New lignan esters from Alyxia schlechteri and antifungal activity against Pythium insidiosum.

Three new lignan esters, alyterinates A-C (1-3), as well as 10 known compounds were isolated from the roots of Alyxia schlechteri. Antifungal activity against Pythium insidiosum of all lignan derivatives was evaluated using disk diffusion assay. P. insidiosum is not a true fungus since its cell walls do not contain ergosterol as usual fungi, so the antifungals available now are not effective. From activity testing, it was found that compounds 3, 4 and 5 could inhibit the mycelia growth of P. insidiosum.