Funiculosin, a new antibiotic. II. Structure elucidation and antifungal activity

Structure elucidation and some biological properties of an antiviral and antifungal antibiotic, funiculosin, are summarized. Funiculosin is a derivative of N-methyl-4-hydroxy-3, 5-disubstituted-2-pyridone containing a novel substituent, cyclopentanetetrol moiety, that is reported here for the first time in a natural product. The antibiotic protects guinea pigs efficiently against experimental trichophytosis. Toxicity of funiculosin is unique and highly selective for animal species.