Three stilbenes from pigeon pea with promising anti-MRSA biofilm formation activities

Abstract Cajaninstilbene acid (CSA), Longistylin A (LLA) and Longistylin C (LLC) are three characteristic stilbenes isolated from pigeon pea, exhibiting antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and even methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results showed that LLA had the highest antibacterial activity against the tested strains following by LLC and CSA. Besides, the results implied that these stilbenes effectively inhibited the levels of adhesion and virulence genes and downregulate the production of ɑ -hemolysin. This study showed that stilbenes from pigeon pea have anti-Staphylococcus potential, and they also inhibited bacterial proliferation, biofilm formation, and key gene expressions related to adhesion and virulence of MRSA. It is the first time that the anti- S. aureus and MRSA activities of the three stilbenes has been systematically reported. These current findings provide insight into the anti-MRSA mechanism of stilbenes from pigeon pea, indicating these compounds may be used as antimicrobial agents or additives for food with health functions, and contribute to the development as well as application of pigeon pea in food science.