Triterpeneglycosides as Inhibitors of Fungal Growth and Metabolism 6. The Effect of Aescin on Fungi with Reduced Sterol Contents

The amount of sterols in the mycelia of Ophiobolus gra-minis and Neurospora crassa was reduced by cultivating the fungi in the presence of inhibitors of the sterol synthesis. The hypocholesteraemic compounds β-diethylaminoethyl-(2.2-diphenylpentanoate) hydrochloride (SK & F 525-A) and 2.2-diphenyl -1 -(β- dimethylaminoethoxy)pentane hydrocchloride (SK & F 3301-A) were particularly effective in reducing the sterol contents. At the same time, the growth yield was reduced. Aescin had a reduced inhibitory effect on the radial growth of the mycelia with decreased sterol contents, the leakage of UV-absorbing substances and K⁺ ions was reduced to small amounts, and the inhibition of the K⁺ uptake was nullified.