Record Information
Version1.0
Creation Date2009-12-22 22:31:14 UTC
Update Date2026-04-03 09:13:56 UTC
Accession NumberCHEM002632
Identification
Common NameSterigmatocystin
ClassSmall Molecule
DescriptionSterigmatocystin is a mycotoxin of Aspergillus versicolor and Chaetomium species Sterigmatocystin is a poison of the type dermatoxin, from the fungi genus Aspergillus. It appears on crusts of cheese with mold. Sterigmatocystin is a toxic metabolite structurally closely related to the aflatoxins (compare general fact sheet number 2), and consists of a xanthone nucleus attached to a bifuran structure. Sterigmatocystin is mainly produced by the fungi Aspergillus nidulans and A. versicolor. It has been reported in mouldy grain, green coffee beans and cheese although information on its occurrence in foods is limited. It appears to occur much less frequently than the aflatoxins, although analytical methods for its determination have not been as sensitive until recently, and so it is possible that small concentrations in food commodities may not always have been detected. Although it is a potent liver carcinogen similar to aflatoxin B1, current knowledge suggests that it is nowhere near as widespread in its occurrence. If this is the true situation it would be justified to consider sterigmatocystin as no more than a risk to consumers in special or unusual circumstances. Sterigmatocystin is a number of closely related compounds such o-methyl sterigmatocystin are known and some may also occur naturally. The IARC-classification of sterigmatocystin is group 2B, which means it is possibly carcinogenic to humans. In practice, the risk is quite low however, because this substance only appears on cheese crusts with mold, and because of that the chance of daily exposure is very low. Sterigmatocystin is a molded crust is best not to be consumed in whole, but after removing the crust, the cheese can still be consumed. Sterigmatocystin is a different kind of mold than that which appears on cheese itself, which can simply be removed before further consumption. Sterigmatocystin belongs to the family of Sterigmatocystins. These are phenolic compounds whose structure is based on the sterigmatocystin skeleton, a polycyclic aromatic moiety characterized by a furo[3',2':4,5]furan fused to a xanthen-7-one.
Contaminant Sources
  • FooDB Chemicals
  • IARC Carcinogens Group 2B
  • T3DB toxins
Contaminant Type
  • Ester
  • Ether
  • Food Toxin
  • Fungal Toxin
  • Metabolite
  • Mycotoxin
  • Natural Compound
  • Organic Compound
Chemical Structure
Thumb
Synonyms
ValueSource
3a,12C-Dihydro-8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-7H-furo[3',2':4,5]furo[2,3-c]xanthen-7-one, 9ciHMDB
SterigmatocystineHMDB
SterigmatocystinMeSH
Chemical FormulaC18H12O6
Average Molecular Mass324.284 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass324.063 g/mol
CAS Registry Number10048-13-2
IUPAC Name15-hydroxy-11-methoxy-6,8,20-trioxapentacyclo[10.8.0.0²,⁹.0³,⁷.0¹⁴,¹⁹]icosa-1(12),2(9),4,10,14,16,18-heptaen-13-one
Traditional Name15-hydroxy-11-methoxy-6,8,20-trioxapentacyclo[10.8.0.0²,⁹.0³,⁷.0¹⁴,¹⁹]icosa-1(12),2(9),4,10,14,16,18-heptaen-13-one
SMILESCOC1=CC2=C(C3C=COC3O2)C2=C1C(=O)C1=C(O)C=CC=C1O2
InChI IdentifierInChI=1S/C18H12O6/c1-21-11-7-12-13(8-5-6-22-18(8)24-12)17-15(11)16(20)14-9(19)3-2-4-10(14)23-17/h2-8,18-19H,1H3
InChI KeyUTSVPXMQSFGQTM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Chemical Taxonomy
Description belongs to the class of organic compounds known as sterigmatocystins. These are a group of closely related fungal metabolites chemically characterized by a xanthone moiety fused to a dihydrodifurano or a tetrahydrodifurano moiety. The chemical difference among the various sterigmagocystins are the presence or absence of unsaturation at positions 2 and 3 of the difurano ring system, the substitution pattern on positions 6, 7, and 10 of the xanthone system and/or the substituent on position 3 of the difurano system. They are produced by Aspergilus spp. and Bipolaris spp.
KingdomOrganic compounds
Super ClassPhenylpropanoids and polyketides
ClassSterigmatocystins
Sub ClassNot Available
Direct ParentSterigmatocystins
Alternative Parents
Substituents
  • Sterigmatocystin backbone
  • Xanthone
  • Dibenzopyran
  • Xanthene
  • Chromone
  • Benzopyran
  • 1-benzopyran
  • Coumaran
  • Anisole
  • 1-hydroxy-4-unsubstituted benzenoid
  • 1-hydroxy-2-unsubstituted benzenoid
  • Alkyl aryl ether
  • Pyranone
  • Pyran
  • Benzenoid
  • Heteroaromatic compound
  • Dihydrofuran
  • Vinylogous ester
  • Vinylogous acid
  • Ether
  • Oxacycle
  • Acetal
  • Organoheterocyclic compound
  • Organic oxygen compound
  • Hydrocarbon derivative
  • Organooxygen compound
  • Organic oxide
  • Aromatic heteropolycyclic compound
Molecular FrameworkAromatic heteropolycyclic compounds
External Descriptors
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginEndogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Membrane
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
ApplicationsNot Available
Biological Roles
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateSolid
AppearanceWhite powder.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting Point246°C
Boiling PointNot Available
SolubilityNot Available
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility0.17 g/LALOGPS
logP2.73ALOGPS
logP3.1ChemAxon
logS-3.3ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic)8.38ChemAxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)-3.7ChemAxon
Physiological Charge0ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count5ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count1ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area74.22 ŲChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count1ChemAxon
Refractivity83.7 m³·mol⁻¹ChemAxon
Polarizability31.51 ųChemAxon
Number of Rings5ChemAxon
Bioavailability1ChemAxon
Rule of FiveYesChemAxon
Ghose FilterYesChemAxon
Veber's RuleNoChemAxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemAxon
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyView
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-001j-1191000000-0a6fb0c05d0662b97bacSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (1 TMS) - 70eV, Positivesplash10-0fer-2019000000-7b902eddc1918abd0dfdSpectrum
Predicted GC-MSPredicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, PositiveNot AvailableSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-004i-0009000000-57d3fd838ffa3cafae4eSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-004i-0029000000-a3b6c07cd97d495b3641Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-054o-1492000000-fa083bd25b5fbd820615Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-00di-0009000000-46e1583b9996ec69f9aeSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-00di-0019000000-b69f8ae4547345c5a2baSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-0aor-4595000000-461228ac7946dfc70893Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positivesplash10-004i-0009000000-3ccf9c8a3e8c981e7a46Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positivesplash10-004i-0009000000-3ccf9c8a3e8c981e7a46Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positivesplash10-053r-0392000000-400e743e9316fb4b6848Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negativesplash10-00di-0009000000-1e58a8f96c64172c0c0fSpectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negativesplash10-00di-0039000000-91dca4d1af8ba1704d02Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MSPredicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negativesplash10-014l-2792000000-0293fe4b2f7e8ea52e84Spectrum
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureOral, dermal, inhalation, and parenteral (contaminated drugs). (8)
Mechanism of ToxicitySterigmatocystin's carcinogenic properties are a result of its ability to form guanyl DNA adducts and bind to DNA. In addition, DNA adduct formation causes enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and an imbalance in antioxidant defense, leading to enhanced lipid peroxidation that causes cell damage. (3, 6, 7)
MetabolismThe major urinary metabolite is identified as sterigmatocystin-beta-d-glucuronide. Another metabolite is 1,2-dihydro-2-(N7-guanyl)-1-hydroxysterigmatocystin. (4, 5)
Toxicity ValuesLD50: 166 mg/kg (Rat, 10 days) (2) LD50: >800 mg/kg (Mouse) (2) LD50: 60-65 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Rat) (2)
Lethal DoseNot Available
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (9)
Uses/SourcesThe occurrence of sterigmatocystin in raw materials and foods has not been reported often. The instances reported have usually been on mouldy, or poor quality materials such as wheat, maize, animal feed, hard cheese, pecan nuts and green coffee beans. (10)
Minimum Risk LevelNot Available
Health EffectsSterigmatocystin is considered as a potent carcinogen, mutagen and teratogen. It causes necrosis of the liver and kidney. May also cause hepatocellular carcinoma, acute hepatitis, Reye's syndrome, bile duct cell proliferation, periportal fibrosis, hemorrhages, mucous membrane jaundice, fatty liver changes, cirrhosis in malnourished children, and kwashiorkor. (1, 10)
SymptomsThe first clinical symptoms are anorexia and weight loss. It can also cause diarrhea. (1, 10)
TreatmentPhenobarbital may be administered to enhances hepatic transformation activities and protect against Sterigmatocystin-induced toxicity, carcinogenicity and DNA binding in vivo. In cases of ingestion, feeding large quantities of an adsorbent such as activated charcoal may be used. The hepatic function should be monitored. (1)
Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDNot Available
HMDB IDHMDB0030588
FooDB IDFDB002481
Phenol Explorer IDNot Available
KNApSAcK IDC00000563
BiGG IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
METLIN IDNot Available
PDB IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkSterigmatocystin
Chemspider ID4447522
ChEBI ID18227
PubChem Compound ID5284457
Kegg Compound IDC00961
YMDB IDNot Available
ECMDB IDNot Available
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDSNot Available
General References
1. Yannai, Shmuel. (2004) Dictionary of food compounds with CD-ROM: Additives, flavors, and ingredients. Boca Raton: Chapman & Hall/CRC.