Two new polyketide-amino acid hybrids with antibacterial activities from <i>Cordyceps cicadae</i>

<i>Cordyceps cicadae</i> (Chanhua in Chinese), a species recognised for its medicinal properties and used as one traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been extensively studied for its bioactive components. In this study, two new polyketide-amino acid hybrids were isolated and characterised from <i>C. cicadae</i> FJNU 0030. These compounds were systematically isolated, and their structures were elucidated using high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The two compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activities in the bioassay. These findings contribute to the ongoing exploration of <i>C. cicadae</i> as a source of novel bioactive compounds, potentially leading to the development of new antimicrobial agents. The study accentuates the importance of TCM fungi in discovering new therapeutic compounds.