Investigating the role of cytochrome bd oxidases in the antibacterial activity of madecassic acid and derivatives thereof

RSC Medicinal Chemistry 2026 Open access

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Authors: Samantha Henry, Geraud N Sansom, Thao Thi Phuong Tran, Ryan Baxter Boughton, Guy Joiner, Calum Webster, Hondamuni Ireshika Chathurani De Silva, Michelle Dawn Garrett, Christopher J. Serpell, Gary K. Robinson, Mark Shepherd
DOI: 10.1039/d5md01116g
Cited by: 1
References: 23

Abstract

oxidases which are only found in prokaryotes and are therefore promising new targets, using madecassic acid and a set of synthetically modified derivatives. Our work shows that madecassic acid and its derivatives can block activity of these enzymes, while phenotypic effects in membrane and whole organism assays are more complex, consistent with modulation of multiple pathways depending upon molecular structure. This provides a new route to ursane-based antibacterial action while highlighting the importance of chemical modifications in fine-tuning biological activity of natural products.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Microbial Applications in Construction Materials Biological Stains and Phytochemicals Photodynamic Therapy Research Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
RSC Medicinal Chemistry
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Volume
17
Issue
3
Pages
1513–1520
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN