Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Punica Granatum Peel Extracts Against Oral Pathogens

Abstract

Objective: Punica granatum has been used for many years in folk medicine due to several
purposes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of
Punica granatum peel (MEPGP) against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus,
Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Actynomyces
viscosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, the mentioned oral organisms were cultured
in blood agar and mueller-hinton media and then paper disks containing MEPGP at
concentrations of 4 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml and 12 mg/ml were inserted on medias. The antimicrobial
activity was evaluated by agar disk diffusion method. The effects of three different
concentrations of MEPGP against microorganisms were compared using one-way
ANOVA and Tukey tests.
Results: All concentrations of MEPGP had antibacterial activity against S. aureus and S.
epidermidis. Only at concentration of 8 mg/ml and 12 mg/ml MEPGP was effective
against L. acidophilus, S. mutans and S. salivarius. Furthermore; no concentrations of
MEPGP inhibited A. viscosus and C. albicans.
Conclusion: This study suggests that MEPGP might be used as an antibacterial agent in
controlling oral infections.