Viridiflorol

Viridiflorol is a bicyclic sesquiterpenoid alcohol found in Asclepias and several other plant genera. It disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity through intercalation into phospholipid bilayers, increasing membrane fluidity and reducing the transmembrane proton gradient essential for ATP synthesis. This non-specific membrane disruption produces bactericidal effects against gram-positive respiratory pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, viridiflorol inhibits biofilm formation by respiratory pathogens, reducing their adherence to bronchial epithelium. Anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of prostaglandin synthase and reduction of nitric oxide production in activated macrophages has been demonstrated in vitro.