Structure and Biological Activity of Ergostane-Type Steroids from Fungi

Abstract

Mushrooms are known not only for their taste but also for beneficial effects on health attributed to plethora of constituents. All mushrooms belong to the kingdom of fungi, which also includes yeasts and molds. Each year, hundreds of new metabolites of the main fungal sterol, ergosterol, are isolated from fungal sources. As a rule, further testing is carried out for their biological effects, and many of the isolated compounds exhibit one or another activity. This study aims to review recent literature (mainly over the past 10 years, selected older works are discussed for consistency purposes) on the structures and bioactivities of fungal metabolites of ergosterol. The review is not exhaustive in its coverage of structures found in fungi. Rather, it focuses solely on discussing compounds that have shown some biological activity with potential pharmacological utility.

Ergostane-Type Sterols From Several Cordyceps Strains

“…In this report, 2 new ergostane-type sterols (1-2) and ten known sterols (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12) were isolated from 7 entomopathogenic fungal strains and naturally occurring fruiting bodies of O. heteropoda. Ergosterol peroxides were isolated from some fungi, including Ganoderma lucidum and cordyceps.…”

“…Fraction 1F (123.2 mg) was purified on Sephadex LH-20 column (ø36 × 500 mm) with CHCl 3 : MeOH (1:1) to yield 2 fractions (Fr.2A-2B). Fraction 2B (54.0 mg) was further purified with reverse phase flash column chromatography (SNAP Ultra C18, 12 g) to isolate 3.9 mg of 3β,5α,22E, ergosta-6,8(14),22-triene-3,5-diol (9). Fr.1E (88.5 mg) was then chromatographed with reverse phase flash column chromatography (SNAP Ultra C18, 12 g) to get Fr.3A-3C.…”

“…Ergostane-type sterols were reported to show antitumor, 5 anti-inflammation, 6 immunomosuppressive, 7 antimicrobial activity, 8 and other various activities. 9,10…”

“…Ergostane-type sterols were reported to show antitumor, 5 anti-inflammation, 6 immunomosuppressive, 7 antimicrobial activity, 8 and other various activities. 9,10 African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is a fatal disease in East and West Africa and is caused by 2 subspecies of parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. 11 The third subspecies, Trypanosoma brucei brucei does not infect humans but causes infections in cattle.…”

“…Due to these circumstances, the development of new medicines and therapies is urgently needed. In this report, the isolation and structural elucidation of 2 new ergostane-type sterols (1-2) and other known compounds (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12) were described. In addition, the antitrypanosomal activity and antimicrobial activity of isolates against S aureus and MRSA were investigated.…”