Research progress of secondary metabolites from genus Eurotium and their biological activities

The ubiquitous Eurotium species are important fermentation starters participating in traditional fermented foods.They are dominant microorganisms existed during the molding process in manufacturing of the Japanese Katsuobushi and the Chinese Fuzhuan brick-tea.The key species and ecological distribution of genus Eurotium, variety and biological activity of secondary metabolites produced by Eurotium spp.were summarized in present review.It was indicated that the secondary metabolites mainly including pigments derived from anthraquinones and benzaldehydes, mycotoxins belonging to diketopiperazines.The chemical structures of 38 secondary metabolites were illustrated.Some of the compounds possess properties of antimicrobial, antioxidation and antitumor activities.