Shikonin and Alkannin inhibit ATP synthase and impede the cell growth in Escherichia coli.

Naturally occurring naphthoquinones, shikonin and alkannin, are important ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine Zicao. These constituents are reported to have many therapeutic uses, such as wound healing; scar treatment; and anti-inflammation, anti-acne, anti-ulcer, anti-HIV, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. The primary objective of this investigation was to explore the effect of shikonin and alkannin on Escherichia coli ATP synthase and its cell growth.

Inhibition of Escherichia coli ATP synthase and cell growth by dietary pomegranate phenolics.

Historically, people have been using pomegranate to alleviate many disease conditions. Pomegranate is known for its antiinflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. In the current study, we examined effects of 8 dietary phenolics present in pomegranate (DPPs)-cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanin chloride, delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, pelargonin chloride, punicalagin, and punicalin-on Escherichia coli ATP synthase and cell growth.