Biofouling. 2013 Aug 1. [Epub ahead of print]
[h=1]The anti-biofilm potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract against human bacterial and fungal pathogens.[/h]Bakkiyaraj D, Nandhini JR, Malathy B, Pandian SK.
[h=3]Source[/h]a Department of Biotechnology , Alagappa University , Karaikudi , India.

[h=3]Abstract[/h]

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and fungi are the major cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Multi-drug resistance in these pathogens augments the complexity and severity of the diseases. Various studies have shown the role of biofilms in multi-drug resistance, where the pathogen resides inside a protective coat made of extracellular polymeric substances. Since biofilms directly influence the virulence and pathogenicity of a pathogen, it is optimal to employ a strategy that effectively inhibits the formation of biofilm. Pomegranate is a common food and is also used traditionally to treat various ailments. This study assessed the anti-biofilm activity of a methanolic extract of pomegranate against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Methanolic extract of pomegranate was shown to inhibit the formation of biofilms by Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant S. aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.

Further studies revealed the ability of ellagic acid to inhibit the growth of all species in suspension at higher concentrations (>75 μg ml-1) and biofilm formation at lower concentrations (<40 μg ml-1) which warrants further investigation of the potential of ellagic acid or peel powders of pomegranate for the treatment of human ailments.