Citrinin

Abstract

Citrinin (116) (Fig. 3.1), first reported in 1931 following its isolation from Penicillium citrinum (67), was found to display a significant antibiotic activity against several Gram-positive bacteria in the 1940’s (68, 69). In the following decade (at the time of the widespread application of penicillin), there was a considerable interest in citrinin (116) and other antibacterials of fungal origin. Despite this, and its additional insecticidal properties (70), the investigation of 116 for either therapeutic or agrochemical application was abandoned due to its substantial toxicity (71), including nephrotoxicity (72).