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Ergostane-type steroids from mushrooms of Pleurotus genus

Summary

Oyster mushrooms and king trumpet mushrooms contain special compounds called ergostane-type steroids that have interesting chemical structures. These compounds can fight inflammation and may help with cancer. Scientists have discovered that some of these compounds have unique rearranged structures that don’t exist in other organisms. These mushroom-derived compounds show promise for developing new medicines.

Background

Ergostane-type steroids are physiologically important compounds synthesized by fungi, particularly ergosterol from the Pleurotus genus mushrooms. These compounds undergo chemical transformations leading to cleaved (seco) and rearranged (abeo) steroids with potentially distinct biological activities. Pleurotus species are among the most widely cultivated edible mushrooms globally with significant commercial importance.

Objective

This review summarizes recent research on ergostane-type steroids from Pleurotus genus mushrooms, focusing on their chemical diversity, distribution, structure determination methods, and biological activities. The review classifies steroids into three types: normal ergostane-type, secoergostane-type (cleaved), and abeo-ergostane-type (rearranged).

Results

Ergostane-type steroids with diverse structures have been isolated from eight Pleurotus species. Normal ergostane-types show modifications in the B ring through hydroxylation and epoxidation. Secoergostane and abeo-ergostane types exhibit unique skeletal rearrangements. Several compounds demonstrate inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production, aromatase inhibitory activity, and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.

Conclusion

Pleurotus genus mushrooms represent promising natural resources for ergostane-type steroids with novel carbon skeletons and diverse biological activities. Chemical synthesis of complex abeo-steroids has been achieved, supporting structure elucidation and enabling biological evaluation. These bioactive compounds with unique structures show potential for drug discovery research, particularly for inflammatory and cancer-related diseases.
  • Published in:Journal of Natural Medicines,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11418-024-01872-5 / PMID: 39825075
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