Antimicrobial pomegranate rind extracts: enhancement by Cu(II) and vitamin C combinations against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Br J Biomed Sci. 2009;66(3):129-32. doi: 10.1080/09674845.2009.11730258.

Abstract

Recently, natural products have been further evaluated as sources of antimicrobial agents with efficacies against a variety of microorganisms. This study reports the antimicrobial activities of pomegranate rind extract (PRE) in combination with Fe(II) and Cu(II) salts against extended-spectrum multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial suspension assays were carried out using aqueous extract of pomegranate alone or in combination with metals salts against P. aeruginosa. The extract:metal salt combination was also enhanced with the addition of vitamin C. Marked activities were observed for the aqueous PRE/Cu(II) preparations, which were greatly enhanced by the addition of the reductant vitamin C. In contrast, the aqueous PRE/Fe(II) preparations were inactive, regardless of addition of vitamin C. The combination of PRE and Cu(II) salts and vitamin C showed the greatest activity against clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. These results warrant further investigation of PRE as a potential source of new antimicrobial agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Copper / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Synergism
  • Fruit
  • Humans
  • Ions
  • Iron / pharmacology
  • Lythraceae*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / growth & development

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Ions
  • Plant Extracts
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Ascorbic Acid