A survey of the diversity and distribution of microfungi on Dracaena leaf litter in Songkhla Province (Thailand) yielded two collections of pestalotiopsis-like fungi. Analyses of a combined ITS, TEF1-α and TUB2 sequence data matrix were applied to infer the phylogenetic position of these new isolates in Pestalotiopsis. The phylogenies indicated that these two isolates were monophyletic and constituted a distinct lineage that perceived a taxonomic novelty in Pestalotiopsis. This clade shared a close phylogenetic affinity with P. adusta, P. krabiensis, P. pandanicola and P. papuana. The comparison of morphological features with the phylogenetically closely related taxa are given and the new species is introduced as Pestalotiopsis dracaenicola sp. nov. with comprehensive descriptions and illustrations herein.

In the present study, we report two new asexual fungal species (i.e., Discosia rhododendricola, Neopestalotiopsis rhododendricola (Sporocadaceae) and a new host for a previously described species (i.e., Diaporthe nobilis; Diaporthaceae). All species were isolated from Rhododendron spp. in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. All taxa are described based on morphology, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using a multigenic approach (LSU, ITS, RPB2, TEF1 and TUB2). The phylogenetic analyses indicated that D. rhododendronicola sp. nov. is phylogenetically related to D. muscicola, and N. rhododendricola sp. nov is related to N. sonnaratae. Diaporthe nobilis is reported herein as a new host record from Rhododendron sp. for China, and its phylogeny is depicted based on ITS, TEF1 and TUB2 sequence data.

Currently, our understanding of the fungi associated with Dracaena species is limited. There is a clear need for more comprehensive information, especially in the context of Thailand. In our study, we collected dead Dracaena leaves with fungal structures from limestone outcrops in seven Thai provinces: Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ratchaburi, Songkhla, and Tak. The fungi in these samples were isolated and identified using a combination of morphological characteristics and a multi-loci phylogeny (ACT, CHS-1, GAPDH, ITS, LSU, and TUB2). We are thrilled to introduce seven taxa belonging to four families within three orders (Chaetosphaeriales, Glomerellales, and Xylariales). Our detailed morphological descriptions and updated phylogenetic trees of two new species (Zygosporium dracaenae, and Z. dracaenicola) and five new host/geographical records (Colletotrichum dracaenophilum, C. gigasporum, C. truncatum, Malaysiasca phaii, and Neoleptosporella camporesiana) represent a significant step forward in our understanding of this field.

Melanin accumulation is the primary cause of skin hyperpigmentation, and most existing cosmetic agents address this process by inhibiting melanogenesis. In contrast, strategies that directly decolorize or degrade melanin remain largely unexplored. In this study, we report a novel biobased cosmetic ingredient derived from onion (Allium cepa)–associated endophytic fungi that exhibits direct melanin decolorization alongside skin-whitening and anti-aging activities. Endophytic fungi were isolated from onion tissues, and aqueous extracts were prepared to ensure cosmetic-grade compatibility. Preliminary screening demonstrated exceptional melanin-reducing capacity among the isolates, with a maximum reduction of 97.83%, highlighting their strong melanin degrading potential. A selected isolate, identified as Aspergillus brasiliensis (ACL05), was further investigated to elucidate the influence of sterilization methods on bioactivity. The autoclaved culture filtrate retained substantial melanin-reducing activity (62.85%), whereas ultrasonication-based cell inactivation resulted in significantly lower activity (32.54%), indicating that heat-stable extracellular metabolites are primarily responsible for melanin decolorization. A cosmetic essence formulated using the sterile ACL05 extract achieved a measurable melanin reduction of 15.39%, demonstrating formulation feasibility and functional efficacy. Beyond melanin decolorization, the ACL05 extract exhibited multifunctional anti-aging properties, including inhibitory activities against tyrosinase, collagenase, and elastase, as well as significant antioxidant capacity as determined by the DPPH assay. Collectively, these findings reveal, for the first time, the potential of onion-derived endophytic Aspergillus brasiliensis as a sustainable source of multifunctional cosmetic bioactives. This work introduces a new paradigm for skin-whitening based on direct melanin decolorization while simultaneously addressing skin aging, supporting the development of next-generation biobased cosmetic ingredients.

Melanin accumulation is the primary cause of skin hyperpigmentation, and most existing cosmetic agents address this process by inhibiting melanogenesis. In contrast, strategies that directly decolorize or degrade melanin remain largely unexplored. In this study, we report a novel biobased cosmetic ingredient derived from onion (Allium cepa) associated endophytic fungi that exhibits direct melanin decolorization alongside skin-whitening and anti-aging activities. Endophytic fungi were isolated from onion tissues, and aqueous extracts were prepared to ensure cosmetic-grade compatibility. Preliminary screening demonstrated exceptional melanin-reducing capacity among the isolates, with a maximum reduction of 97.83%, highlighting their strong melanin degrading potential. A selected isolate, identified as Aspergillus brasiliensis (ACL05), was further investigated to elucidate the influence of sterilization methods on bioactivity. The autoclaved culture filtrate retained substantial melanin-reducing activity (62.85%), whereas ultrasonication-based cell inactivation resulted in significantly lower activity (32.54%), indicating that heat-stable extracellular metabolites are primarily responsible for melanin decolorization. A cosmetic essence formulated using the sterile ACL05 extract achieved a measurable melanin decolorization of 15.39%, demonstrating formulation feasibility and functional efficacy. Beyond melanin decolorization, the ACL05 extract exhibited multifunctional anti-aging properties, including inhibitory activities against tyrosinase, collagenase, and elastase, as well as significant antioxidant capacity as determined by the DPPH assay. Collectively, these findings reveal, for the first time, the potential of onion-derived endophytic Aspergillus brasiliensis as a sustainable source of multifunctional cosmetic bioactives. This work introduces a new paradigm for skin-whitening based on direct melanin decolorization while simultaneously addressing skin aging, supporting the development of next-generation biobased cosmetic ingredients.