Madecassic acid, a plant-based compound widely used in Korean skincare products, may have potential beyond cosmetic use. New research from the University of Kent suggests the ingredient could help fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The study was carried out with researchers from University College London and combined computer screening with laboratory testing.

Madecassic acid is derived from Centella asiatica, a medicinal herb commonly used across Asia.

Researchers said the compound showed strong antibacterial properties and could serve as a starting point for future drug development.

The findings come as antimicrobial resistance continues to grow as a global health concern.

Experts estimate drug-resistant infections could contribute to 39 million deaths between 2025 and 2050.

The research, published in RSC Medicinal Chemistry, found that madecassic acid can stop antibiotic-resistant E. coli from growing.

Scientists said the compound works by binding to the cytochrome bd complex, a protein system bacteria use for respiration and survival during infection.

Because this system is not found in humans or animals, researchers believe it could be a useful target for new treatments.

By interfering with that process, madecassic acid disrupts the bacteria’s ability to function normally.

Researchers also found that the compound’s chemical structure can be modified. The team extracted madecassic acid from a plant sample in Vietnam and developed three altered versions. All three blocked the cytochrome bd complex and stopped bacterial growth. One modified version was able to kill E. coli at higher concentrations.

Scientists said they plan to continue refining the compounds to improve effectiveness and study their potential as future medicines.

Researchers said the findings may also help explain how madecassic acid affects the skin microbiome when used in skincare products.

This could offer further insight into its broader biological effects.

Lead author Dr. Mark Shepherd of the University of Kent said plants have supplied natural medicines for thousands of years, and modern research methods can now help explain how those compounds work.

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