ABSTRACT
Cyathus is the largest genus (Nidulariaceae) collectively called the bird’s nest fungi. The genus currently has 61 species with a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate as well as tropical countries but rare in polar or glacial regions. Being saprobic, derive nutrition from decomposing organic matter, often they grow on decaying wood and in soils enriched by wood chips or mulch of bark. The genus Cyathus is a major source of a wide range of bioactive metabolites mostly diterpenoids. Some of the compounds of Cyathus deploy antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal), anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. This review uncovers the bioactive metabolites of different species of Cyathus along with their origin and biological activities.
