What is "ascofuranone"

Ascofuranone is an antibiotic produced by the fungus Ascochyta viciae. that inhibits the Trypanosoma brucei alternative oxidase and is a lead compound in efforts to produce other drugs targeting this enzyme for the treatment of sleeping sickness. The compound is effective both in vitro cell culture and in infections in mice.

Ascofuranone has also been reported to have anti-tumor activity, and modulate the immune system.