Evaluation of dihydroisocoumarins produced by the endophytic fungus Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei against Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

Fractionation of extracts from the fermentation broth of the endophytic fungus Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei resulted in the isolation of the major secondary metabolites, R-( − )-mellein (1) and cis-(3R,4R)-4-hydroxymellein (2). The chemical structures of compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses. The isolated compounds were tested in vitro to determine their activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Compounds 1 and 2 caused death of 100% of parasites at 200 and 50 μg mL^− 1, respectively. Ultrastructural analysis suggested that the tegument can be a target of compound 1.

Keywords::

• Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei
• mellein
• schistosomicidal activity

Acknowledgements

We thank Maria Tereza Picinoto Maglia and José Augusto Maulin, Multiuser Electron Microscopy Laboratory, for technical assistance. We also thank the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil for the use of their facilities. HPR was financially supported by a Capes-Proex fellowship.