Understanding the interactions between metabolites isolated from Achyrocline satureioides in relation to its antibacterial activity

Abstract

As part of our ongoing research on the antibacterial activity of Achyrocline satureioides, this study seeks to better understand the interactions between the metabolites isolated from this plant. For this purpose, the combined effect of 23-methyl-6-O-desmethylauricepyrone (1), quercetin (2) and 3-O-methylquercetin (3), obtained through bioguided fractionation from A. satureioides ethanol extract, was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In first place, the antibacterial effect of the combination of flavonols 2 and 3 was assessed, as these showed individual effectiveness lower than or equal to that of the fraction from which they were obtained. When the flavonols were applied together at concentrations below their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, a synergistic effect (FICI < 0.30) against S. aureus was observed. In addition, compounds 2 and 3 in combination reduced 1000 times the MIC of compound 1, showing a clear synergistic interaction (FICI < 0.15) in treatments against the Gram (+) bacterium. The most active combination against E. coli showed an additive interaction (FICI < 0.62) between the three assayed compounds 1–3. These results indicated the existence of concerted action between these metabolites, evidence of the importance of the synergistic interactions between the components of plant-derived extracts for the control of pathogenic bacteria.