Molecular insights and RAPD profiling of bioactive compounds from Salacia oblonga wall: inhibition of mecA and beta-lactamase in drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Salacia oblonga Wall, a woody climber in the Celastraceae family, found across southern India and Sri Lanka, is widely used in traditional Indian medicine and Ayurveda to cure diabetes. The root bark of S. oblonga Wall is also used to treat rheumatism, gonorrhea, and skin problems. Our previous investigations have unraveled important bioactive substances, including β-amyrin, γ-sitosterol, and Ursa-9(11),12-dien-3-yl acetate, from S. oblonga Wall root extracts. This study explores the antibacterial potential of bioactive components of S. oblonga Wall against Staphylococcus aureus, which has become resistant to several antibiotics. Molecular docking demonstrated substantial binding affinities between bioactive chemicals and S. aureus drug-resistant genes. Additionally, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis was performed to analyze the genetic diversity and molecular alterations in S. aureus after treatment with S. oblonga Wall phytochemicals. The results demonstrated significant band pattern variations, showing the effectiveness of these bioactive chemicals in treating drug-resistant S. aureus. This work investigates the antibacterial mechanism of S. oblonga Wall phytochemicals, emphasizing their potential as alternative treatment agents against antibiotic-resistant infections.