Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicity of Punica granatum L., Peel

Abstract

Methanols extract of the Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) peel was screened for antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogenic bacteria. Antimicrobial tests were carried out using the disk diffusion assay and broth dilution method. The extract showed favorable antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogenic bacteria tested with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
value of 12.50 mg/ml. Furthermore, the extract was also tested against brine shrimp for toxicity. The extract exhibited no signifi cant toxicity (LC50 = 1.42 mg/ml) against Artemia salina. The study confi rms the possible antimicrobial potentiality of the peel extract of P. granatum. The study shows that the extract is a favorable antimicrobial agent with potential applications in public health
against diseases.