Structural characterisation of a novel anti-quorum sensing molecule isolated from the seed of M. fragrans (nutmeg)

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication process that keeps bacterial cells intact. Targeting bacterial cell-to-cell communication is a novel strategy to control multidrug-resistant bacteria that could not be controlled by traditional antibiotics. Anti-quorum sensing signalling molecule from the seed extract of M. fragrans (nutmeg), using a combination of HPLC, FTIR, LC-MS, and NMR techniques was analysed in the present study. According to the spectra of analytical techniques, the characterised anti-QS compound was identified and named as '3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-octa-deca-hydrochrysene'. Anti-QS activity of the identified molecule was further confirmed against P. aeruginosa bacterium. The novel purified anti-QS molecule may be developed as a potential drug molecule to fight against bacterial infections.