Pigments of Fungi, 68. – Phlebiachrysoic Acids, New Inhibitors of Leukotriene Biosynthesis from Phlebia chrysocrea (Basidiomycetes)

Five yellow 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzoquinones with C15 and C17 alkyl side chains were isolated from fruitbodies of the wood-rotting fungus Phlebia chryoscrea. The compounds, named phlebiachrysoic acids A–E are strong inhibitors of leukotriene biosynthesis and are responsible for the red colour reaction when the fruitbodies are touched with aqueous alkali.