Tetramic acid antibiotics biological activity

It is somewhat surprising to find that there have been only three published reviews on tetramic acids. The first reports on the advances in tetramic acid chemistry up to 1993 [1], another describes the synthesis of tetramic acid antibiotics [3], and a third, dealing with the structure, isolation and synthesis of naturally occurring tetramic acids, was published in 1995 [4]. The present review is an attempt to cover the field of tetramic acid metabolites with particular emphasis on the structure, biosynthesis and biological activity of these compounds. 

The spectrum of biological activity displayed by tetramic acid-containing natural products is remarkable in its diversity it includes potent antibiotic, antiviral and antiulcerative properties, cytotoxicity and mycotoxicity, the inhibition of tumors (in mice and humans) as well as fungicidal action." Other members of this class are responsible for the pigmentation of certain molds and sponges. 

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