Chemical study of the fungus Psilocybe merdaria

A journey with psychedelic mushrooms: From historical relevance to biology, cultivation, medicinal uses, biotechnology, and beyond

Psychedelic mushrooms containing psilocybin and related tryptamines have long been used for ethnomycological purposes, but emerging evidence points to the potential therapeutic value of these mushrooms to address modern neurological, psychiatric health, and related disorders. As a result, psilocybin containing mushrooms represent a re-emerging frontier for mycological, biochemical, neuroscience, and pharmacology research. This work presents crucial information related to traditional use of psychedelic mushrooms, as well as research trends and knowledge gaps related to their diversity and distribution, technologies for quantification of tryptamines and other tryptophan-derived metabolites, as well as biosynthetic mechanisms for their production within mushrooms. In addition, we explore the current state of knowledge for how psilocybin and related tryptamines are metabolized in humans and their pharmacological effects, including beneficial and hazardous human health implications. Finally, we describe opportunities and challenges for investigating the production of psychedelic mushrooms and metabolic engineering approaches to alter secondary metabolite profiles using biotechnology integrated with machine learning. Ultimately, this critical review of all aspects related to psychedelic mushrooms represents a roadmap for future research efforts that will pave the way to new applications and refined protocols.

Three new polyketide derivatives of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus cristatus 2H1

Three new polyketide derivatives, 2-ethoxycarbonyl-endocrocin (1), 6-methoxy-2-ethoxycarbonyl-endocrocin (2) and pannorin C (3), along with sixteen known compounds (4-19) were isolated from a plant endophytic fungus Aspergillus cristatus 2H1. Their structures were elucidated by 1D/2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS data analysis. Compound 3 showed weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 20 μg/ml). Compounds 14 and 15 showed effective cytotoxicity on human melanoma A375 cells (IC₅₀ 4.13 μM for 14, 3.39 μM for 15).

Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019

This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.

Analog synthesis of DAMASCENOLIDETM, an important aroma component of roses, and their odor properties

DAMASCENOLIDE^TM [1, 4-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)furan-2(5H)-one], which has a citrus-like odor, is an important aroma component of roses. We have previously reported on the synthesis and odor evaluation of double-bond isomers of 1 and concluded that the position and the geometric isomerism of the double-bond had a significant effect on the odor. For the purpose of deepening knowledge about structure-odor relationships, we synthesized 13 analogs of compound 1 and evaluated their odors. As a result, it was found that the presence of two double-bonds and branched methyl group at the terminal position in the side chain was essential in order to have a citrus-like odor. Substitution of the side chain with appropriate length at the appropriate 4-position of the 2(5H)-furanone ring was also an important factor in determining the quality of the odor.

New Indole Diketopiperazine Alkaloids from Soft Coral-Associated Epiphytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. EGF 15-0-3

Three new indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, 11-methylneoechinulin E and variecolorin M, and (+)-variecolorin G, along with 12 known analogs, were isolated from a soft coral-associated epiphytic fungus Aspergillus sp. EGF 15-0-3. The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously established by extensive spectroscopic analyses including HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and optical rotation measurements. The absolute configurations of (+)- and (-)-variecolorin G were determined by experimental and quantum-chemical ECD investigations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Variecolorin G is a pair of enantiomeric mixtures with a ratio of 1 : 2. Moreover, (+)-neoechinulin A is firstly reported as a natural product. The cytotoxic activities of all the isolated compounds against NCI-H1975 gefitinib resistance (NCI-H1975/GR) cell lines were preliminarily evaluated by MTT method.

Structural Diversity and Biological Activities of the Cyclodipeptides from Fungi

Cyclodipeptides, called 2,5-diketopiperazines (2,5-DKPs), are obtained by the condensation of two amino acids. Fungi have been considered to be a rich source of novel and bioactive cyclodipeptides. This review highlights the occurrence, structures and biological activities of the fungal cyclodipeptides with the literature covered up to July 2017. A total of 635 fungal cyclodipeptides belonging to the groups of tryptophan-proline, tryptophan-tryptophan, tryptophan-Xaa, proline-Xaa, non-tryptophan-non-proline, and thio-analogs have been discussed and reviewed. They were mainly isolated from the genera of Aspergillus and Penicillium. More and more cyclodipeptides have been isolated from marine-derived and plant endophytic fungi. Some of them were screened to have cytotoxic, phytotoxic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, vasodilator, radical scavenging, antioxidant, brine shrimp lethal, antiviral, nematicidal, antituberculosis, and enzyme-inhibitory activities to show their potential applications in agriculture, medicinal, and food industry.