Chiral isolation and absolute configuration of (+)- and (−)-desyunnane A and melissifoliane B, two homogentisic acid derivatives from Desmos yunnanensis

A previously unreported homogentisic acid derivative (1, desyunnane A) and a known analogue (2, melissifoliane B) were isolated from the branches and leaves of Desmos yunnanensis. Their structures were determined by NMR analysis combined with quantum chemical calculations. Melissifoliane B displayed marginal antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans with an MIC of 128 μg/mL.