Shearinines D-K, new indole triterpenoids from an endophytic Penicillium sp (strain HKI0459) with blocking activity on large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels

A chemical examination of the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. isolated from the mangrove plant Aegiceras corniculatum resulted in the isolation and characterization of eight new indole triterpenes named shearinines D-K (1-8), along with shearinine A (9), paspalitrem A (10), and paspaline (11). Their stereostructures were determined by extensive spectroscopic data analyses and quantum chemical circular dichroism calculations. The biosynthetic relationship of all 11 alkaloids is suggested. Shearinines D (1), E (2), and (with reduced potency) G (4) exhibit significant in vitro blocking activity on large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.