Occurrence of fusicoccanes in plants and fungi

The literature on substances structurally related to fusicoccin shows that its molecular design is not unique. Compounds of this type with a dicyclopenta[a,d]cyclooctane skeleton (the 5→8→5 ring system) are often encountered in nature. The compounds, systematically reviewed, comprise a single class of fusicoccane-type terpenoids characterized by the presence of the dicyclopenta[a,d]cyclooctane system in the structure of these molecules. The review is arranged according to the taxonomy of the organisms producing these terpenoids; it is shown that compounds of this type, including physiologically active ones, are found in the major systematic divisions: fungi, lower and higher plants, and animals (insects). Chemical, analytical, and biogenetic data are given for each compound, as well as data on their physiological activity and the mechanism of their action on plants. Nomenclature is proposed for the fusicoccane-type compounds.