Pomegranate extract inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth and subsequent enterotoxin production

J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 4;96(1-2):335-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.08.034.

Abstract

In Brazil, pomegranate (Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae)) is widely used as a phytotherapeutic agent. This study evaluates the effect of pomegranate extract on Staphylococcus aureus FRI 722 growth and subsequent enterotoxin production. Bacterial susceptibility was determined by tube dilution method and production of enterotoxin was assessed using membrane-over-agar (MOA) plates. At a low extract concentration (0.01% v/v) bacterial growth was delayed, while a higher concentration (1% v/v) eliminated bacterial growth. Most interestingly, a 0.05% (v/v) concentration of extract was found to inhibit Staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) A production. These data further implicate pomegranate extracts as potential antibacterial therapeutics with the added ability to inhibit enterotoxin production.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Enterotoxins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Enterotoxins / biosynthesis
  • Fruit / chemistry
  • Lythraceae*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / growth & development
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Enterotoxins
  • Plant Extracts