Natural Prenylflavonoids from Root Bark against Multidrug-Resistant Methicillin-Sensitive Targeting the Membrane Permeability.

The overuse of antibiotics in animal farming and aquaculture has led to multidrug-resistant methicillin-sensitive (MR-MSSA) becoming a common pathogen in foodborne diseases. Ait. serves as a traditional plant antibacterial agent and functional food ingredient. A total of 30 compounds (-) were isolated from the root bark of , consisting of 20 new compounds (-). In the biological activity assay, compound demonstrated a remarkable inhibitory effect on MR-MSSA, with an MIC of 2 μg/mL. Furthermore, was found to rapidly eliminate bacteria, inhibit biofilm growth, and exhibit exceptionally low cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies have revealed that possesses an enhanced membrane-targeting ability, binding to the bacterial cell membrane components phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and cardiolipin (CL). This disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity increases intracellular reactive oxygen species, protein and DNA leakage, reduced bacterial metabolism, and ultimately bacterial death. In summary, these findings suggest that compound holds promise as a lead compound against MR-MSSA.