Four new monacolin analogs from Monascus purpureus-fermented rice

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Monascus purpureus-fermented rice is a source of bioactive compounds.
• Monacolins are a class of natural products with diverse biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize new monacolin analogs from Monascus purpureus.
• To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of compounds using ethanolic extract of fermented rice.
• Structure elucidation using spectroscopic techniques (1D, 2D NMR) and mass spectrometry.
• In vitro cytotoxic assay at a concentration of 10 µM.

Main Results:

• Four new monacolin analogs were identified: monacolin T (1), monacolin U (2), 6a-O-methyl-4,6-dihydromonacolin L (3), and 6a-O-ethyl-4,6-dihydromonacolin L (4).
• All isolated compounds exhibited no cytotoxicity at the tested concentration.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully identified novel monacolin analogs.
• The investigated compounds lack in vitro cytotoxic effects, suggesting further investigation for other biological activities.