Cochlioquinones 1968–2024: Chemistry, Biosynthesis, and Biological Activities with Future Perspectives

Cochlioquinones are a member of meroterpenoids possessing a core 6/6/6/6 tetracyclic ring system, which originate from the polyketide-terpenoid hybrid biosynthesis. Up to date, there are eighty-one analogues with diverse post-modifications isolated from different fungi, most of which exhibit different biological activities, such as phytotoxic, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and immunosuppressive effects. Structurally, cochlioquinones can be mainly categorized into two classes: benzoquinone-type and phenol-type cochlioquinones, respectively. In this review, chemistry and biology of cochlioquinones including the structures, NMR and MS features, bioactivities, and biosynthesis from 1968 to 2024 are systematically summarized, which might provide insights into the exploration and utilization of this group of meroterpenoids in the agricultural or pharmaceutical industry.