Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity in Pomegranate Peels and Arils by using Ethanolic Extract against S. mutans and L. acidophilus

Abstract

The use of antibiotics has revolutionized the treatment of various enteric bacterial infections. However, their indiscriminate use has led to an alarming increase in antibiotic resistance among microorganisms, thus necessitating the need for development of novel antimicrobials. Then main objective of this study is to evaluate antibacterial activity of pomegranate fruit extract on selected bacterial culture. Antibacterial activity of pomegranate was tested on MRS agar plates by employing punch well technique. Various concentrations of the peels, arils and peels and arils mixture (1:1) prepared by dissolving in Dimethyl Sulphoxide to obtain a final concentration of 10g.ml, 5g.ml, 2.5g.ml and 1.25g.ml against the test organisms. The sensitivity of bacterial strains to aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the peels and arils of Punica granatum calculated by measuring the diameter of inhibition zone. Result showed combination of peels and arils extract has greater inhibitory effect. Arils have no inhibitory effect against selected organisms. Result showed combination of peels and arils have greater antibacterial effect than pure peel extract. Also result showed combination of peels and arils have greater antibacterial effect on L. acidophilus in comparison with pure peel extract. Also result showed pure peel extract has grater antibacterial effect on S. mutans in comparison with combination of peel and arils extract.