Antimicrobial activity of oridonin

Abstract

Oridonin is an enantiomer-kaurene tetracyclic diterpenoid compound, which is the main active component of Rabdosia rubescens, a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been reported to exert anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, proapoptotic, anti-angiogenic, neuroprotective, and other pharmacological effects. Owing to the overuse of antibiotics, currently, the medical and food industries are facing drug resistance challenges, which have severely impacted food and medical safety. Thus, new antibacterial agents must be identified. As an important active component of Rabdosia rubescens, oridonin has been extensively and deeply studied in antimicrobial aspects. This paper reviews the antimicrobial activity of oridonin and its underlying mechanism. In addition, its safety and application as an antibacterial agent were briefly introduced. Finally, the current problems and challenges of the application of oridonin and the prospects were also elucidated.