Evaluation of dihydroisocoumarins produced by the endophytic fungus<i>Arthrinium</i>state of<i>Apiospora montagnei</i>against<i>Schistosoma mansoni</i>

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.