Natural Hits Block Super‑Resistant Bacteria

A new study tackled the problem of bacteria that ignore most antibiotics. Scientists focused on an enzyme called GES‑5, which breaks down powerful drugs known as carbapenems. To find blockers for this enzyme, they scanned more than seven thousand plant‑based molecules from two separate collections. Using a computer program, they docked each compound into the enzyme’s active pocket and looked for those that fit best. The top performers had binding scores of –10 kcal/mol or better, a sign they could lock onto GES‑5 strongly. Three molecules stood out: Riccardin C, Daturametelin A, and 2‑hydroxysenaganolide.Before moving to the lab, researchers checked how these molecules would behave in a body. Tools that predict absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) showed most of the hits had good drug‑like traits and low danger levels. To confirm stability, they ran a 100‑nanosecond simulation that mimics how the enzyme and each inhibitor move together. The complexes stayed intact throughout, suggesting real‑world effectiveness is plausible. Overall, the work highlights several natural candidates that could help restore antibiotic power against stubborn bacterial foes. The approach provides a solid blueprint for further laboratory testing and possible drug development.