Total Synthesis of Kuwanons A and B and Discovery of Their Antibacterial Mechanism

Kuwanons A (1) and B (2) are
two natural
prenylated flavones isolated from the root bark of Morus alba L. In this study, the first total syntheses of kuwanons A (1) and B (2) were achieved from a common intermediate
with overall yields of 6.6% and 11.6%, respectively. Kuwanon B (2) exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive
bacteria and concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Preliminary mechanism of
action studies suggested that this compound killed bacteria rapidly
by disrupting bacterial membrane integrity