Diterpenoids from Isodon serra with promising anti-MRSA activities

A series of known diterpenoids from Isodon serra (Maxim.) Hara exhibited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and even methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Among these diterpenoids, hebeirubescensin K (7), effusanin E (8), and nodosin (9) showed the optimal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 3.12 to 6.25 μg/mL against tested MRSA strains, and they also inhibited bacterial proliferation, biofilm formation, and key gene expressions related to adhesion and virulence of MRSA. In vivo experiments also demonstrated the antibacterial abilities of 7–9 as topical drugs and promoted wound healing caused by a MSRA infection. It is the first time that the anti-S. aureus and MRSA activities of diterpenoids from I. serra has been systematically reported. These current findings provide insight into the anti-MRSA mechanism of diterpenoids from I. serra; indicating these compounds may be used as antimicrobial agents and contribute to the development as well as application of I. serra in phytomedicine for MRSA infections.