Prefluostatin and New Urauchimycin Derivatives Produced by Streptomycete Isolates

Guided by chemical screening, two new members of the antimycin group, urauchimycin C (1b) and D (1a), were isolated from the marine-derived Streptomyces sp. isolate B1751 and from a terrestrial strain AdM21, together with prefluostatin (2), a new natural derivative of isoprekinamycin (4). Their structures were established on the basis of NMR data and by comparison with known compounds. In the agar diffusion test, urauchimycin C (1b) and D (1a) were antibiotically inactive against some bacteria and fungi at a concentration of 25 μg per paper disk, while the isoprekinamycin derivative 2 showed weak cytotoxicity and moderate activity in the agar diffusion test against Bacillus subtilis, Mucor miehei, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations of 20 μg per paper disk.

Metabolism of Pyrene by the Basidiomycete Crinipellis stipitaria and Identification of Pyrenequinones and Their Hydroxylated Precursors in Strain JK375

The metabolism of pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, by submerged cultures of the basidiomycete Crinipellis stipitaria was studied. After incubation for 68 h at 25 degrees C in a 20-liter fermentor with complex medium and 20 mg of pyrene per liter, five metabolites were detected. The compounds were isolated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography on RP18 and DIOL gels. By UV, infrared, and H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, 1-hydroxypyrene, 1,6-dihydroxypyrene, 1,8-dihydroxypyrene, 1,6-pyrenequinone, and 1,8-pyrenequinone were identified. 1,6- and 1,8-dihydroxypyrene were obtained from fungal cultures for the first time. The formation of these metabolites was confirmed by investigations with [4,5,9,10-C]pyrene.

Synthesis of Decaline Analogues of Isovelleral

Decaline analogues of the bioactive fungal sesquiterpene (+)-isovelleral (1a), retaining the bicyclo[4,1,0]hept-2-en-1,2-dicarbaldehyde system, were prepared, and their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities were compared with those of the natural product. While the two isomers (±)-2 and (±)-3 were as active as isovelleral (1a), the isomer (±)-4 was approximately 10 times less potent.

Neobulgarones A approximately F from cultures of Neobulgaria pura, new inhibitors of appressorium formation of Magnaporthe grisea

Six new dimeric anthraquinone derivatives, neobulgarones A (3a), B (3b), C (4a), D (4b), E (5a) and F (5b), were isolated from the mycelia of the ascomycete Neobulgaria pura together with the monomeric carviolin (1) and 1-O-methylemodin (2). All new compounds inhibited the formation of appressoria in germinating conidia of Magnaporthe grisea on inductive (hydrophobic) surface. The compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxic, but no antifungal, antibacterial, or phytotoxic activities.

Bioactive sesquiterpenes from the basidiomycete Resupinatus leightonii

1(10),4-Germacradiene-2,6,12-triol (1), a new germacrane sesquiterpene, and 1,6-farnesadiene-3,10,11-triol (2), a known nerolidol derivative, were isolated from submerged cultures of the basidiomycete Resupinatus leightonii. Both compounds inhibited cAMP-induced appressorium formation in Magnaporthe grisea and showed cytotoxic activity. The structure of 1 was determined by NMR and mass spectroscopic methods.

New variotin analogues from Aspergillus viridi-nutans

Besides the antifungal agents variotin (1), wasabidienone B(0) (4), and phomaligin A (5), two new but inactive metabolites, viriditin (2) and O-methylviriditin (3), were isolated from extracts of the culture filtrate of liquid cultures of a strain of Aspergillus viridi-nutans. In addition, wasabidienone B(1) (6) was isolated and characterized by spectroscopy.

Rubrobramide, a cytotoxic and phytotoxic metabolite from Cladobotyrum rubrobrunnescens

Cladobotrin (1) and rubrobramide (2) were isolated from the culture filtrate of Cladobotryum rubrobrunnescens, a mycophilic deuteriomycete. Rubrobramide (2), possessing a unique oxidized tricyclic system, is a new compound structurally related to flavipucine (3), which also is produced by the fungus. The structure of 2 was determined by spectroscopic methods. Cladobotrin (1) exhibited weak nematicidal activity toward Meldogyne incognita, while 2 showed weak cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities.

Scytalols A, B, C, and D and other modulators of melanin biosynthesis from Scytalidium sp. 36-93

From submerged cultures of Scytalidium sp. 36-93, ten metabolites were isolated due to their effects on dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) or DOPA melanin biosynthesis. Four of the compounds, scytalols A (1a), B (1b), C (2) and D (3), are new secondary metabolites, the structures of which were determined by spectroscopy, while the other compounds are known. Scytalols A (1a) and D (3) are selective inhibitors of DHN melanin biosynthesis and exhibit no antifungal or cytotoxic activities. Nectriapyrone, 6-methoxymellein and 4-chloro-6-methoxymellein stimulated the formation of DOPA melanin in B16-F1 melanoma cells in the absence of melanin-stimulating hormone.

Glisoprenins C, D and E, new inhibitors of appressorium formation in Magnaporthe grisea, from cultures of Gliocladium roseum. 1. Production and biological activities

Glisoprenins C, D, and E, new glisoprenin derivatives, were isolated together with glisoprenin A from submerged cultures of the deuteromycete Gliocladium roseum HA190-95. All glisoprenins inhibited appressorium formation in Magnaporthe grisea on inductive (hydrophobic) surfaces. The compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxic, but no antifungal, antibacterial or phytotoxic activities.

Trichoflectin, a bioactive azaphilone from the ascomycete Trichopezizella nidulus

Trichoflectin (1), a new azaphilone belonging to the deflectin series, 6-deoxy-7-0-demethyl-3,4-anhydrofusarubin (2), and 6-deoxy-3,4-anhydrofusarubin (3) were isolated from submerged cultures of the ascomycete Trichopezizella nidulus. All compounds showed antimicrobial activity and inhibited dihydroxynaphthalene melanin biosynthesis in fungi. The structure of trichoflectin (1) was elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

The preparation and bioactivities of (-)-isovelleral

The resolution of synthetic (+/-)-isovelleral (1), via chromatographic separation of the two diastereomers of the (-)-menthoxyacetic acid diester of the corresponding (+/-)-diol (3), yielded both enantiomers of the bioactive fungal metabolite (+)-isovelleral (1). While the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the two enantiomers are comparable, natural (+)-1 is approximately 10 times more mutagenic towards Ames' tester strain TA98 than (-)-1. The two enantiomers of the cyclopropane ring isomer 2 also possess negligible mutagenicity compared to (+)-1. Both (+)-1 and (-)-1 have the same affinity for the vanilloid receptor, but significant different affinity for the dopamine D1 receptor.

New botrydial sesquiterpenoids from Hymenoscyphus epiphyllus

Four new botrydial derivatives, hymendial (1), 7 alpha-hydroxydihydrobotrydial (2), 7 alpha-hydroxy-10-O-methyldihydrobotrydial (4), and 7 alpha-acetoxy-15 alpha-methoxy-10-O-methyl-dihydrobotrydial (5) were isolated together with dihydrobotrydial (3) from the culture fluid of the ascomycete Hymenoscyphus epiphyllus. In addition, cytochalasin H (6a), 18-deoxycytochalasin H (6b) and (+)-mellein (7) were produced by this fungus. Hymendial (1), possessing an alpha, beta-unsaturated dialdehyde functionality, exhibits antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities and is mutagenic in the Ames Salmonella assay.

1-Methoxypyrene and 1,6-dimethoxypyrene: two novel metabolites in fungal metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The metabolism of pyrene by Penicillium glabrum strain TW 9424, a strain isolated from a site contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in submerged cultures. The metabolites formed were identified as 1-hydroxypyrene, 1,6- and 1, 8-dihydroxypyrene, 1,6- and 1,8-pyrenequinone, and 1-pyrenyl sulfate. In addition, two new metabolites were isolated and identified by UV, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy as 1-methoxypyrene and 1,6-dimethoxypyrene. Experiments with [methyl-3H]S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) revealed that SAM is the coenzyme that provides the methyl group for the methyltransferase involved. To our knowledge, this is the first time that methoxylated metabolites of PAHs have been isolated from fungal cultures.

Benesudon, a new antibiotic fungal metabolite from cultures of Mollisia benesuada (Tul.) Phill

A novel metabolite, benesudon, possessing antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities, was isolated from submerged cultures of the ascomycete Mollisia benesuada. Benesudon contains a reactive alpha-methyleneketone moiety which is believed to be responsible for its antibiotic activities, it reacts with cysteine and the reaction products are devoid of biological activities. Benesudon is the first secondary metabolite described from Mollisia benesuada, and its structure was determined by spectroscopic techniques.

Xylaramide, a new antifungal compound, and other secondary metabolites from Xylaria longipes

Xylaramide (1), possessing potent antifungal activity towards Nematospora coryli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was isolated from the culture fluids of the wood-inhabiting ascomycete Xylaria longipes together with tyrosol (2), 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (3) and 2-hexyli-dene-3-methylsuccinic acid (4). The latter has been known as a Xylaria metabolite for many years. Compounds 2 and 3 have been previously reported from other fungi, whereas 1 is a new natural N-(2-phenylethenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide. The isolation, structure determination and biological properties of xylaramide are described. The biological activities of the other compounds are included.

Dermatolactone, a cytotoxic fungal sesquiterpene with a novel skeleton

The nematicidal 5-pentyl-2-furaldehyde and the cytotoxic sesquiterpene dermatolactone were isolated from the extracts of an Ascomycete belonging to the Dermateaceae. The furan has previously been reported from the Basidiomycete Irpex lacteus, while dermatolactone is a new compound the structure of which was determined by spectrosocpic methods.

Lachnellins A, B, C, D, and naphthalene-1,3,8-triol, biologically active compounds from a Lachnellula species (ascomycetes)

In the course of our search for new biologically active metabolites, lachnellin A (1), a metabolite with high cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities, the structurally related lachnellins B, C and D (3, 4, 7), and naphthalene-1,3,8-triol (8), an inhibitor of malate synthase (EC 4.1.3.2), were isolated from submerged cultures of the ascomycete Lachnellula sp. A 32-89. The antimicrobial, cytotoxic and phytotoxic activities of lachnellin A depended on its reactivity and could be abolished by the addition of cysteine. The enzyme inhibiting activity of (8) was due to reactive intermediates during melanization and was no longer observed in the presence of serum albumin. In addition, rac-scytalone (9), (+)-trans-3,4-dihydro-3,4,8-trihydroxy-1 (2H)-naphthalenone (10), 2,5-dihydroxytoluene (11), and (R)-(-)-5-methylmellein (12) were obtained from the same source and biologically characterized.

New metabolites with nematicidal and antimicrobial activities from the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum (Karst.) Karst. VIII. Isolation, structure determination and biological activities of minor metabolites structurally related to mycorrhizin A

Five new minor metabolites, papyracon D (6), 6-O-methylpapyracon B (9), 6-O-methylpapyracon C (10), lachnumfuran A (11) and lachnumlactone A (12a), together with the known chloromycorrhizinol A (4), have been isolated from extracts of the culture fluids of the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum. The compounds, which structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, are structurally related to the nematicidal and antibiotic mycorrhizin A (1), which also is produced by the fungus. The nematicidal, antibiotic and cytotoxic activities of the new compounds are weaker compared to those of mycorrhizin A (1). Papyracon D (6) possesses the highest antibiotic activities while lachnumlactone A (12a) is the most nematicidal and cytotoxic.

Assays of the biological activities of two fatty acid derivatives formed in the edible mushrooms cantharellus cibarius and C. tubaeformis as a response to injury

Cibaric acid (1) and 10-hydroxy-8-decenoic acid (2) are two fatty acid derivatives that are formed in the fruit bodies of Cantharellus cibarius (chanterelle) and C. tubaeformis as a response to injury. Unlike the potent defensive sesquiterpenes formed in injured fruit bodies of the pungent Lactarius species, compounds 1 and 2 only possess very weak antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. Compound 2 was found to be a very weak direct-acting mutagen in the Ames test (<1 revertant/microgram and plate), while cibaric acid (1) was inactive in this assay. As 1 is destroyed during cooking, there are currently no reasons for suspecting that the consumption of C. cibarius poses a risk to consumers.

Transformation and mineralization of halophenols by Penicillium simplicissimum SK9117

The metabolism of monohalophenols by Penicillium simplicissimum SK9117, isolated from a sewage plant was investigated. In submerged cultures, 3-, 4-chlorophenol, and 4-bromophenol were metabolized in the presence of phenol. 3-Chlorophenol was transformed to chlorohydroquinone, 4-chlorocatechol, 4-chloro-1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, and 5-chloro-1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene. With 4-chlorophenol only 4-chlorocatechol was observed as transient product. A release of chloride ions was not observed. Whereas monobromo-, and monochlorophenols could not support growth as sole carbon and energy source, growth and release of fluoride ions were observed with monofluorophenols as substrates. In presence of phenol, the degradation of all monofluorophenols was enhanced. Substrate and cosubstrate disappeared simultaneously. 3-Fluorophenol and 4-fluorophenol were completely mineralized as shown by the equimolar release of fluoride ions.

Secondary metabolites with nematicidal and antimicrobial activity from nematophagous fungi and Ascomycetes

Screening of nematode-trapping fungi for antimicrobial and nematicidal activities gave three new antimicrobial metabolites from cultures of five Arthrobotrys strains. The compounds exhibited no nematicidal activities towards Caenorhabditis elegans and Meloidogyne incognita. From trap-forming submerged cultures of Arthrobotrys conoides, linoleic acid was isolated as a nematicidal principle. Its production increased with the number of traps formed in both Arthrobotrys oligospora and Arthrobotrys conoides. Nematoctonus robustus and Nematoctonus concurrens produced pleurotin, dihydropleurotinic acid, and leucopleurotin, metabolites previously isolated from cultures of Hohenbuehelia species, suggesting that the same biosynthetic pathways function in both the teleomorph and anamorph. Several strains of Ascomycetes had nematicidal activities; linoleic acid was responsible for the activity in cultures of a Chlorosplenium species, 14-epicochlioquinone B in cultures of Neobulgaria pura, and two naphthalenes derived from the melanin biosynthetic pathway in Daldinia concentrica. 5-Pentyl-2-furaldehyde, previously known as a metabolite from a Basidiomycete, was produced by an unidentified Australian Ascomycete. More than 30 mostly new metabolites have been isolated from cultures of Lachnum papyraceum, many being chlorinated. Under different conditions the fungus incorporated bromine instead of chlorine. Key words: nematophagous fungi, natural nematicides, linoleic acid, chlorinated secondary metabolites.

Structure-activity relationships for unsaturated dialdehydes. 10. The generation of bioactive products by autoxidation of isovelleral and merulidial

The autoxidation of the two mutagenic and antimicrobial sesquiterpenes merulidial (1a) and isovelleral (5) generates a number of bioactive products that are suggested to be partly responsible for the mutagenic and antimicrobial activities of the two compounds. The biological activities of the autoxidation products are, as far as has been possible to assay, of the same order as the parent compounds, and it is shown that they are formed in normal bioassay media. Merulidial (1a) is especially interesting, as its rate of autoxidation is considerably higher compared with non-mutagenic derivatives of 1a. In addition, natural isovelleral [(+/-)-5] was found to be twice as mutagenic as synthetic isovelleral [(+/-)-5], indicating that (-)-isovelleral is only weakly active or inactive, and supporting the suggestion that the interaction of isovelleral (5) and its derivatives with DNA depends on the absolute stereochemistry of the unsaturated dialdehyde moiety.

Flavipucine and brunnescin, two antibiotics from cultures of the mycophilic fungus Cladobotryum rubrobrunnescens

Two antimicrobial metabolites were isolated from submerged cultures of Cladobotryum rubrobrunnescens, a mycophilic fungus growing on a Inocybe species. One of the compounds proved to be identical to flavipucine (2), an antibiotic previously isolated from Aspergillus flavipes (Casinovi et al., 1968) and from a Macrophoma species (Sassa T. and Onuma Y. (1983), Agric. Biol. Chem. 47, 1155-1157). The other metabolite, brunnescin (1), is a new tetrasubstituted furan derivative which exhibits antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic effects.

Structure-activity relationships of phenyl- and benzoylpyrroles

Antitumor, antimicrobial, and phytotoxic activities of the marine antibiotic pentabromopseudilin (1a) and related phenyl-, benzyl- and benzoyl pyrroles were compared. All activities depended strongly on the substituent pattern, with the natural compound 1a being the most active one. As judged from model reactions, a covalent bond of nucleophiles to the pyrrole system may be involved in the inhibition of macromolecular syntheses.

New metabolites with nematicidal and antimicrobial activities from the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum (Karst.) Karst. IV. Structural elucidation of novel isocoumarin derivatives

The structures of four new biologically active halogenated dihydroiso coumarins isolated from submerged cultures of the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum have been elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The compounds are structurally related to lachnumon and mycorrhizin A, which are also produced by the fungus.

Metabolites with nematicidal and antimicrobial activities from the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum (Karst.) Karst. III. Production of novel isocoumarin derivatives, isolation, and biological activities

During investigations on the influence of CaBr2 on the secondary metabolism of Lachnum papyraceum, the production of mycorrhizins and lachnumon type antibiotics was strongly inhibited in bromide-containing culture media. Instead, six isocoumarin derivatives, 6-hydroymellein (6), 4-chloro-6-hydroxymellein (7), 4-bromo-6-hydroxymellein (9), 6-methoxymellein (10). 4-chloro-6-methoxymellein (11), and 4-chloro-6,7-dihydroxymellein (12) were isolated. Compounds 7, 9, 11, and 12 have never been isolated from natural sources. 6-Hydroxymellein has been isolated previously from many sources including Gilmaniella humicola and proposed to be a precursor of mycorrhizin A (see reference 6). In comparison to the mycorrhizins, the isocoumarin derivatives exhibited only weak antimicrobial, cytotoxic, phytotoxic, and nematicidal activities.

New metabolites with nematicidal and antimicrobial activities from the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum (Karst.) Karst. VI. Structure determination of non-halogenated metabolites structurally related to mycorrhizin A

The structure determination of four new biologically active non-halogenated metabolites isolated from submerged cultures of the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum is described. The compounds are structurally related to the antibiotic mycorrhizin A: (l'Z)-Dechloromycorrhizin A (12), a stereoisomer of dechloromycorrhizin A (5) previously isolated from the same fungus, as well as papyracon A (13), papyracon B (14) and papyracon C (15) containing an exocyclic double bond. The amounts of the latter three increased significantly when CaBr2 was added to the culture medium. The structures were determined by spectroscopic methods.

New metabolites with nematicidal and antimicrobial activities from the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum (Karst.) Karst. VII. Structure determination of brominated lachnumon and mycorrhizin A derivatives

The structure determination of lachnumon B1 (16) and lachnumon B2 (17), brominated derivatives of lachnumon (1), as well as mycorrhizin B1 (18) and mycorrhizin B2 (19), brominated derivatives of mycorrhizin A (3), is described. The compounds, which exhibit similar antimicrobial and nematicidal activity as their chlorinated analogues, were isolated from extracts of cultures of the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum to which CaBr2 had been added. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.

Metabolites with nematicidal and antimicrobial activities from the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum (Karst.) Karst. V. Production, isolation and biological activities of bromine-containing mycorrhizin and lachnumon derivatives and four additional new bioactive metabolites

Eight novel bioactive metabolites were isolated from submerged cultures of the ascomycete Lachnum papyraceum (Karst.) Karst, when CaBr2 was added to the cultures after the onset of secondary metabolism. Four of these metabolites (16 to 19) are bromo analogues of mycorrhizin A and lachnumon, while (l'Z)-dechloromycorrhizin A (12) and the papyracons A (13), B (14), and C (15) are non-halogenated compounds structurally related to the mycorrhizins. All compounds exhibited antimicrobial, cytotoxic, nematicidal and phytotoxic activities. The brominated mycorrhizins and lachnumons were found to be slightly less active than the chlorine-containing compounds. All mycorrhizin derivatives were mutagenic in the Ames test, suggesting DNA-alkylating properties.

Darlucins A and B, new isocyanide antibiotics from Sphaerellopsis filum (Darluca filum)

Two new xanthocillin type antibiotics, darlucin A (1) and B (2), were isolated from fermentations of Sphaerellopsis filum (Darluca filum). Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods. The darlucins are the first known compounds with a 1,2-diisocyanoalkene moiety. Both compounds exhibited antibacterial, antifungal and weak cytotoxic activities.

Nematicidal activities of two phytoalexins from Taverniera abyssinica

The traditional analgesic and antipyretic Ethiopian drug "Dingetegna" is made of dried root material of Taverniera abyssinica A. Rich (Leguminosae). In a screening for nematicidal natural products, "Dingetegna" extracts showed strong nematicidal activities towards C. elegans. In the following, medicarpin and 4-hydroxymedicarpin were isolated as nematicidal constituents from the extracts. In a microwell plate assay for nematicidal activity, both compounds exhibited an LD50 of 25 micrograms/ml towards C. elegans. Beside these nematicidal effects, weak cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities were observed. In addition, both compounds inhibited oxygen consumption of axenically grown C. elegans, L 1210 cells, and filamentous fungi. Respiration in sensitive bacteria was not affected. In L 1210 cells, the incorporation of precursors into macromolecules was affected in the presence of glucose, indicating that inhibition of respiration is not the only target site of the compounds.

Metabolism of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pyrene by Aspergillus niger SK 9317

The metabolism of pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of four rings, by Aspergillus niger SK 9317 was investigated. The metabolites formed were isolated and identified as 1-hydroxypyrene, 1,6- and 1,8-pyrenequinone, 1,6- and 1,8-dihydroxypyrene, 1-pyrenyl sulphate and 1-hydroxy-8-pyrenyl sulphate. This is the first report of 1-hydroxy-8-pyrenyl as a metabolite in the microbial metabolism of pyrene. The results suggest that A. niger metabolizes pyrene by cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase enzyme systems.

New nematicidal and antimicrobial compounds from the basidiomycete Cheimonophyllum candidissimum (Berk & Curt.) sing. I. Producing organism, fermentation, isolation, and biological activities

Six new bisabolane type sesquiterpenoids, cheimonophyllons A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4), E (5), and cheimonophyllal (6) were isolated from the culture fluid of the basidiomycete, Cheimonophyllum candidissimum. The compounds exhibited nematicidal, weak antifungal and antibacterial as well as cytotoxic activities. The main product, cheimonophyllon A (1) (C15H22O4), was also active in the Ames mutagenicity test.

Pyrene Metabolism in Crinipellis stipitaria : Identification of trans -4,5-Dihydro-4,5-Dihydroxypyrene and 1-Pyrenylsulfate in Strain JK364

The isolation and identification of two novel metabolites in the fungal metabolism of pyrene are described. The plant-inhabiting basidiomycete Crinipellis stipitaria JK364 metabolized pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon containing four rings, when grown in submerged cultures in a medium containing malt extract, glucose, and yeast extract. In experiments with [ 14 C] pyrene, after 7 days of incubation 40% of the labeled substrate was converted into organic solvent-extractable metabolites. Metabolites isolated from cultures grown with pyrene were identified as 1-pyrenylsulfate and trans -4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxypyrene. 1-Hydroxypyrene, the precursor of 1-pyrenylsulfate, was also detected. 1-Pyrenylsulfate was isolated from mycelial extracts, whereas trans -4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxypyrene was recovered from the culture filtrate. Identification of the compounds was based on their UV spectra, mass spectra, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. This is the first report on the detoxification of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon by a plant-inhabiting basidiomycete. The occurrence of 1-pyrenylsulfate and trans -4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxypyrene among fungal metabolites of pyrene is also new.

Novel bioactive diterpenoids from Aframomum aulacocarpos

Three new labdane diterpenes, 12 alpha,17-epoxy-3 beta-hydroxy-8(9),13- labdadien-16,15-olide (aulacocarpinolide) [1], methyl 8 beta,17:14 zeta,15-diepoxy-3 beta-hydroxy- 12E-labden-16-oate (aulacocarpin A) [2], and methyl 8 beta,17:14 zeta,15-diepoxy-3 beta,6 beta- dihydroxy-12E-labden-16-oate (aulacocarpin B) [3] have been isolated from the Cameroonian spice, Aframomum aulacocarpos, and their structures elucidated using spectroscopic techniques. The known bioactive diterpene dialdehyde, 8 beta,17-epoxy-12E-labdene-15,16-dial (aframodial) [4] was also isolated. Compounds 1-3 showed weak antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.