Rubesanolides C-E: Abietane diterpenoids isolated from Isodon rubescens and evaluation of their anti-biofilm activity

Phytochemical study of the leaves of the medicinal plant Isodon rubescens led to the isolation of three novel abietane diterpenoids, rubesanolides C-E (1-3). These diterpenes contain a unique γ-lactone subgroup formed between C-8 and C-20. Their structures were determined from analysis of spectroscopic data, and were further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data. The compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity, and rubesanolide D (2) demonstrated inhibition activity against biofilm formation of the dental bacterium Streptococcus mutans.