Antimicrobial Properties of Punica granatum Extracts: Phenolic Concentration and Antimicrobial potential.

Abstract

The antimicrobial attributes of pomegranate are ascribed to its phenolic compounds that works as natural defense mechanisms particularly hydrolyzable tannins such as gallic acid and ellagic acid were assessed for antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to assess ellagic acid and total phenol levels, extraction method yields, and inhibitory effects of Punica granatum extracts from various plant parts against E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum. Samples of dried peels, seeds, and leaves were used in triplicates, and extracts were obtained via Soxhlet extraction and percolation using water, ethyl alcohol and  ethyl acetate solvents. Ellagic acid content was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while total phenols expressed in gallic acid were assessed spectrophotometrically. Antimicrobial activity was assesed through disc diffusion following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The highest of phenol concentrations were detected in leaves followed by pomegranate peel and least were in seed extract.