Two new sesquiterpenoids from plant endophytic fungus Flammulina velutipes

Cuparene-type sesquiterpenes with neuroprotective activities from the edible mushroom Flammulina filiformis

Four new cuparene-type sesquiterpenes, flammuterpenols A - D (1-4), along with one known congener (5) were isolated from the solid culture of edible mushroom Flammulina filiformis. Their structures with a benzoxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core were elucidated by integrated multiple spectroscopic techniques, electronic circular dichroism, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Biologically, compounds 1-5 were evaluated in vitro for their neuroprotective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. All of them exhibited remarkable neuroprotective effects possessing the EC50 values ranging from 0.93 ± 0.02 to 10.28 ± 0.10 μM. These findings not only enrich the structural diversity of cuparene-type sesquiterpenes, but also provide potential candidates for the further development of the neuroprotective agents.

Therapeutic Potential of Fungal Terpenes and Terpenoids: Application in Skin Diseases

Terpenes and their derivatives comprise a diverse group of natural compounds with versatile medicinal properties. This article elucidates the general characteristics of fungal terpenes and terpenoids, encompassing their structure and biogenesis. The focal point of this work involves a comprehensive overview of these compounds, highlighting their therapeutic properties, mechanisms of action, and potential applications in treating specific skin conditions. Numerous isolated terpenes and terpenoids have demonstrated noteworthy anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, rivalling or surpassing the efficacy of currently employed treatments for inflammation or skin infections. Due to their well-documented antioxidant and anti-cancer attributes, these compounds exhibit promise in both preventing and treating skin cancer. Terpenes and terpenoids sourced from fungi display the capability to inhibit tyrosinase, suggesting potential applications in addressing skin pigmentation disorders and cancers linked to melanogenesis dysfunctions. This paper further disseminates the findings of clinical and in vivo research on fungal terpenes and terpenoids conducted thus far.