenolic enamide, methyl (Z)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-formamidoacrylate (1), and a new meroterpenoid, 15-hydroxydecaturin A (2), were characterized from the EtOAc extracts of the marine alga-derived endophytic fungus Penicillium oxalicum EN-290. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments and the absolute configuration of compound 2 was confirmed by electronic circular dichroism quantum calculations. Compound 1 showed potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an MIC value of 2.0 μg/ml, which is stronger than that of the positive control (chloromycetin, with an MIC 4.0 μg/ml). This compound also showed activity against harmful algal bloom causative species Nitzschia closterium with inhibition zones of 20, 16, and 10 mm at 20, 10, and 5 mg/ml, respectively. Interestingly, so far, this type of anti-HAB metabolites has only been found in the algal-derived isolate of P. oxalicum. It could probably be a defense of this fungus against environmental stress and threat of survival.

Rickenyls A-E, antioxidative terphenyls from the fungus Hypoxylon rickii (Xylariaceae, Ascomycota)

Our screening efforts for new natural products with interesting bioactivity have revealed the neotropical ascomycete Hypoxylon rickii as a prolific source. We isolated five secondary metabolites with a p-terphenyl backbone from the mycelial extract of a fermentation of this fungus in 70 l scale by using RP-HPLC, which were named rickenyls A-E (1-5). Their structures were elucidated by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, complemented by HRESIMS. Two of the compounds contained a quinone core structure in ortho (2) and para-position (5), respectively. We obtained 2 spontaneously and by lead tetraacetate oxidation from 1. All compounds were screened for antimicrobial, antioxidative and cytotoxic activities. Rickenyl A (1) exhibited strong antioxidative effects and moderate cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines.

Fusagerins A-F, New Alkaloids from the Fungus Fusarium sp

Fusagerins A-F (1-6), six new alkaloids including a unique one with the rare a-(N-formyl)carboxamide moiety (1), a hydantoin (imidazolidin-2,4-dione) derivative (2), and four fungerin analogues (3-6), were isolated from the crude extract of the fungus Fusarium sp., together with the known compound fungerin (7). Compound 2 was isolated as a racemate and further separated into two enantiomers on a chiral HPLC column. The structures of 1-6 were determined mainly by NMR experiments, and the absolute configuration of 1 and 2 was assigned by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 7 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and weak cytotoxicity against the T24 cells.

Cordyceps industry in China

Cordyceps, as a general term, describes a group of ascomycetous fungi growing on arthropods and other related fungi. Some cordyceps have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and cordyceps-derived products are currently a big industry in China. A number of medicinal and health products have been developed and extensively commercialized from natural Chinese cordyceps, its anamorphic fungus (Hirsutella sinensis), and other fungi known as Chinese cordyceps. The lack of a defined classification system for medicinal cordyceps fungi is a source of confusion in the industry and the public, and even among pharmaceutical scientists. This review summarizes the cordyceps fungi currently used in the industry in China with a special reference to clarify Chinese cordyceps and associated fungi. Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps guangdongensis and Isaria cicadae are well recognized and commercialized cordyceps fungi in China. Except the natural Chinese cordyceps and its anamorphic fungus, Paecilomyces hepiali, Mortierella hepiali, Cephalosporium sinensis and Clonostachys rosea isolated from natural Chinese cordyceps are classified as Chinese cordyceps–associated fungi. P. hepiali is a cordyceps fungus based on current phylogenetic analysis of Hypocreales, while M. hepiali is a fungus in the Zygomycetes and should only be treated as associated fungus of Chinese cordyceps. C. sinensis and C. rosea belong to the Hypocreales and their relationship to cordyceps fungi should be further studied. The exploitation of the resources of cordyceps fungi and their quality control in the industry should be major topics for future studies. Cooperation between the industry and the research community will enhance the whole cordyceps industry.

FT-IR, molecular structure, HOMO-LUMO, MEP, NBO analysis and first order hyperpolarizability of Methyl 4,4″-difluoro-5'-methoxy-1,1':3',1″-terphenyl-4'-carboxylate

Methyl 4,4″-difluoro-5'-methoxy-1,1':3',1″-terphenyl-4'-carboxylate was prepared by the aromatization of a cyclohexenone derivative, Methyl 4,6-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxocyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate using iodine and methanol at reflux conditions. The structure of the compound was confirmed by IR and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. FT-IR spectrum was recorded and analyzed. The crystal structure is also described. The vibrational wavenumbers are calculated using HF and DFT methods and are assigned with the help of potential energy distribution. The geometrical parameters of the title compound obtained from XRD studies are in agreement with the calculated (DFT) values. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. According to the MEP analysis, negative region (red) is mainly over the carbonyl group showing large activity. The calculated hyperpolarizability of the title compound is greater than that of the standard NLO material urea and the title compound is an attractive object for future studies of nonlinear optical properties.

Antimycobacterial and antileishmanial effects of microfungi isolated from tropical regions in México

A total of 82 fungal extracts were selected and screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana strains. Results showed inhibitory activity in 29 % of the fungal strains against at least one of the targets tested. The most significant antituberculosis (antiTB) effects were presented by Cylindrocarpon sp. XH9B, Fusarium sp. TA54, Fusarium XH1Ga, Gliocladium penicillioides TH04 and TH21, Gliocladium sp. TH16, Kutilakesa sp. MR46, and Verticillium sp. TH28 strains (minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) = 1.56-25 μg/ml). Mortality of L. mexicana promastigotes was displayed by only four strains, Fusarium sp. TA50, Fusarium sp. TA54, Verticillium sp. TH28, and the unidentified 2TA2 strain (IC(50) = 14.23-100 μg/ml and IC(100) = 50-100 μg/ml). Seven of these most active strains were defatted and their corresponding fractions evaluated again. The results showed the best antiTB activity in Gliocladium sp. TH16 (MIC = 1.56 μg/ml) and the highest leishmanicidal potential in Fusarium sp. TA54 (IC(50) = 6.36 μg/ml). These results show that fungi living in the tropical regions of México have the ability to produce bioactive metabolites that could be used in the near future as natural products to control neglected tropical diseases.

Naphthalenones from a Perenniporia sp. inhabiting the larva of a phytophagous weevil, Euops chinesis

The new naphthalenone derivatives perenniporides A-D (1-4) were isolated from solid cultures of a fungus Perenniporia sp. inhabiting the larva of Euops chinesis, a phytophagous weevil with high host specificity to the medicinal plant Fallopia japonica. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments, and 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The absolute configuration of 1 and 2 was assigned by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, whereas that of the C-10 tertiary alcohol in 3 was deduced via the CD data of the in situ formed [Rh(2)(OCOCF(3))(4)] complex and supported by the ECD data. Compound 1 showed antifungal activity against five plant pathogens.

Cytosporinols A-C, new caryophyllene sesquiterpenoids from Cytospora sp

Three new caryophyllene sesquiterpenoids, cytosporinols A-C (1–3), have been isolated from solid cultures of Cytospora sp. The structures of 1–3 were elucidated primarily by NMR spectroscopy, and 3 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The absolute configurations of the C-11 secondary alcohol in 1 and the 6,8-diol moiety in 3 were deduced using the modified Mosher and Snatzke’s method, respectively. Compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells.

Isolation and characterization of aphidicolin and chlamydosporol derivatives from Tolypocladium inflatum

Six new secondary metabolites including two aphidicolin analogues, inflatins A (1) and B (2), and four chlamydosporol derivatives, inflatins C-F (3-6), have been isolated from the crude extract of Tolypocladium inflatum. The structures of 1-6 were determined mainly by NMR experiments, and 4 and 5 were further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The absolute configurations of C-16 in 1 and C-5 in 3 were deduced via the circular dichroism data of the in situ formed [Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄] complexes, whereas that of 4 was assigned by X-ray crystallography using Cu Kα radiation. Compounds 1 and 2 showed modest cytotoxicity against a panel of eight human tumor cell lines.

N-hydroxypyridones, phenylhydrazones, and a quinazolinone from Isaria farinosa

New N-hydroxypyridones, militarinones E (1) and F (2), phenylhydrazones, farylhydrazones A (3) and B (4), a quinazolinone, 2-(4-hydroxybenzyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one (5), and the known militarinones A (6) and B (7) were isolated from cultures of the Cordyceps-colonizing fungus Isaria farinosa. The structures of 1-5 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and 3 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The absolute configuration of the C-4' secondary alcohol in 1 was deduced via the circular dichroism data of the in situ formed [Rh(2)(OCOCF(3))(4)] complex. Compounds 1 and 6 showed significant cytotoxicity against A549 cells, whereas 7 was active against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Candida albicans.

Polyketides from the ascomycete fungus Leptosphaeria sp

The new polyketides leptosphaerins A-G (1-7) and the known compounds monodictysin B (8), 2-(2,6-dihydroxybenzoyl)-3-hydroxy-5-methylbenzoic acid (9), and 2-(2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzoyl)-6-hydroxybenzoic acid (10) have been isolated from solid cultures of the ascomycete fungus Leptosphaeria sp. The absolute configurations of compounds 1, 2, and 6 were assigned using the modified Mosher method, whereas that of C-2 in 3 was determined via the circular dichroism data of the [Rh(2)(OCOCF(3))(4)] complex. Compound 7 showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus.

Pyrrolidinones from the ascomycete fungus Albonectria rigidiuscula

The new pyrrolidinones, rigidiusculamides A-D (1-4), have been isolated from the crude extract of the ascomycete fungus Albonectria rigidiuscula. The structures of these compounds were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. The absolute configuration of the 3,4-diol moieties in 1 and 4 was assigned using Snatzke's method. Compounds 1 and 2 showed modest cytotoxicity against the human tumor cell lines HeLa and MCF-7.