Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of Punica granatum L. seed extract against clinically isolated uropathogens

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.