Quick identification of kuraridin, a noncytotoxic anti-MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) agent from Sophora flavescens using high-speed counter-current chromatography

► High-speed counter-current chromatography provided successful fractionation with high sample recovery to drug discovery from Sophora flavescens. ► Two anti-MRSA agents, sophoraflavanone G and were identified from the active fraction. ► Sophoraflavanone G showed potent cytotoxicity against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). ► Kuraridin was noncytotoxic against human PBMCs.