Punicesterones A-G, polyhydroxylated mycoecdysteroids from the deep-sea-derived fungus Aspergillus puniceus SCSIO z021

Seven undescribed polyhydroxylated mycoecdysteroids, punicesterones A-G, along with two known analogues, were isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungal strain Aspergillus puniceus SCSIO z021 (Trichocomaceae). Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by a combination of extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis, HRESIMS data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Punicesterone An unexpectedly possessed a nicotinoyl unit substituted at C-22 of a typical ecdysteroid skeleton. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and antibacterial activities. Punicesterones B and C showed the activity of reducing triglyceride in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dosage-dependent manner, and also exhibited antibacterial activity against five pathogens.

Automated summary

Seven undescribed polyhydroxylated mycoecdysteroids, punicesterones A-G, and two known analogues were isolated from a deep-sea-derived fungal strain. The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were determined through NMR spectroscopic analysis, HRESIMS data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Punicesterone A was found to have a nicotinoyl unit at C-22 of the typical ecdysteroid skeleton. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and antibacterial activities, with punicesterones B and C showing promising results.