α-Iso-cubebene, a natural compound isolated from Schisandra chinensis fruit, has therapeutic benefit against polymicrobial sepsis

► α-Iso-cubebene showed therapeutic effect against experimental sepsis. ► α-Iso-cubebene enhanced the bactericidal effects in CLP sepsis model. ► α-Iso-cubebene reduced vital organ inflammation and immune cell apoptosis. ► α-Iso-cubebene significantly reduced the production of TNF-α in sepsis model. ► The finding suggests a novel therapeutic approach to treat polymicrobial sepsis.