Fourteen metabolites with various structure types were isolated from endophytic Chaetomium globosum. Five compounds were separated from genus Chaetomium for the first time. Some compounds exhibited remarkable inhibition against phytopathogenic fungi causing root rot of Panax notoginseng. Compounds 1-5 had significant DPPH-free radical-scavenging activity. Compounds 3 and 5 indicated significant inhibitions against the acetylcholinesterase (AChE). From preliminary structure-activity relationship, it was found that the oxygenic five-membered ring of 3 and 5 was crucial in the anti-AChE activity. These structures provide new templates for the potential treatment and management of plant diseases and Alzheimer disease.
Keywords: Chaetomium globosum; anti-AChE; anti-phytopathogen; antioxidant; metabolite.