Structural Diversity and Bioactivities of Mangrove-Derived Fungal Polyketids (2020–2025)

Abstract

Mangrove forests represent a complex ecosystem inhabiting tropical and subtropical intertidal zones, harboring diverse microbial communities including fungi, actinomycetes, bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae, and protozoa. Among these communities, mangrove-derived fungi, as the second-largest ecological group of marine fungi, not only play essential roles in establishing and sustaining this biosphere but also serve as an important source of structurally unique and biologically active secondary metabolites. This review systematically summarizes research progress on metabolites isolated from mangrove-derived fungi and their associated bioactivities over the recent five years (2020–2025). Emphasis is placed on 457 metabolites documented in 97 selected publications, with a focus on the biological activities and distinctive chemical diversity of these secondary metabolites. This review provides an important reference for the research status of secondary metabolites isolated from mangrove-derived fungi and the lead compounds worthy of further development, and reveals that mangrove-derived fungi have important medicinal values and are worthy of further development.

1. Introduction

Fungi are widely distributed in nature and are recognized as an important source of natural products due to their abundant secondary metabolites and biosynthetic gene clusters [1]. The unique environmental conditions of mangrove ecosystems, such as periodic tidal inundation, contribute to the production of structurally novel and biologically active metabolites by mangrove-derived fungi. To date, more than 1500 secondary metabolites have been isolated from these fungi, over 40% of which exhibit biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. As a result, mangrove-derived fungi have become a significant source of lead compounds for marine drug discovery [2].

Polyketides represent a major structural class among the secondary metabolites of mangrove fungi, characterized by diverse structural features and a wide range of biological activities. According to Cox et al., polyketide synthases (PKS) play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of polyketides. Variations in the extent of chain elongation, chain length, and modification levels during biosynthesis contribute to their structural diversity and abundance [3,4]. Polyketides derived from mangrove fungi such as chromones, quinones, naphthalenes, and phenols exhibit significant potential in drug development and agricultural biocontrol due to their unique chemical structures and broad pharmacological activities. As noted by Hang et al. [5], these compounds have wide applications in pharmaceutical production, representative drugs containing polyketide structures include griseofulvin [6] and lovastatin [7].

Based on this research background, this review summarizes 457 polyketide compounds reported between January 2020 and February 2025. These compounds are categorized into seven structural types: coumarins and isocoumarins, chromones, xanthones, quinones, lactones, azaphilones, and others. Among them, five compounds represent novel skeletons, while 201 compounds exhibit various biological activities, including cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory effects. This paper systematically outlines the structural characteristics and biological activities of polyketides from mangrove-derived fungi, as well as their potential contributions to future medicinal and agricultural natural product development, thereby providing a theoretical reference for further research and resource utilization of mangrove fungal polyketides.

2. Secondary Metabolites from Mangrove-Derived Fungal Polyketids and Their Bioactivities

2.1. Coumarins and Isocoumarins

Coumarins and isocoumarins represent a significant class of bioactive compounds widely distributed in nature. A total of 96 coumarin and isocoumarin compounds have been isolated from mangrove-derived fungi, with their structures illustrated in Figure 1. Among these, 37 compounds exhibit biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.

Two compounds, 3-methyl-6,8-dihydroxyisocoumarin (1) and 6,8-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one (2), were isolated from the mangrove fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41411. Activity screening revealed that compounds 1 and 2 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against PDE4, with inhibition rates of 27.42% and 27.39%, respectively, at a concentration of 10 µM [8]. Five compounds, fusaraisochromenone (3), 3R-3,4-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-3-methylisocoumarin (4), 2-acetyl-7-methoxybenzofuran (5), 4,8-dimethoxy-1H-isochromen-1-one (6), and (+)-citreoisocoumarin (7), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Daldinia eschscholzii MCZ-18. Compounds 3 and 5 exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against five pathogenic strains, Enterococcus faecalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.25 to 50 µM. Compound 7 demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against MRSA with an IC₅₀ value of 6.25 µM. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies suggested that the oxygen-containing heterocyclic structure may enhance the compound’s effect against P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, MRSA, and E. coli. Furthermore, the position of -OH and -OCH₃ substitutions on the benzene ring or lactone moiety of the isocoumarin backbone appears to confer selectivity towards different pathogenic bacteria [9]. Seven compounds, 8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one (8), (S)-8-hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxypropyl)-6-methoxy-1H-isochromen-1-one (9), (3S,4R)-4,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3,4,5-trimethylisochroman-1-one (10), (S)-8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4,5-dimethyl-3-methyleneisochroman-1-one (11), (S)-6,8-dihydroxy-3-(2-hydroxypropyl)-1H-isochromen-1-one (12), 6,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one (13), and 4,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-4,5-dimethyl-3-methyleneisochroman-1-one (14), were isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Roussoella sp. SCSIO 41427 [10]. Two compounds, 4,6-dihydroxymellein (15) and similanpyrone B (16), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Talaromyces sp. WHUF0362 [11]. One compound, (-)-mellein-5-carboxylic acid (17), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus TBRC-BCC 64093 [12]. One compound, tenuissimasatin (18), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Mollisia sp. SCSIO41409 [13]. In another study, Cai et al. isolated two compounds, (3R,4R)-cis-4-hydroxy-5-methylmellein (19) and 3S,4R-4-hydroxy-mellein (20), from the mangrove-derived fungus Phomopsis sp. HYP11. Compounds 19 and 20 demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 0.09 mM and 0.17 mM, respectively, which were stronger than that of the positive control Trolox (IC₅₀ = 0.29 mM) [14].

One compound, 7-chloro-6-methoxymellein (21), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-A9 [15]. One new natural product, 7-chloro-3,4-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-3-methylisocoumarine (22), along with seven known compounds, (S)-5,7-dichloro-6-methoxy-2-methyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-4-carboxylic acid (23), pericochlorosin A (24), palmaerones F-G (25–26), 5-chloro-6-hydroxymellein (27), (R)-6-hydroxymellein (28), and 3-methyl-6-hydroxy-8-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin (29), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Amorosia sp. SCSIO 41026. At non-toxic concentrations, compounds 22, 23, 27, and 29 inhibited the production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Specifically, these compounds suppressed both the mRNA expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Further in vivo studies demonstrated that compound 27 alleviated pathological lung injury in LPS-treated mice and protected RAW264.7 macrophages from LPS-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway [16].

One compound, 6,8-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one (30), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Phyllosticta capitalensis. Compound 30 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, with a MIC value of 225 μM [17]. Four compounds, (-)-trans-axial-4-hydroxymellein (31), (-)-cis-equatorial-4-hydroxymellein (32), 4,8-dihydroxy-3-methylisochroman-1-one (5-hydroxymellein) (33), and mellein (34), were isolated from the mangrove fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Compounds 31–34 showed significant inhibitory activity against Trypanosoma brucei, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.20 to 4.10 μM [18].

Xu et al. isolated one compound, 6,8-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one (35), from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus HQD24 [19]. In another study, Xu et al. isolated one new compound, pestalotiopisorin B (36), and one known compound, (R)-(-)-mellein methyl ether (37), from the mangrove-derived fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. HHL101. Compound 36 exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with IC₅₀ values of 56.31 and 225.23 μM, respectively [20]. Three compounds, aspergillumarin C (38), (3R)-(7,8-dihydroxy-1-oxoisochroman-3-yl)propanoic acid (39), and aspergillumarin B (40), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Talaromyces sp. SCNU-F0041 [21]. One compound, dichlorodiaportin (41), was isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Trichoderma harzianum SCSIO 41051 [22].

One new compound, cladosporin E (42), along with two known compounds, cladosporin C (43) and decarboxydihydrocitrinone (44), were isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Talaromyces sp. SCSIO 41428. Compound 43 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against prostate cancer cells PC-3 and 22Rv1, with IC₅₀ values of 6.10 and 9.25 µM, respectively [23]. A new compound, penicimarin N (45), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. TGM112. Compound 45 demonstrated strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 1.0 µM, and also showed moderate inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with an IC₅₀ value of 620 µM [24]. Two new compounds, penicimarins L-M (46–47), and seven known compounds, peniciisocoumarin E (48), aspergillumarin A (49), penicimarin I (50), peniciisocoumarin F (51), penicilloxalone B (52), penicimarin G (53), and penicimarin H (54), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. MGP11. All compounds, except 50 and 51, exhibited antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.6 to 40.5 µM. The activity of compound 53 (IC₅₀ = 4.6 µM) was stronger than that of the positive control Trolox (IC₅₀ = 12.9 µM). Compounds 50, 53, and 54 showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 776.5, 683.7, and 868.7 µM, respectively, compared to the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ = 313.9 µM) [25]. Two new compounds, penicillol A (55) and penicillol B (56), along with two known compounds, dichlorodiaportal (57) and citreoviranol (58), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. BJR-P2. Compound 56 inhibited NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 12.0 µM, which was stronger than the positive control indomethacin (IC₅₀ = 35.8 µM). Molecular docking studies were conducted to further investigate the mechanism by which compound 56 inhibits NO production. The results indicated that compound 56 interacts with the active site of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by forming multiple characteristic hydrogen bonds. In contrast, the carbonyl group at position 4′ in compound 55 differs from the hydroxyl group in 56, resulting in a distinct conformation for 55 that prevents the formation of hydrogen bonds with key amino acid residues in the iNOS active region, thereby explaining its lack of inhibitory activity [26]. Four new compounds, hypoxymarins A-D (59–62), and six known compounds, penicimarin (63), aspergillumarin A (64), aspergillumarin B (65), 5-hydroxysescandelin (66), sescandelin A (67), and sescandelin B (68), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Hypoxylon sp. Compounds 61 and 65 exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity, with IC₅₀ values of 15.36 and 3.69 µM, respectively [27]. A new compound, 8-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-6-methoxy-7-methylisocoumarin (69), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Botryosphaeria ramosa. Compound 69 exhibited inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum, Penicillium italicum, and Colletotrichum musae, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 52.97 to 847.46 µM. Its activity against some pathogens was stronger than that of the positive control triadimefon [28]. One compound, peniisocoumarin H (70), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Trichoderma harzianum D13 [29]. A new compound, cytospomarin (71), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Cytospora sp. Compound 71 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli GIM1.201 and Magnaporthe oryzae, with MIC values of 0.35 and 1.41 mM, respectively [30].

Five new compounds, setosphamarins A-E (72–76), and three known compounds, 4,8-dihydroxy-3-((R)-2-hydroxypentyl)-6,7-dimethoxyisochroman-1-one (77), (3R,4R)-4,8-dihydroxy-3-(2-hydroxypentyl)-6,7-dimethoxyisochroman-1-one (78), and (3R,4R)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-3-((R)-2-hydroxypentyl)-7-methoxyisochroman-1-one (79), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Setosphaeria rostrate [31]. Three new compounds, phomochromenones D-F (80–82), and two known compounds, diaporchromanone C (83) and diaporchromanone D (84), were isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 [32]. A new compound, incarxanthone E (85), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Peniophora incarnate Z4 [33]. Three new compounds, spiromastol M (86), (P, 9′R) spiromastol N (87), (M, 9′R) spiromastol N (88), and one known compound, palmaerin A (89), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Spiromastix sp. SCSIO F190. Notably, compounds 87 and 88 were identified as a mixture of isomers. Compounds 86–88 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus simulans, Enterococcus faecium ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus gallinarum BS01. The MIC values for compound 86 ranging from 17.35 to 69.41 μM, while those for compounds 87–88 the MIC values ranging from 3.92 to 62.75 μM [34].

A new compound xylariachromanone A (90), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Xylaria arbuscula QYF [35]. Two compounds, 1-(8-hydroxy-1-oxoisochroman-3-yl)propyl 4′-(6′-hydroxy-8′-oxotetrahydrofuran-5′-yl)acetate (91) and 6′α-(3′-(1′-(8-hydroxy-1-oxoisochroman-3-yl)propoxy)-3′-oxoethyl)-8′-oxotetrahydro-furan-6′-yl butyrate (92), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Compounds 91 and 92 demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, as determined by a 5-LOX inhibition assay, with IC₅₀ values of 1.23 and 1.11 mM, respectively [36]. A new compound asperisocoumarin G (93), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. 085242. Compound 93 exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 392.4 μM, which was superior to that of the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ = 725.1 μM) [37]. Two compounds, alternariol (94) and alternariol 4-methyl ether (95), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Alternaria sp. R6 [38]. One compound, alternariol (96), was isolated from the mangrove rhizosphere sediment-derived fungus Arthrinium sp. SCSIO 41305 [39].

2.2. Chromones

Chromones are a class of natural products with benzo-γ-pyrone as the core scaffold, which are widely distributed in plants and microorganisms. From 2020 to 2025, a total of 35 chromone compounds were isolated and identified from mangrove-derived fungi. Their structures are shown in (Figure 2), and 14 of these compounds exhibit biological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory effects.

Liu et al. employed the OSMAC strategy to isolate one new chromone, talamin E (97), and one known compound, talamin B (98), from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. HDN15-312. Compound 97 exhibited good DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 6.79 μM, which was more potent than that of the positive control, vitamin C [40]. One known compound, 5-hydroxy-8-methoxy-2-methyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (99), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Daldinia eschscholzii MCZ-18 [9]. A new compound 3-(hydroxymethyl)-5,7-dimethoxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one (100), along with a known compound, 5-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one (101), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Trichoderma lentiforme ML-P8-2. The IC₅₀ values of compounds 100 and 101 against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were 33.7 µM and 20.6 µM, respectively. Additionally, compound 101 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against Candida albicans, with an MIC value of 25 µM [41]. A new compound 8-chloro-5-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-7-methoxychromone (102), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Mollisia sp. SCSIO41409 [13]. A known compound, phomotone F (103), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Phomopsis sp. QYM-13. Compound 103 demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 25.0 µM, which was stronger than that of the positive control L-NMMA (IC₅₀ = 32.8 µM) [42]. A compound 2-(2′-hydroxypropyl)-5-methyl-7-hydroxychromone (104), was isolated from the co-culture fermentation products of two mangrove endophytic fungi, Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 and Phomopsis sp. DHS-11. This compound showed weak inhibitory activity on ConA (T cell)- and LPS (B cell)-induced proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes, with IC₅₀ values of 111.01 and 123.84 µM, respectively [43]. A known compound, 7-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylchromone (105), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Epicoccum sorghinum. Compound 105 significantly inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium oxysporum, both with an MIC value of 526.32 μM [44]. A known compound, eugenitol (106), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO41407. Compound 106 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with an MIC value of 485.4 µM [45].

A compound, 7-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one (107), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium janthinellum [46]. A compound 5-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-7-methoxychromone (108), was isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Trichoderma harzianum SCSIO 41051 [22]. Hu et al. isolated two compounds, altechromone A (109) and aloesone (110), from the mangrove soil-derived fungus Arthrinium sp. SCSIO 41305 [39]. In another study, Hu et al. identified three new compounds, 5-hydroxy-2,3-dihydroxymethyl-7-methoxychromone (111), 5-hydroxy-3-acetoxymethyl-2-methyl-7-methoxychromone (112), and 5,7-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-2-methylchromone (113), from the mangrove endophytic fungus Botryosphaeria ramose. Compounds 111–113 exhibited antimicrobial activities against Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum, Penicillium italicum, and Colletotrichum musae, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 24.8 to 793.65 µM. Some of the compounds showed stronger activity than the positive control triadimefon [28]. A new compound, curvulanone (114), featuring a rare 3-acetylchromone scaffold, was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Curvularia aeria. The structure of 114 was unequivocally determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Biological evaluation revealed that compound 114 inhibited monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) with an IC₅₀ of 55.8 µM, while exhibiting weaker inhibition against MAO-A (IC₅₀ = 117.9 µM) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1, IC₅₀ = 107.9 µM). A putative biosynthetic pathway for 114 was also proposed [47]. Two new compounds, cladonaphchroms A (115) and B (116), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Cladosporium sp. JJM22. Compound 115 displayed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus albus ATCC 8799 with an MIC of 3.57 μM, and also inhibited Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Micrococcus tetragenus ATCC 13623, and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, with MIC values ranging from 7.14 to 28.57 μM. Additionally, compounds 115 and 116 showed antifungal activities against Alternaria brassicicola, Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae, Colletotrichum capsici, Bipolaris oryzae, Diaporthe medusaea, and Ceratocystis paradoxa, with MIC values between 71.43 and 285.71 μM [48].

Guided by metabolomics, three new compounds, phomoxanthones L-N (117–119), along with two known compounds, phomopsis-H76A (120) and diaporthochromone B (121), were isolated from the co-culture fermentation products of two mangrove endophytic fungi, Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 and Phomopsis sp. DHS-11 [49]. A new compound 5-hydroxy-3-((3′R,5′S)-3′-hydroxy-2′-oxotetrahydrofuran-5′-yl)-7-methoxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one (122), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Trichoderma lentiforme ML-P8-2. Compound 122 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC₅₀ value of 38.6 µM, as well as moderate anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans, showing an MIC value of 50 µM [41]. Two known compounds, mycochromone A (123) and mycochromone B (124), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Mycosphaerella sp. L3A1. The absolute configurations of compounds 123 and 124 were determined using X-ray single-crystal diffraction with CuKα radiation and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations [50]. Two new compounds, pestalotheols P-Q (125–126), and two known compounds, pestalotheol A (127) and pestalotheol D (128), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Pseudopestalotiopsis theae [51]. A new chromone derivative, xylariaone A (129), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Xylaria arbuscula QYF. Its absolute configuration was established via Mosher’s ester method [35]. Two new compounds, (2R,4S)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-2H-1-benzopyran-4-ol (130) and (2S,2′S,4R,4′R)-bis(5-methoxy-2-methyl-2H-1-benzopyran)-4-ether (131), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum QJF-22 [52].

2.3. Xanthones

Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 33 xanthone derivatives were isolated and characterized from mangrove-derived fungi. Their structures are shown in Figure 3. Among these, 25 compounds exhibited various biological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects.

A new compound, phomochromenone G (132), and one known compound, diaporchromone A (133), were isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48. Compound 133 exhibited moderate to weak immunosuppressive activity against T and B lymphocytes, with IC₅₀ values of 34 and 117 µM, respectively [32]. Three new compounds, incarxanthones A–C (134–136), and one known compound, globosuxanthone B (137), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Peniophora incarnate Z4. Compound 135 showed inhibitory activity against three tumor cell lines: human melanoma cells (A375), human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and human leukemia cells (HL-60), with IC₅₀ values of 8.6, 6.5, and 4.9 µM, respectively [33]. Two known compounds, penialidin C (138) and penialidin A (139), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium javanicum. Compounds 138 and 139 exhibited moderate to strong inhibitory activities against four strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, compound 138 showed significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300, with an MIC value of 2.67 µM, comparable to the positive control vancomycin (0.54 µM). It was also active against three other MRSA strains (ATCC 33591, ATCC 25923, and ATCC 29213), with MIC values ranging from 21.40 to 85.62 µM. Compound 139 exhibited antibacterial activity against MRSA ATCC 43300 and S. aureus ATCC 29213, with MIC values of 10.10 and 40.32 µM, respectively. At a concentration of 50 µg/mL, compound 139 also inhibited the growth of Alternaria alternata, with an inhibition rate of 56.8% [53]. One compound, pinselin (140), were isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Talaromyces sp. SCSIO 41428 [23]. A known compound, ravenelin (141), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Setosphaeria rostrata. Its anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring NO production in LPS-induced J774A.1 macrophage cells. Compound 141 demonstrated significant inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 6.27 µM. Mechanistic studies revealed that it suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 [31]. Six compounds, anomalin B (142), 1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxy-8-methylxanthone (143), anomalin A (144), 1,3,6-trihydroxy-8-methylxanthone (145), 3,4,8-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-1-methylxanthone (146), and caloxanthone E (147), were isolated from the mangrove soil-derived fungus Arthrinium sp. SCSIO 41305. Compounds 142, 143, 145, and 147 showed moderate inhibitory activity against neuraminidase (NA), with inhibition rates of 83.30%, 91.46%, 75.72%, and 77.46% at 100 µg/mL, respectively. Further testing indicated that only compound 143 exhibited weak inhibition against AChE, with an inhibition rate of 52.14% at 50 µg. Compounds 143–147 showed weak enzyme inhibitory activity against phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), with IC₅₀ values of 1.07, 4.41, 1.93, 2.90, and 3.32 µM, respectively [39]. A new compound, 2,8-dihydroxyvertixanthone (148), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Peniophora incarnate Z4 [33]. Two new compounds, aflaxanthones A (149) and B (150), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus QQYZ. Compound 149 exhibited good inhibitory activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with an MIC of 3.13 µM (positive control ketoconazole, MIC = 0.1 µM), and moderate activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Candida albicans (MIC = 12.5 µM). Compound 150 showed moderate activity against F. oxysporum and Colletotrichum musae (MIC = 12.5 µM). Compound 149 also displayed moderate activity against MRSA (MIC = 12.5 µM) and inhibited Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 (MIC = 25 µM, positive control ampicillin, MIC = 0.39 µM) [54]. Three compounds, phomoxanthone D (151), dicerandrol (152), and 12-O-deacetyl-phomoxanthone A (153), were isolated from the co-culture fermentation products of two mangrove endophytic fungi, Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 and Phomopsis sp. DHS-11. Compounds 152 and 153 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against human liver cancer cells (HepG-2), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.83 to 12.06 µM. Compound 151 showed weak immunosuppressive activity on ConA-induced (T cell) and LPS-induced (B cell) proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes [49]. Five new compounds, staprexanthones A-E (154–158), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Stachybotrys chartarum. Compounds 154, 155, and 158 significantly increased β-cell numbers in zebrafish. Compounds 155 and 158 enhanced β-cell mass by promoting cell cycle progression at the G1/S transition, suggesting their potential as novel anti-diabetic agents through stimulation of β-cell regeneration [55]. A new compound, rhizoaspergillinol A (159), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. A1E3. Compound 159 exhibited potent anti-proliferative activity against three tumor cell lines, HepG2, LLC, and B16-F10, with IC₅₀ values of 8.83, 14.18, and 15.12 µM, respectively. It induced G2/M phase arrest in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner [56]. Three new compounds, kebanmycins A-C (160–162), and two known compounds, FD-594 (163) and its aglycon (164), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 40068. Compounds 160–164 were active against a panel of Gram-positive bacteria, including S. aureus ATCC 29213, MRSA shhs-A1, MRSA 1862, MRSA 669, MRSA 991, B. subtilis 1064, V. alginolyticus ATCC 13214, and Gram-negative bacteria, A. baumannii 19606. Compound 160 showed remarkable antibacterial activity, particularly against S. aureus ATCC 29213, MRSA shhs-A1, and MRSA 1862, with a uniform MIC of 0.125 µg/mL. It also exhibited more potent antitumor activity than compound 163, significantly inhibiting HepG2 and MCF-7 cells with IC₅₀ values of 0.25 µM and 0.12 µM, respectively, outperforming the positive control doxorubicin (IC₅₀ = 3.1 and 0.72 µM). This finding highlights the importance of the absence of the 7-OH group for enhancing antibacterial activity. Through in vitro biochemical characterization, the involvement of the methyltransferase KebMT2 was demonstrated, and a biosynthetic pathway for the compounds was proposed [57].

2.4. Quinones

Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 63 quinone compounds were isolated and identified from mangrove-derived fungi. Their structures are shown in Figure 4. Among these, 37 compounds exhibited various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial effects.

A new compound, kebanmycin D (165), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 40068. Compound 165 showed antibacterial activity against a range of Gram-positive bacteria, including S. aureus ATCC 29213, MRSA shhs-A1, MRSA 1862, MRSA 669, and MRSA 991, with MIC values ranging from 31.87 to 63.75 μM [57]. Two new compounds, parengyomarin A (166) and parengyomarin B (167), along with one known compound, torrubiellin B (168), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Parengyodontium album. Compounds 166–168 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), with MIC values between 0.39 and 3.12 μM [58]. A known compound, stemphone C (169), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Mollisia sp. SCSIO 41409. The absolute configuration of 169 was determined for the first time via X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The compound displayed varying degrees of antibacterial activity against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae WH13013 and Streptococcus suis SC19, with IC₅₀ values of 3.04 and 12.16 µM, respectively, comparable to the positive control penicillin (MIC = 19.53 µM). In addition, compound 169 exhibited broad-spectrum cytotoxicity against seven tumor cell lines (22Rv1, PC-3, HepG2, A549, HeLa, WPMY-1, and MC3T3-E1), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.11 to 11.68 µM. It showed particularly potent anti-proliferative activity against the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 (IC₅₀ = 2.77 µM). Further studies revealed that 169 exerted its anti-proliferative effects by reducing colony formation, inducing apoptosis, and arresting the cell cycle in PC-3 cells [13].

One new compound, asperquinone A (170), and four known compounds, 6,8-di-O-methylnidurufin (171), 6,8-di-O-methylaverufin (172), aversin (173), and averythrin (174), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. 16-5C. These compounds (170–174) were preliminarily screened for inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein tyrosine phosphatase B (MptpB), but none showed significant inhibition (IC₅₀ > 60 µg/mL) [59]. Two known compounds, questinol (175) and questin (176), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41407 [45]. Two new compounds, 6-hydroxy-astropaquinone B (177) and astropaquinone D (178), and three known compounds, 3-O-methyl-9-O-methylfusarubin (179), (1R,3S)-6-hydroxy-astropaquinone B (180), and (1R,3S)-6-hydroxy-astropaquinone C (181), from the mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium napiforme. Compounds 177–179 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values of 18.98, 41.39, and 18.98 μM, respectively. They also showed moderate antibacterial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, all with MIC values ranging from 18.98 to 20.86 μM [60].

Two new compounds, (11S)-1,4,6-trihydroxy-7-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-methoxyanthracene-9,10-dione (182) and (11S)-1,6-dihydroxy-7-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3-methoxyanthracene-9,10-dione (183), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. J3-2. Compound 182 exhibited weak to moderate antibacterial activity against five pathogenic strains, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, ATCC 25923, ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299, and Enterococcus faecium ATCC 35667, with MIC values ranging from 75.76 to 151.52 μM. In addition, both compounds 182 and 183 demonstrated anti-fouling activity, completely inhibiting the attachment of barnacle larvae (attachment rate = 0%) [61]. Three known compounds, questinol (184), emodin (185), and catenarin (186), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. WHUF0343. Compounds 184 and 185 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus NRS271, with MIC values between 29.63 and 59.26 µM. Compound 186 also showed strong inhibitory activity against four strains of Helicobacter pylori (26695, G27, 159, and 129), with MIC values ranging from 3.50 to 13.99 µM [62]. A known compound, averufanin (187), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. A1E3. The absolute configuration of 187 was determined for the first time via ECD calculations [56]. Two known compounds, questin (188) and physcion (189), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus HQD24. Compound 188 exhibited inhibitory activity on LPS-induced B-cell proliferation (IC₅₀ = 108.67 μM) and ConA-induced T-cell proliferation (IC₅₀ = 41.67 μM) [19]. In another study, Xu et al. isolated two new compounds, dalesconosides C-D (190–191), and one new natural product, dalesconoside E (192), from the mangrove endophytic fungus Daldinia eschscholzii MCZ-18. Compound 190 displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against five pathogenic microorganisms, Enterococcus faecalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 12.5 to 50 μM [9].

One new compound (6R,7R,8R)-theissenone A (193), and two known compounds, (6S,7R,8R)-theissenone (194) and arthrinone (195), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Arthrinium marii M-211. The IC₅₀ values of compounds 193–195 against rat hepatoma H4IIE cells were 67.5, 46.6, and 13.4 μM, respectively (positive control staurosporine: IC₅₀ = 20.9 nM). Compounds 193 and 194 showed moderate antibacterial activity against both Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 and Staphylococcus aureus NBRC 13276, with a uniform MIC of 25 μM, while compound 195 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against the same strains with an MIC of 12.5 μM [63]. Four known compounds, anhydrofusarubin (196), javanicin (197), dihydrojavanicin (198), and solaniol (199), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Compounds 197–199 displayed notable inhibitory activity against Trypanosoma brucei, with MIC values of 0.60, 0.32, and 1.90 μM, respectively [18].

Two new compounds, talanaphthoquinones A-B (200–201), along with ten known compounds, anhydrojavanicin (202), 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-8-methoxy-2-methylnaphtho[1,2-b]furan-6,9-dione (203), anhydrojavanicin (204), anhydrofusarubin (205), 2-acetonyl-3-methyl-5-hydroxy-7-methoxynaphthazarin (206), 6-ethyl-2,7-dimethoxyjuglone (207), 6-[1-(acetyloxy)ethyl]-5-hydroxy-2,7-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthalenedione (208), 5-hydroxy-6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,7-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthalenedione (209), solaniol (210), and javanicin (211), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Talaromyces sp. SK-S009. All compounds except 201 inhibited NO production induced by LPS, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.9 to 22.6 µM, which were lower than that of the positive control indomethacin (26.3 µM). Compound 208 suppressed the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, it reduced the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL-1β, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) [64]. A known compound, stenocarpoquinone B (212), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Avicennia officinalis [65]. A known compound, trans-3,4-dihydro-3,4,8-trihydroxynaphthalen-1(2H)-one (213), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium polonicum H175 [66]. A known compound, trans-3,4-dihydro-3,4,8-trihydroxynaphthalen-1(2H)-one (214), was isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Roussoella sp. SCSIO 41427 [10]. A known compound, (4S)-4,8-dihydroxy-α-tetralone (215), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Colletotrichum sp. J065 [67]. A known compound, regiolone (216), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Cytospora sp. Compound 216 exhibited weak antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Magnaporthe oryzae, with a uniform IC₅₀ value of 561.6 µM [68]. A known compound, cis-(3R,4S)-3,4-dihydro-3,4,8-trihydroxynaphthalen-1(2H)-one (217), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium citrinum QJF-22. Compound 217 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting LPS-induced NO release in RAW264.7 cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 44.7 µM, and showed no cytotoxicity toward RAW264.7 cells at concentrations up to 50 µM [52].

A new compound dalesconoside F (218), and seven known compounds, regiolone (219), nodulisporone (220), nodulisporol (221), xylariol A (222), (4R)-4,8-dihydroxy-3-hydro-5-methoxy-1-naphthalenone (223), (4R)-O-methylsclerone (224), and (4R)-3,4-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxynaphthalen-1(2H)-one (225), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Daldinia eschscholzii MCZ-18. Compounds 223–225 exhibited antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.25 to 50 µM [9]. A new natural product, embelin A (226), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41411. Its absolute configuration was determined for the first time via X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Compound 226 displayed cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and LNCaP, with IC₅₀ values of 18.69 and 31.62 µM, respectively [8]. A known compound anserinone A (227), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus TBRC-BCC 64093 [12].

2.5. Lactones

Lactones represent a major class of secondary metabolites from mangrove-derived fungi. These cyclic organic molecules, composed of carboxylate esters, are formed through the dehydration of lactic acid. Based on ring size, they can be categorized into macrolides, sesquiterpene lactones, among others. Macrolides often exhibit antibacterial properties, while sesquiterpene lactones are noted for their antimalarial and immunomodulatory activities. Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 150 lactone compounds were isolated and identified from mangrove-derived fungi. Their structures are shown in Figure 5.

Four compounds, alterlactone (228), penicillide (229), dehydroisopenicillide (230), and 3′-O-methyldehydroisopenicillide (231), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Talaromyces sp. Compounds 229–231 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values of 50, 50, and 25 µg/mL, respectively. Compound 228 showed DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an EC₅₀ value of 96.51 µM, which was weaker than that of the positive control vitamin C (EC₅₀ = 72.39 µM) [69]. Liu et al., employing an OSMAC strategy, identified a new compound arugosinacid A (232), from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. HDN15-312. Compound 232 exhibited moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 56.92 μM [40]. Four new compounds, talaronins A-D (233–236), and five known compounds, purpactin A (237), talaromyone A (238), purpactin C (239), talaromyone B (240), and alternaphenol B (241), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Talaromyces sp. WHUF0362. Compounds 237 and 238 showed potent activity against four strains of Helicobacter pylori (26695, G27, 159, and 129), with MIC values ranging from 2.42 to 36.04 μM [11]. Five known compounds, spiromastixones L (242), I (243), J (244), G (245), and E (246), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Spiromastix sp. SCSIO F190. Compounds 242-246 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus simulans, Enterococcus faecium ATCC 29212, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus gallinarum BS01, with MIC values ranging from 0.125 to 32 μg/mL. Compound 244 was particularly potent, with MIC values between 0.125 and 4 μg/mL. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated that the presence of both ester and ether bonds linking rings A and B in compound 244 was crucial for its high activity, suggesting that the absence of an ether bond leads to a marked reduction in antibacterial efficacy [34]. A known compound, purpactin A (247), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. TGM112. The compound exhibited moderate antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 4.6 mM [24]. A known compound, barceloneic lactone (248), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Epicoccum sorghinum [44]. A new compound, guanxidone A (249), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-A9. It significantly reduced NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 8.22 μM [15].

Two known compounds, pestalotiollides A-B (250–251), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. HHL101 [20]. Two new compounds, colletotrikalactones A and B (252–253), from the mangrove-derived fungus Colletotrichum sp. J065 [67]. A known compound, α,β-dehydrocurvularin (254), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. FM652. It significantly inhibited the TNF-α-induced NF-κB pathway with an IC₅₀ value of 14.63 µM. Compound 254 also exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, with an MIC value of 33.11 µM, and inhibited Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 with an MIC value of 66.22 µM [70]. Three new compounds, sumalarins D, F-G (255–257), and two known compounds, curvularin (258) and dehydrocurvularin (259), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sumatrense MA-325. Compounds 255 and 258–259 exhibited inhibitory activity against the aquatic pathogens Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi, with MIC values ranging from 13.70 to 219.18 µM. Furthermore, compound 259 showed cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines 5673, HCT 116, 786-O, and HeLa, with IC₅₀ values of 3.5, 10.6, 10.9, and 14.9 µM, respectively [71]. Four known compounds, curvularin (260), 11-β-methoxycurvularin (261), β,γ-dehydrocurvularin (262), and α,β-dehydrocurvularin (263), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Alternaria longipes, and proposed a plausible biosynthetic pathway for compounds 260–263 [72]. A known compound, 6-oxolasiodiplodin (264), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Trichoderma erinaceum F1-1 [73].

Three new compounds cladocladosin A (265) and thiocladospolides F-G (266–267), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides MA-299. Compound 265 features a novel carbon skeleton with a 5/9 bicyclic ring system, and a biosynthetic pathway for compounds 265–267 was proposed. Compounds 265–267 showed activity against the aquatic pathogens Edwardsiella tarda and Vibrio anguillarum, with MIC values ranging from 4.46 to 11.49 µM. Compound 265 was active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and compound 266 showed activity against the plant pathogenic fungus Helminthosporium maydis, both with MIC values of 17.86 and12.05 µM, respectively [74]. A new compound, botroxepinone (268), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Botryosphaeria ramose. It exhibited antimicrobial activity against Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum, and Colletotrichum musae, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 25 to 200 µg/mL, some of which were stronger than the positive control triadimefon [28]. Five new compounds, thiocladospolides F-J (269–273), and two known compounds, pandangolide (274) and thiocladospolide A (275), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Cladosporium oxysporum. Compound 270 exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against multiple pathogens, including Cytospora mandshurica Miura, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, Edwardsiella tarda, and Edwardsiella ictaluri, with MIC values ranging from 4 to 32 µg/mL [75]. One new compound, asperlactone A (276), and two known compounds, (6Z,8E)-3-propyl-4,11-dioxa-bicyclo[8.1.0]undeca-6,8-dien-5-one (277) and 8-O-acetyl-5,6-dihydro-5,6-epoxymultiplolide A (278), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-A9. Compounds 276–278 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting LPS-induced NO production, with IC₅₀ values of 16.69, 15.87, and 30.48 µM, respectively [76].

A known compound, (+)-(5R,5′R)-3,3′-methylenebistetronic acid (279), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium crustosum SCNU-F0006. It exhibited inhibitory activity against human pathogenic bacteria and plant pathogenic fungi, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL), Salmonella typhimurium (MIC = 1.0 mg/mL), Fusarium oxysporum (MIC = 0.25 mg/mL), and Penicillium italicum (MIC = 0.25 mg/mL) [77]. Two known compounds, butyrolactone I (280) and polybotrin (281), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41411. Compound 280 exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity with an EC₅₀ of 16.21 µg/mL. Additionally, compounds 280 and 281 showed weak inhibitory activity against PDE4, with inhibition rates of 29.10% and 26.22%, respectively [8]. A new lactone compound, (E)-3-[5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-yl-methylene]benzofuran-2(3H)-one (282), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Xylaria arbuscula QYF [35]. Two new compounds, littoreanoids E-F (283-284), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. HLLG-122. Compound 284 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 30.41 µM [78]. Nine new compounds 13-(R)-(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfinylmairetolide F (285), 13-(S)-(2-hydroxyethyl)sulfinylmairetolide F (286), 2β,10α,13-trihydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8β-olide (287), 1β,3α,10α-trihydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8β-olide (288), 1β,3α,10α,13-tetrahydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8β-olide (289), 1β,3β,10α,13-tetrahydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8β-olide (290), 1β,2β,10α,13-tetrahydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8β-olide (291), 1-oxo-10α-hydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8β-olide (295), 2-oxo-10α,13-dihydroxyeremophil-7(11)-en-12,8β-olide (296), and nine known compounds, mairetolides F-G (292–293), 13-hydroxymairetolide F (294), xylareremophil (297), 13-hydroxyxylareremophil (298), 2-oxo-eremophil-1(10),7(11),8-trien-12,8-olide (299), 2α,13-dihydroxymairetolide A (300), mairetolide B (301), and eremophil-1(10),7(11),8-trien-12,8-olide-15-oic acid (302), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus TBRC-BCC 64093. Compounds 285 and 294 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against the Vero (African green monkey kidney) cell line, with IC₅₀ values of 49.44 and 186.09 µM, respectively [12]. Two new compounds, citreoviridin H (303) and citreoviridin I (304), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. BJR-P2 [26]. Six known compounds, verrucosidinol (305), methyl verrucosidinol (306), verrucosidinol acetate (307), normethylverrucosidin (308), verrucosidin (309), and penicyrone A (310), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium polonicum H175 [66].

One new compound 2,3-dihydro-2-hydroxyvertinolide (311), and two known compounds, 5-hydroxyvertinolide (312) and vertinolide (313), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. FM652. Compound 311 significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation with an IC₅₀ value of 13.83 µM [70]. A known compound, (R)-striatisporolide A (314), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Eupenicillium sp. [79]. Three known compounds, (4S,5S,11R)-iso-cladospolide B (315), (4S,5S,11S)-iso-cladospolide B (316), and (4R,5S,11R)-iso-cladospolide B (317), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Cladosporium sp. HNWSW-1 [80].

Three new compounds, qinlactones A-C (318–320), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Streptomyces qinglanensis 172205. Compounds 318–319 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 129 to 207 µM [81]. A known compound, iso-cladospolide B (321), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Cladosporium oxysporum HDN13-314. It exhibited antibacterial activity against multiple pathogens, including Cytospora mandshurica Miura, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, Edwardsiella tarda, and Edwardsiella ictaluri, with MIC values ranging from 35.09 to 140.35 μM [75]. A new compound, (4S,5S,6S,7R)-4-(3-chloro-1,2-dihydroxybutyl)-butyrolactone (322), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Neofusicoccum parvum Y2NBKZG1016. At concentrations ≥ 6.25 µM, it showed weak anti-inflammatory activity (NO inhibition), with a maximum inhibition rate of 28.9% [82]. Four new compounds, penipyrols C-F (323–326), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. HDN-11-131. These compounds feature a rare skeleton in which a γ-butyrolactone is linked via a double bond to an α-pyrrole ring. At 10 µM, compound 323 induced pancreatic β-cell regeneration in zebrafish (45.20 ± 2.359%), exceeding the effect of the positive control prednisolone (39.86 ± 1.773%), indicating promising anti-diabetic potential [83]. Two known compounds, asperteretal G (327) and 3-(2-hydroxypropyl)-4-(hexa-2E,4E-dien-6-yl)furan-2(5H)-one (328), were isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Trichoderma harzianum SCSIO 41051. Compound 327 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC₅₀ of 2.49 µM and against pancreatic lipase (PL) with an IC₅₀ of 2.34 µM. Molecular docking studies indicated interactions between compound 327 and the AChE protein [22]. Four new compounds, asperbutenolides B-C (329–330) and asperbutenolides E-F (331–332), along with ten known compounds, butyrolactone III (333), (+)-3′,3′-di-(dimethylallyl)-butyrolactone II (334), 3-hydroxy-5-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)furan-2(5H)-one (335), butyrolactone II (336), versicolactone B (337), asperlide B (338), 7″R-methoxy-8″S-hydroxy-aspernolide E (339), asperlide A (340), butyrolactone IV (341), and aspernolide E (342), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus SCAU011. Compounds 331 and 336 showed COX-2 inhibitory activity superior to the positive control celecoxib. Compounds 334 and 335 exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 56.1 and 12.9 µM, respectively. Meanwhile, compounds 329, 333–336, and 340–342 demonstrated antioxidant activity similar to or better than the positive control curcumin, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.7 to 23.3 µM. Compounds 334 and 342 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with IC₅₀ values of 17.4 and 36.6 µM, respectively [84]. A known compound, xenofuranone B (343), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Phyllosticta capitalensis [17]. Two new compounds, (8″S,9′)-dihydroxy-dihydrobutyrolactone I (344) and asperbutenolide A (345), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus SCAU011. At 20 µM, compounds 344 and 345 inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by 91.8% and 100%, respectively. Compound 345 also exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 10.5 µM) and antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio splendidus, with IC₅₀ values of 1.3 and 3.7 µM, respectively [85]. Two new compounds, (±)-isoepicolactone (±)-346, and two known compounds, aepicoccone F (347) and 4,5,6-trihydroxy-7-methylphthalide (348), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum SCNU-F0002. Compounds (+)-346 and (−)-346 showed weak inhibitory activity against COX-2, with inhibition rates of 28.8% and 31.2%, respectively [86].

Two known compounds, 3-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (349) and 3-(2-deoxy-β-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-6-hydroxy-2H-pyran-2-one (350), were isolated from the co-culture fermentation products of two mangrove endophytic fungi, Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 and Phomopsis sp. DHS-11 [43]. One new compound, embeurekol D (351), and one known compound, embeurekol C (352), were isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41411. The absolute configurations of 351 and 352 were determined by Mosher’s ester method and ECD calculations. At a concentration of 10 µM, compounds 351 and 352 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against PDE4, with inhibition rates of 18.62% and 14.95%, respectively [8]. Using an OSMAC strategy, Liu et al. identified a known compound, astalaminoid C (353), from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. HDN15-312. It exhibited moderate DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 32.11 μM [40]. A known compound, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-5,7-dimethoxy-6-methylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (354), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-Y85 [87]. Two new compounds, pestalotiophthalides A-B (355–356), and four known compounds, 5,7-dimethoxy-4,6-dimethylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (357), 7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-4,6-dimethylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (358), 6-(hydroxymethyl)-5,7-dimethoxy-4-methylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (359), and 4-(hydroxymethyl)-5,7-dimethoxy-6-methylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (360), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. SAS4 [88]. One new compound, 3-hydroxyepicoccone B (361), and three known compounds, 4,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-7-methylphthalide (362), 4,5,6-trihydroxy-7-methyl-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one (363), and sparalide C (364), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum MLY-3. At 10 µg/mL, compounds 361 and 363 exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ values of 29.3 and 16.5 µM, respectively, and ABTS radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ values of 23.7 and 23.3 µM, respectively, outperforming the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ = 33.6 ± 0.8 µM) [89]. Two known compounds, pestaphthalide A (365) and (S)-3-[(S)-1-hydroxyethyl]-5,7-dimethoxy-6-methylisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (366), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Botryosphaeria ramose. Compounds 365 and 366 exhibited inhibitory activity against Penicillium italicum, with IC₅₀ values of 223.21 and 99.21 µM, respectively, which were stronger than the positive control triadimefon (IC₅₀ = 170.65 µM) [28].

A known compound, dimethoxyphtalide (367), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Cytospora sp. [30]. Five new compounds, (±)-epicoccone C (±368), epicoccone D (369), epicoccone E (370), epicolactone A (371), and one known compound, epicolactone (372), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum SCNU-F0002. Compounds (+)-368 and 370 exhibited strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 43.2 and 53.2 µM, respectively, stronger than the positive control acarbose. Compounds (-)-368, 369, and 371 showed moderate inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 130.2 to 252.4 µM. In addition, compounds (±)-368 demonstrated antioxidant activity stronger than the positive controls gallic acid and vitamin C, with IC₅₀ values of 11.1 and 10.2 µM, respectively [90]. Four new compounds, trichoderolides C-F (373–376), and one known compound, (3R,5R)-harzialactone A (377), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Trichoderma erinaceum F1-1 [73].

2.6. Azaphilones

Azaphilones are a class of fungal polyketides characterized by a pyranoquinone bicyclic core. Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 14 azaphilone compounds were isolated and identified from mangrove-derived fungi. Their structures are shown in Figure 6.

A compound, 5-chloroisorotiorin (378), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Phomopsis sp. TJM1-5 [91]. Two compounds, (+)-sclerotiorin (379) and geumsanol G (380), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum SCNU-F0040 [92]. Seven new compounds, peniazaphilones C-I (381–387), along with three known compounds geumsanol F (388), isochromophilone IV (389), and isochromophilone WB (390), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum ZJHJJ-18. Compounds 389 and 390 inhibited LPS-induced NO release with IC₅₀ values of 17.64 and 4.71 µM, respectively, demonstrating stronger activity than the positive control indomethacin (IC₅₀ = 35.27 µM) [93]. Xu et al. identified a compound, pestalotiopsol A (391), from the mangrove-derived fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. HHL101 [20].

2.7. Others

Polyketides exhibit diverse structural types beyond those mentioned above, including various other skeletons. Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 66 other polyketide compounds were isolated and identified from mangrove-derived fungi. Their structures are shown in Figure 7.

Six known compounds, aurasperone B (392), aurasperone F (393), TMC-256A1 (394), fonsecin B (395), dianhydroaurasperone C (396), and aurasperone A (397), were isolated from three mangrove-derived fungi, Aspergillus sp. IQ-503, Aspergillus sp. IQ-548, and Talaromyces sp. I-567. Compounds 392–394 exhibited inhibitory effects on bacterial growth, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.9 to 9.9 µg/mL. Through in vitro evaluation of molecular interactions with the Acinetobacter baumannii filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (AbFtsZ) protease to identify anti-A. baumannii agents, it was found that compounds 392, 393, and 395 enhanced AbFtsZ activity under interaction, whereas compound 394, as the sole inhibitor of AbFtsZ, suppressed bacterial growth [94]. A known compound, bacillisporin C (398), was isolated from the mangrove-derived fungus Talaromyces sp. WHUF0362 [11]. Five new compounds, RM18c-RM18g (399–403), and three known compounds, RM18b (404), wailupemycin K (405), and RM18 (406), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 40069. Among these, compounds 401 and 402 constitute a pair of racemates. Compounds 399–401, 402b, and 406 exhibited antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606, Vibrio alginolyticus ATCC 13214, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 13883, and Micrococcus luteus SCSIO ML01, with MIC values ranging from 8 to 64 μg/mL [95]. Two new compounds, peninaphones A (407) and B (408), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. HK1-22. Compounds 407–408 showed weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 10.4 to 21.0 mm [96]. Four new compounds, aceneoherqueinones A and B (409–410), (+)-aceatrovenetinone A (411a), and (+)-aceatrovenetinone B (411d), along with four known compounds, (-)-aceatrovenetinone A (411b), (-)-aceatrovenetinone B (411c), (-)-scleroderolide (412a), and (+)-scleroderolide (412b), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium herquei MA-370. Compounds 409 and 410 inhibited angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) with IC₅₀ values of 3.10 and 11.28 µM, respectively. Molecular docking analysis elucidated the intermolecular interactions and potential binding sites of 409 and 410 with ACE, indicating that compound 409 binds favorably via hydrogen interactions with residues Ala261, Gln618, Trp621, and Asn624, while compound 410 interacts with residues Asp358 and Tyr360 [97]. One new compound, guhypoxylonol A (413), and three known compounds, hypoxylonol C (414), hypoxylonol B (415), and daldinone C (416), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. GXNU-Y45. Compounds 413 and 415 inhibited LPS-induced NO production with IC₅₀ values of 14.42 and 21.05 µM, respectively, compared to the positive control dexamethasone (IC₅₀ = 16.12 µM) [98].

Zou et al. activated silent biosynthetic genes by modifying culture medium components and adding sodium bromide/sodium chloride, leading to the isolation and identification of 12 new compounds, (±)-6′-hydroxy-7-dechlorogriseofulvin [(±)-417], (±)-6′-hydroxy-7-dechloroepigriseofulvin [(±)-418], (+)-6′-hydroxygriseofulvin [(+)-419], (±)-6′-hydroxyepigriseofulvin [(±)-420], 6-O-desmethyl-7-bromogriseofulvin (426), 5-bromo-6-O-desmethyl-7-dechlorogriseofulvin (427), 5,7-dibromo-6-O-desmethylgriseofulvin (428), 3′,4′-dihydroeupenigriseofulvin (430), 4′-demethoxy-7-dechloroisogriseofulvin (431), along with two new natural products, 7-bromogriseofulvin (425) and 4′-demethoxyisogriseofulvin (432), and six known analogs, (−)-6′-hydroxygriseofulvin [(−)-419], 7-dechlorogriseofulvin (421), griseofulvin (422), 6-O-desmethyl-7-dechlorogriseofulvin (423), 6-O-desmethylgriseofulvin (424), and eupenigriseofulvin (429), from the mangrove-derived fungus Nigrospora sp. QQYB1. Compounds 422 and 425 exhibited significant antifungal activity against Colletotrichum truncatum, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 28 to 41 mm (10 μg/disk). Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that substitutions at C-6, C-7, and C-6′, as well as the positions of carbonyl groups and double bonds, significantly influenced antifungal potency. Comparison of compounds 422–424 and 429–431 (or 425–428) showed that a 6-methyl group enhanced antifungal activity, while substitution with a 6-hydroxyl group markedly reduced activity. Evaluation of compounds 421–422 and 425 indicated that halogen atoms at C-7 contributed to antifungal efficacy, with bromine substitution at C-7 causing substantial changes in activity. Furthermore, comparing compounds 417–420 with 422 demonstrated that hydroxylation at C-6′ significantly diminished antifungal activity [99]. A known compound griseofulvin (433), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Arthrinium sp. SCSIO 41306. It inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation in RAW264.7 macrophages with an IC₅₀ value of 22.21 µM and showed no significant cytotoxicity in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) [100]. Li et al. identified three new compounds, 14-hydroxybislongiquinolide (434), 20-hydroxybislongiquinolide (435), and 14,20-dihydroxybislongiquinolide (436), along with four known compounds, bislongiquinolide (437), bisorbicillinolide (438), saturnispol B (439), and bisvertinolone (440), from the mangrove-derived fungus Trichoderma reesei SCNU-F0042. Compound 435 exhibited moderate SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory activity with an EC₅₀ value of 29.0 µM [101]. A known compound bisvertinol (441), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Hypocrea jecorina H8 [102].

Three known compounds, isobisvertinol (442), bisvertinol (443), and trichodimerol (444), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. FM652. Compounds 442 and 443 inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB pathway activation with IC₅₀ values of 24.40 and 14.63 µM, respectively. Compound 444 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus with an MIC value of 40.32 µM [70]. Three new compounds, asperisocoumarin H (445) and (±)-asperisocoumarin I [(±)-446], and one known compound, pergillin (447), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. 085242. Compound 447 exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 428.1 µM, stronger than the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ = 725.1 µM) [37]. Using an OSMAC strategy, Liu et al. identified two new compounds, furantides A-B (448–449), from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium sp. HDN15-312 [40]. A known compound, penicyclone A (450), was isolated from the mangrove sediment-derived fungus Penicillium sp. N-5. It was evaluated for cytotoxicity against SNB-19, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435, and HCT-116 cell lines but showed no cytotoxic activity [103]. A known compound (3S)-3,8-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethyl-α-tetralone (451), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Daldinia eschscholzii MCZ-18. It exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against five pathogens, Enterococcus faecalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.25 to 50 µM [9]. A known compound, 2-benzylpyrone (452), was isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Mycosphaerella sp. L3A1 [50]. Two new compounds, phomasparapyrones A (453) and B (454), and one known compound, kojic acid (455), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Phomopsis asparagi LSLYZ-87. Compound 454 showed dose-dependent inhibition of LPS-induced NO accumulation in BV-2 cells at 30, 40, and 50 µM, with no cytotoxicity observed at 50.0 µM [104]. Two new compounds, aspermicrone B (456) and aspermicrone C (457), were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum SCNU-F0002 [86].

3. Conclusions

Mangrove forests, as unique marine-terrestrial ecotones, are subjected to extreme environmental conditions. Their endophytic fungi have evolved distinctive secondary metabolites to adapt to these complex ecological niches. In recent years, research on secondary metabolites from mangrove-derived fungi has revealed their multifaceted value in drug discovery, agricultural applications, and ecological conservation, establishing this area as a hotspot at the intersection of natural product chemistry and synthetic biology.

The chemical diversity of metabolites from mangrove-derived fungi is remarkable, primarily encompassing structural classes such as polyketides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and peptides. Over 1400 new compounds have been discovered from more than 300 fungal strains belonging to over 70 genera isolated from mangrove ecosystems. These structures include polyketides, terpenoids, alkaloids, peptides, among others, with over 40% exhibiting biological activities such as cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects [2]. As a major metabolite class from these fungi, the continuous discovery of polyketides consistently expands the structural libraries available for medicinal chemistry.

This review covers 457 polyketide metabolites isolated from mangrove-derived fungi between January 2020 and February 2025, comprising 176 new compounds (including 5 featuring novel skeletons) and 5 new natural products. Among these, 201 compounds (44.0%) demonstrated biological activities, primarily antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, indicating their potential for pharmaceutical research, agricultural applications, and cross-disciplinary development.

The polyketide constituents from mangrove-derived fungi are categorized into seven major structural classes, 96 coumarins and isocoumarins, 35 chromones, 33 xanthones, 63 quinones, 150 lactones, 14 azaphilones, and 66 other polyketide-type compounds. Lactones represent the predominant class (32.8%), followed by coumarins and isocoumarins (21.0%), and other structural types (14.4%) (Figure 8). Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are the most prominent biological properties observed. Specifically, 87 compounds (39.0% of active compounds) exhibited antimicrobial activity, while 42 compounds (18.8% of active compounds) showed anti-inflammatory activity. The most active structural types were coumarins and isocoumarins, quinones, and azaphilones. The distribution of active compounds by structural class is summarized in Figure 9.

The unique nature of the mangrove ecosystem has driven metabolic adaptive evolution in mangrove-derived fungi, promoting the synthesis of structurally novel and biologically significant secondary metabolites, thereby establishing them as an important source of new active natural products. According to statistics, mangrove fungi exhibit a 2.3–4.1 fold higher abundance of polyketide synthase (PKS) and nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene clusters compared to terrestrial fungi, highlighting their prominent role as a source of lead compounds. With the deepening integration of genomics and metabolomics, systematic exploration using chemical and molecular biological methods, including chemical epigenetic modification, co-cultivation, the OSMAC approach, and genome mining, can be employed to discover more bioactive substances. These findings not only provide novel chemical entities for drug synthesis and candidate molecules for marine drug development but also offer a theoretical foundation and material basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of mangrove resources.