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Anticholinesterase and Antityrosinase Secondary Metabolites from the Fungus Xylobolus subpileatus

Summary

This research discovered new compounds from a wood-inhabiting fungus that could help develop treatments for neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The study isolated several compounds, with one called fomannoxin showing particularly promising results in blocking certain enzymes linked to these diseases. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease • Demonstrates the potential of fungi as sources of medicine • Shows how natural compounds might provide alternatives to synthetic drugs • Highlights the importance of preserving rare fungal species for medical research

Background

Xylobolus subpileatus is a widely distributed crust fungus found on all continents except Antarctica, though considered rare in several European countries. It has limited ethnomedicinal use in China and Pakistan for treating various conditions including flu, fever, high blood pressure, and cancer. Previous research on this species has been scarce, with only a few studies examining its chemistry and biological activity, mostly focused on cultured samples rather than wild specimens.

Objective

To investigate the chemical profile and biological activities of wild-growing X. subpileatus fruiting bodies, focusing on the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds and their potential enzyme inhibitory properties.

Results

Seven compounds were isolated, including a new natural product (3β,22E)-3-methoxy-ergosta-4,6,814,22-tetraene and its epimer. The study also identified fomannoxin and four ergostane-type triterpenes. Fomannoxin showed significant inhibitory activity against tyrosinase (51.62%), acetylcholinesterase (67.66%), and butyrylcholinesterase (83.86%). The chloroform extract demonstrated the highest enzyme inhibitory activities among all tested extracts.

Conclusion

This research represents the first comprehensive analysis of wild-growing X. subpileatus chemical constituents, revealing several bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Fomannoxin emerged as a particularly promising compound for further pharmacological investigation, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Chemical Analysis and Bioactivity Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules29010213
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