Isolation and Characterization of Benzaldehyde Derivatives with Anti-Inflammatory Activities from Eurotium cristatum, the Dominant Fungi Species in Fuzhuan Brick Tea

Eurotium cristatum is the dominant fungi species in Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT), which may be responsible for the color, taste, and associated health benefits. In this study, eight E. cristatum strains were first isolated from various brands of FBT in China. Six benzaldehyde derivatives 1 - 6 were then isolated and characterized from these FBT-derived E. cristatum, four of which were also present in the spores of E. cristatum. The anti-inflammatory activities of these benzaldehyde derivatives were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. These compounds could inhibit the expression both of inducible nitroxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Our results suggest that the benzaldehyde derivatives from E. cristatum may be at least partially responsible for the observed health benefits of FBT.