Sphaeropsidones, phytotoxic dimedone methyl ethers produced by Diplodia cupressi: a structure-activity relationship study

J Nat Prod. 2011 Apr 25;74(4):757-63. doi: 10.1021/np100837r. Epub 2011 Feb 22.

Abstract

Sphaeropsidone and episphaeropsidone are two phytotoxic dimedone methyl ethers produced by Diplodia cupressi, the causal agent of a canker disease of cypress in the Mediterranean area. In this study, eight derivatives obtained by chemical modifications and two natural analogues were assayed for phytotoxic and antifungal activities, and a structure-activity relationship was examined. Each compound was tested on nonhost plants and on five fungal pathogenic species belonging to the genus Phytophthora. The results provide insights into structure-activity relationships within these compounds. It was found that the hydroxy group at C-5, the absolute C-5 configuration, the epoxy group, and the C-2 carbonyl group appear to be structural features important in conferring biological activity. The conversion of sphaeropsidone into the corresponding 1,4-dione derivative led to a compound showing greater antifungal activity than its precursor. This finding could be useful in devising new natural fungicides for practical application in agriculture.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / isolation & purification*
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cupressus / microbiology
  • Cyclohexanones / chemistry
  • Cyclohexanones / isolation & purification*
  • Cyclohexanones / pharmacology*
  • Diterpenes / chemistry
  • Diterpenes / isolation & purification*
  • Diterpenes / pharmacology*
  • Mediterranean Region
  • Methyl Ethers / chemistry
  • Methyl Ethers / isolation & purification*
  • Methyl Ethers / pharmacology*
  • Mitosporic Fungi / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Plant Leaves / drug effects
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Cyclohexanones
  • Diterpenes
  • Methyl Ethers
  • sphaeropsidone
  • dimedone