<i>N</i>-Methoxycarbonyl-9,12-Dimethoxy-Norchelerythrine: A Novel Antifungal Type-III Benzo[<i>c</i>]phenanthridine from <i>Zanthoxylum simulans</i> Hance Seedlings

<i>Zanthoxylum simulans</i> Hance, commonly known as Sichuan pepper, is a well-known medicinal plant recognized for its potential as a source of bioactive specialized metabolites. As part of our interest in natural antifungal compounds, the present study describes the discovery of an unr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molbank
Main Authors: Diego Cárdenas-Laverde, Diego Quiroga, Ericsson Coy-Barrera
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-06-01
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-8599/2024/2/M1839
Description
Summary:<i>Zanthoxylum simulans</i> Hance, commonly known as Sichuan pepper, is a well-known medicinal plant recognized for its potential as a source of bioactive specialized metabolites. As part of our interest in natural antifungal compounds, the present study describes the discovery of an unreported <i>N</i>-alcoxycarbonylbenzo[<i>c</i>]phenanthridinium salt, <i>N</i>-methoxycarbonyl-9,12-dimethoxy-norchelerythrine <b>1</b> (a type-III benzo[<i>c</i>]phenanthridine), isolated from <i>Z. simulans</i> seedlings, which were propagated under controlled greenhouse conditions. Six-month seedlings were harvested and subjected to cold acid–base extraction. Chromatographic techniques achieved the isolation of <b>1</b> from raw alkaloid extract. The structural elucidation of <b>1</b> was accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry. <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i>, a fungal pathogen responsible for substantial agricultural losses, was exposed to different concentrations of the novel compound, exhibiting potent antifungal efficacy (IC<sub>50</sub> < 3 µM) and fungicide effects. These findings highlight the potential of benzophenanthridines as antifungal leads and underscore the importance of exploring natural products for agricultural applications.
ISSN:1422-8599