Four New Insecticidal Xanthene Derivatives from the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. JY246

Abstract

Four new xanthene derivatives, penicixanthenes A-D (<b>1</b>-<b>4</b>), and one known compound <b>5</b> were isolated from a marine mangrove endophytic fungus <i>Penicillium</i> sp. JY246 that was obtained from the stem of <i>Ceriops tagal</i>. Their structures were determined by detailed NMR, MS spectroscopic data, modified Mosher's method, and calculated electronic circular dichroism data. All of the isolated compounds were examined for insecticidal activity. Compounds <b>2</b> and <b>3</b> showed growth inhibition activity against newly hatched larvae of <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> Hubner with the IC₅₀ values 100 and 200 μg/mL, respectively, and compounds <b>1</b>, <b>3</b>, and <b>4</b> showed insecticidal activity against newly hatched larvae of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> with LC₅₀ values of 38.5 (±1.16), 11.6 (±0.58), and 20.5 (±1) μg/mL, respectively. The four xanthene derivatives have the potential to be developed as new biopesticides.