Asperiecolins A–D: Undescribed Variecolin-Type Sesterterpenoids with Anti-Inflammatory and AChE Inhibitory Activities from Aspergillus sp. TJ403-YJ22

Four new sesterterpenoids, designated as asperiecolins A-D (1-4), were isolated from fungus Aspergillus sp. TJ403-YJ22. Asperiecolin A (1) possesses an unprecedented 5/8/6/6/5-fused pentacyclic framework with 11 stereocenters, while asperiecolins B (2) and C (3) feature an unusual five-membered lactam ring. All compounds inhibited LPS-induced NO and TNF-α production in macrophages. Additionally, compound 1 exhibited potent AChE inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.67 ± 0.05 μM), highlighting its therapeutic potential for inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.