Phytochemical
analysis and antibacterial activity of Punica granatum L. seed extract against clinically
isolated uropathogens
Dash Khirabdhi Tanaya, Parida Banojini and Das Sarita
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 17(2); 31-47;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/1702rjbt3147; (2022)
Abstract
The discovery of plant based drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants has
accelerated in recent years. Punica granatum L. is one such plant whose products
are useful in the treatment of many diseases including urinary tract infections
(UTI), since it is rich in various antioxidants like vitamin C, iron and phenolic
compounds. Antioxidant rich fluids are known to prevent bacteria from adhering to
the walls of the bladder and urethra; as a result UTI is cured or prevented. The
present investigation aims to explore the urobactericidal activity of different
solvent extracts of the seeds of P. granatum. In this study, P. granatum dried seed
powder was extracted exhaustively with different solvents i.e. hexane, chloroform,
acetone and methanol (HPG, CPG, APG and MPG). The presence of different phytochemicals
in these extracts was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively before evaluating
their urobactericidal and uroprotective potency.
It was found that seeds of pomegranate have many bioactive phytochemicals like terpenoids,
steroids, tannins, coumarins, glycosides, flavonoids and phenolic compounds that
contribute to its significant antibacterial activity and this was proved by various
methods and the zone or degree of growth inhibition was measured against different
uropathogens. It was observed that APG and MPG, which are rich in hydrophilic phytoconstituents
have significant bactericidal activity in comparison to HPG and CPG, which are rich
in hydrophobic compounds. Since, the active phytoconstituents present in P. granatum
seed have potent urobactericidal activity, it can be further explored for its tremendous
bioactive potentials and also attempts should be made to safeguard and cultivate
this miraculous plant which would be beneficial to the society.