Isoshamixanthone (1), a new stereoisomeric pyrano xanthone together with the previously known fungal metabolites, epiisoshamixanthone (2), sterigmatocystin (3), arugosin C (4), norlichexanthone (5), diorcinol (6), ergosterol and methyllinoleate, were obtained from the endophytic fungal strain Aspergillus sp. ASCLA isolated from leaf tissues of the medicinal plant Callistemon subulatus. The chemical structure of the new xanthone (1) was elucidated by extensive 1D, 2D NMR, and ESI HR mass measurements, and by comparison with literature data. The constitutions and absolute configurations of 1 and epiisoshamixanthone (2) were additionally confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1,2 were evaluated for their potential anticancer activity using the human cervix carcinoma cell line (KB-3-1). The antimicrobial activities of the fungal extract and compounds 1,2 were studied using a panel of pathogenic microorganisms as well.
Keywords: Isoshamixanthone; absolute configuration; biological activities; endophytic fungi.