Endophytic fungi have proved to be a major source of secondary metabolites, wherein the genus
Chaetomium
has emerged as a source of multifarious bioactive natural compounds belonging to diverse classes such as chaetoglobosins, epipolythiodioxopiperazines, azaphilones, xanthones, anthraquinone, chromones, depsidones, terpenoids, and steroids. The objective of this review is to encapsulate recent findings on various
Chaetomium
strains, such as
C. globosum
,
C. cupreum
,
C. elatum
,
C. subspirale
,
C. olivaceum
,
C. indicum
, and
C. nigricolor
known for production of beneficial secondary metabolites, with an insight into their origin and function. A thorough literature survey was conducted for obtaining
Chaetomium
-derived secondary metabolites, with a scope of future application into drug development efforts. More than 100 secondary metabolites, with various beneficial properties such as antitumor, cytotoxic, antimalarial, and enzyme inhibitory activities, were enlisted. We believe this review will enhance the understanding of beneficial effects conferred by various
Chaetomium
-derived secondary metabolites and emphasize their potential in serving novel drug development efforts.
Key points
•
Identified
Chaetomium
-
derived metabolites with potential for drug development.
• More than 100 beneficial metabolites are enlisted.
•
Benefits include anti-cancerous, antimalarial, and anti-enzymatic properties
.
Graphical Abstract