Granatum Fruit Research Articles

Exploring the antimicrobial potential of pomegranate peel extracts (PPEs): Extraction techniques and bacterial susceptibility.

Antimicrobial resistance is increasing globally and is one of the major public health concerns. This highlights the need to search for new antimicrobial agents. Natural fruit by-products are a rich source of bioactive compounds. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit is particularly rich in phenolic bioactive phytochemicals. These compounds are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Furthermore, they exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial effects. Bioactive phytochemicals are found mainly in peel (exocarp and mesocarp), which constitutes about 50% of the whole fresh fruit. This study utilized pomegranate of Jordanian origin to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different Pomegranate peel extracts (PPEs) alone and/or in combination with antibacterial agents against four bacterial strains. Different solvents and extraction methods were employed to obtain the PPEs. A key focus was to explore the enhancement of antibacterial activity against gentamicin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) when microwaved aqueous extracts are combined with gentamicin. The antibacterial activity of PPEs varied depending on the extraction method and the solvent used. Notably, the aqueous macerate and microwave-assisted extract showed high potency and similar activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and P. aeruginosa (MICs 12.5, 25, and 25 μg/μL, respectively for both aqueous extracts). In contrast, Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) was more susceptible to the inhibitory activity of organic PPEs with a MIC of 25 μg/μL recorded with the use of ethanolic solvents. Bacterial antagonistic activity was observed against gentamicin-resistant P. aeruginosa, particularly when lower concentrations (3.125, 1.562, 0.781, and 0.39 μg/μL) of microwaved aqueous PPEs were evaluated in combination with different concentrations of gentamicin. In conclusion, pomegranate peels, a natural and safe by-product, demonstrate promising antimicrobial potential. Furthermore, combining PPEs with conventional antibiotics shows promise in addressing antibiotic resistance, highlighting their potential role in treating infectious diseases.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (NPPs) Using Xylocarpus Granatum Fruit Extract and its Application in Heavy Metal Pollution Detection

Heavy metals are dangerous pollutants because they are toxic, non-biodegradable, and stable. Mercury (Hg) is a type of heavy metal that is often a source of pollution in the aquatic environment. The biosynthesis process of nanoparticles using Xylocarpus granatum fruit extract as a bioreductant has been carried out using the green synthesis method. The research was conducted to synthesize silver nanoparticles (NPP) from Xylocarpus granatum fruit extract to detect heavy metals. The optimum condition of NPP was obtained through the comparison of AgNO3 concentration with extract and reaction time. The optimum NPP produced was at a concentration of AgNO3 1 mM 1:1 at a synthesis time of 2 hours. The NPP formed is selective to Hg metal as can be seen from the color change of NPP from dark brown to clear and sensitive to Hg metal at a concentration of 40 ppm. The calibration curve formed obtained a linear regration value of the relationship between the concentration of Hg standard solution and absorbance, namely y = -0.01330 + 3.71658 with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.99229. Based on the standard curve obtained NPP mangrove fruit extract Xylocarpus granatum has an accuracy of 99.229% in predicting the concentration of the sample.

Limonoid Constituents of Xylocarpus granatum Fruits from Vietnam: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies

Limonoid Constituents of Xylocarpus granatum Fruits from Vietnam: Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies

Molecular Docking analysis of the antibacterial effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit molasses bioactive compounds

Molecular Docking analysis of the antibacterial effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit molasses bioactive compounds

Phytochemistry of Punica granatum Fruit: Its Nutritional and Biological Potential

The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry, nutritional composition, and therapeutic implications associated with the consumption of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit, renowned for its dual role as a taste delicacy and a medicinal agent. A detailed exploration of the phytochemical composition is undertaken. Recognized for its myriad health benefits, this fruit has been historically employed as a remedy for diverse disorders, with its leaves, peel, and bark demonstrating efficacy in treating gastrointestinal issues leading to diarrhea. Notably, pomegranate juice has been utilized in treating cholera, while the oil extracted from seeds exhibits notable efficacy in addressing skin and breast cancer. The review underscores the presence of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, ellagitannins, catechin, and phenols, across various species of P. granatum. In addition to its rich phytochemical profile, pomegranate emerges as a nutritionally rich fruit, boasting significant quantities of vitamins C and D, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fibers. Its nutritional composition aligns with its therapeutic properties, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial attributes. Notably, a single cup of pomegranate arils contains 72 calories, 16 g of carbohydrates, and 3 g of dietary fiber. This review serves to deepen our understanding of the multifaceted nature of pomegranate, and addresses emerging and technological advancements in pomegranate phytochemistry.

Comparative study of natural and synthetic dyes in DSSCs: An experimental and computational approach

This study explores the natural and synthetic dyes as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Anthocyanin dye extract (PG) from pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit, betanin pigment (BR) from beetroot (Beta vulgaris), and the commercially available organic dye, Rose Bengal (RB), were investigated as sensitizers for DSSCs and their photovoltaic performances were recorded. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) studies have also been performed in order to get insight into the photophysical and photoelectrochemical properties. The overall efficiencies (η) of 0.34%, 0.30%, and 0.25% were obtained for the PG, BR, and RB dyes under 1 sun illumination, respectively. The results infer that PG dye would act as a promising photo-sensitizer for DSSCs as compared to BR and RB sensitizers, which may be due to better interaction between anthocyanin molecule of pomegranate extract and TiO2.

Antitumor Activity of a Lectin Purified from Punica granatum Pulps against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) Cells.

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with various pharmacological activities, such as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer. Punica granatum fruit extract has traditional uses, however, the anti-cancer activity of purified lectin isolated from P. granatum pulp is yet to be reported. The goals of this study are purification, characterization of the lectin from P. granatum, and examination of the purified lectin's anticancer potential. Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) ion-exchange chromatography was used to purify the lectin, and SDSPAGE was used to check the purity and homogeneity of the lectin. Spectrometric and chemical analysis were used to characterize the lectin. The anticancer activity of the lectin was examined using in vivo and in vitro functional assays. A lectin, designated as PgL of 28.0 ± 1.0 kDa molecular mass, was isolated and purified from the pulps of P. granatum and the lectin contains 40% sugar. Also, it is a bivalent ion-dependent lectin and lost its 75% activity in the presence of urea (8M). The lectin agglutinated blood cells of humans and rats, and sugar molecules such as 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-manopyranoside and 2- nitrophenyl -β- D-glucopyranoside inhibited PgL's hemagglutination activity. At pH ranges of 6.0-8.0 and temperature ranges of 30°C -80°C, PgL exhibited the highest agglutination activity. In vitro MTT assay showed that PgL inhibited Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. PgL exhibited 39 % and 58.52 % growth inhibition of EAC cells in the mice model at 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg/day (i.p.), respectively. In addition, PgL significantly increased the survival time (32.0 % and 49.3 %) of EAC-bearing mice at 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg/day doses (i.p.), respectively, in comparison to untreated EAC-bearing animals (p < 0.01). Also, PgL reduced the tumor weight of EAC-bearing mice (66.6 versus 39.13%; p < 0.01) at the dose of 3.0 mg/kg/day treatment. Furthermore, supplementation of PgL restored the haematological parameters toward normal levels deteriorated in EAC-bearing animals by the toxicity of EAC cells. The results indicated that the purified lectin has anticancer activity and has the potential to be developed as an effective chemotherapy agent.

New Meroterpenoid Derivatives from the Pomegranate-Derived Endophytic Fungus Talaromyces purpureogenus.

In this study, we report the isolation of two new meroterpenoids, miniolutelide D (1) and miniolutelide E (13-epi-miniolutelide C) (2), along with two meroterpenoidal analogues (3 and 4) and two phenolic compounds (5 and 6) from the endophytic fungus Talaromyces purpureogenus derived from Punica granatum fruits. Their structures were elucidated using extensive MS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses as well as by comparing with data in the literature. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined using TDDFT-ECD calculations. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated. Compound 5 displayed significant activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC 700699 and moderate activity against S. aureus strain ATCC 29213.

Antioxidant, Antistress, Nootropic activity and its Correlation studies of aqueous extract of Punica granatum fruit estimated by Noninvasive biomarkers and Y-maze test in rodents

The memory loss associated with increased oxidative stress due to increased level of free radicals. Oxidative stress has been involved in several diseases includes cancer, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases.This study aimed to estimate the correlation of antioxidant and antistress activity with nootropic activity of aqueous extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum) by in-vivo noninvasive studies using rats. The in-vitro antioxidant activity was determined based on the ability of the Punica granatum to scavenge free radicals and lipid peroxidation inhibiting activity. The antistress effect of the aqueous extract of Punica granatum for 24h treatment (100 and 300mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated by using the forced swim stress test in rats. The 24h urinary excretion of vanillylmandellic acid (VMA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA) and ascorbic acid (AA) was determined in all groups under normal and stressed conditions by HPLC and spectrophotometric methods in all groups, were selected as noninvasive biomarkers. Nootropic activity activities of Punica granatum fruit extract were estimated as locomotor and working memory in rats in a Y-maze apparatus. Administration of aqueous extract of Punica granatum at a dose of 100 and 300mg/kg reduced the urinary metabolite levels. Punica granatum treatment showed significant dose dependent variation in non-invasive biomarker levels in urine samples of rats taken after 24h. The treatment with Punica granatum extracts improved the percentage entry of rats into safer zone, it means acquisition (learning) retention and retrieval (memory) were improved in rats compared to stress controls. Cognition determined by working memory and locomotor activity results were shown to be dose-dependent. The results of this study strongly suggestedantioxidant, antistress and nootropic activity effect of Punica granatumin rodents were correlated. The data obtained were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed bytukey test. p&lt;0.05 was considered to be significant. There is substantial evidence that flavonoids play an active role in providing antioxidant, antistress and nootropic activities of Punica granatum extracts. The findings of the present investigations indicate that the Punica granatum has significant antistress activity, which may be due to the immunostimulating property and increased resistance, nonspecifically, against all experimental stress conditions. The study provided scientific evidence for their utility as nootropic agents and to advocate their use in foods.

Effect of Punica granatum Extract Supplementation in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Randomised, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial

IntroductionPunica granatum is a medicinal plant with health-promoting benefits. This randomised, double-blind trial aimed to examine the effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of P granatum fruit (PE) in patients with liver cirrhosis. MethodsHere, 99 patients with liver cirrhosis were randomly assigned into two groups to receive PE (20 ml/d) or placebo for 8 weeks. To assess the severity of cirrhosis, the serum concentrations of the alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin (Bil), albumin (Alb), and creatinine (Cr) were measured. The international normalised ratio (INR) and prothrombin time were also measured to calculate the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. ResultsWe observed a significant difference in the levels of ALT (P = 0.008), ALP (P = 0.001), Bil (direct, P < 0.001), Cr (P = 0.007), INR (P < 0.001), and MELD (P < 0.001) values in the PE group after the 8-week intervention. Furthermore, PE supplementation was associated with improved biochemical parameters, including AST, ALT, ALP, Bil, Alb, Cr, INR, and MELD score compared to the baseline (P = 0.052 for Alb, P < 0.001 for other parameters). Significant changes in AST, ALT, ALP, Bil (total), Cr, INR, and MELD were also found between the two groups after 8-week intervention (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002 for Bil and Cr, respectively; P < 0.001 for other parameters). ConclusionsOur findings suggest the potential benefits of PE supplementation in patients with liver cirrhosis as evidenced by significant improvements in biochemical parameters. However, more clinical studies are still needed for further validation of PE as a therapeutic agent in liver cirrhosis.

Antibacterial Activity of Selected Fruit Juices against Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Pathogens Involved in Urinary Tract and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Tribal Women in Madhya Pradesh, India.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fruit juices on Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens involved in Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among tribal women in the district Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Fresh juices of lemon (Citrus limon), amla/Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), pineapple (Ananas comosus), mosambi/sweet lime (Citrus limetta), orange (Citrus sinensis), kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens involved in UITs and STIs among tribal women. Physico-chemical analysis of fresh fruits was also carried out by measuring the pH, moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate, and ascorbic acid content. Lemon and amla juice showed better antibacterial activity against the pathogens as compared to other juices. MIC results fruit juices against UTIs and STIs pathogens vary depending on the specific pathogen and juice chemical constituents. The physico-chemical analysis showed that the moisture content was highest in mosambi (90%), followed by orange (87%). Ascorbic acid content was found highest in amla (540 mg/100 g), followed by kiwi (90.3 mg/100 g). Pomegranate showed highest concentration of carbohydrate (15.28 g/100 g), fat (1.28 g/100 g), and protein (1.65 g/100 g). Lemon juice had lowest pH of 2.20, followed by amla 2.67. The lemon juice showed highest antibacterial activity against MDR bacterial pathogens involved in UTIs and STIs among tribal women in district Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The low pH of lemon may be responsible for its high antibacterial activity as compared to other juices.

Protective Effect of Pomegranate Juice Extract Against Antitubercular Drugs Induced Hepatic Fibrosis

The current study aimed to know the therapeutic efficacy of Punica granatum (fruit juice extract) against anti-TB druginduced hepatic fibrosis in rats. 24 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups, with six rats in each. INH at 27 mg/kg B.W., RIF at 54 mg/kg B.W., and PZA at 135 mg/kg B.W. were administered orally to Groups 2, 3 and 4 from days 1 to 28. Group 1 was maintained as normal control, and group 2 was a toxic control (administered anti-TB drugs, p/o). Groups 3 and 4 were administered (p/o) with Enalapril at 5mg/kg B.W. and Punica granatum (fresh juice extract) at 1 ml/rat, respectively, from day 1 to 28. Serum samples were collected on the 14th and 28th to assess various biochemical parameters, and liver samples were collected at the end of the experiment to analyze antioxidant parameters, TGF β1, and histopathological examination. The biochemical parameters showed significant (p&lt;0.05) alterations in AST, ALT, GGT, antioxidant profile (TBARS GSH, GST, GPx and SOD), and expression of TGF β1 levels in group 2 along with collagen deposition and alterations in the histopathology when compared with group 1. There was a significant improvement in treatment groups 3 and 4 at different time intervals. These changes were reversed in groups 3 and 4, which were administered Enalapril and Punica granatum juice extract, respectively.

Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review.

Testosterone boosters are heavily marketed on social media and marketplaces to men with claims to significantly increase testosterone. Lax industry regulation has allowed sales of supplements to thrive in the absence of verification of their purported benefits. Our primary objective was to systematically review all data published in the last two decades on testosterone boosters and determine their efficacy. Our outcome of interest was total testosterone increase versus placebo in four different populations: male athletes, men with late-onset hypogonadism infertile men and healthy men. Following search and screening, 52 studies were included in our review, relating to 27 proposed testosterone boosters: 10 studies of cholecalciferol; 5 zinc/magnesium; 4 Tribulus terrestris and creatine; 3 Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera; 2 betaine, D-aspartic acid, Lepidium meyenii and isoflavones; while the remainder were single reports. Our findings indicate that most fail to increase total testosterone. The exceptions were β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate and betaine, which can be considered effective for male athletes. Eurycoma longifolia, a blend of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed extracts (Tesnor™) and purified Shilajit extract (PrimaVie™) can be considered possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism; Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera possibly effective for healthy men; and a non-hormonal aromatase inhibitor (Novadex XT™) possibly effective for male athletes.

Enhanced antibacterial and anticancer activities of plant extract mediated green synthesized zinc oxide-silver nanoparticles.

This study presents a green synthesis approach for the fabrication of zinc oxide-silver nanoparticles (ZnO-Ag-NPs) using Punica granatum fruit peels extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. This eco-friendly method offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods that often employ toxic or hazardous chemicals. Antibacterial and anti-cancer activities of the green synthesized nanoparticles were then assessed in vitro. X-ray diffraction confirmed the production of ZnO-Ag-NPs with increasing crystallinity in higher pH values. The ZnO-Ag-NPs were found to be agglomerated with spherical Ag-NPs. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed a broad band in ZnO-Ag-NPs ranging from 400-1 to 530 cm-1 with reduced intensity as compared to ZnO-NPs, indicating the formation of Ag-NPs on the surface of ZnO-NPs. The synthesized ZnO-Ag-NPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacterial strains, particularly Gram-positive bacteria, with superior inhibition activity compared to ZnO-NPs. Moreover, ZnO-Ag-NPs showed a dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect on colorectal-, lung-, and cervical cancer cells. ZnO-Ag-NPs showed significantly greater efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell growth at a lower concentration of 31.25 μg/mL, compared to ZnO-NPs which required over 500 μg/mL, possibly due to the presence of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The results obtained from this study demonstrate the potential of green synthesis approaches in the fabrication of therapeutic nanomaterials for cancer treatment, as well as other biomedical applications.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Punicalagin and Punica granatum Fruit Juice Extract in Adipocytes Differentiated from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Anti-Obesity Effects of Punicalagin and Punica granatum Fruit Juice Extract in Adipocytes Differentiated from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The use of white pomegranate extract as a bleaching material for hardness, roughness, and calcium levels in the enamel tooth

Background: Bleaching is the procedure of re-whitening teeth that have darkened to a shade near to their natural hue. Due to the unfavorable impact of chemical bleaching materials on enamel demineralization, the quest for natural bleaching solutions that have the same whitening effect while minimizing the negative consequences is encouraged. The punica granatum fruit is one of the natural components that can be employed. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the application of white pomegranate extract as an external bleach on the physical properties of the enamel surface of the tooth. Methods: thirty post-extraction bovine teeth were divided into treatment and control groups, then enamel surface hardness was measured using a Micro Vickers Hardness Tester, enamel surface roughness using a Surface Roughness test, and calcium levels using an EDS SEM tool before application of white pomegranate extract which is performed for 2 hours a day for two weeks. After two weeks, the enamel surface hardness, enamel surface roughness, and calcium levels were measured again. Results: The results of the treatment group using white pomegranate extract showed that there was no decrease in enamel surface hardness (p&gt;0.05), a decrease in enamel roughness (p&lt;0.05), and no decrease in calcium levels (p&gt;0.05). The control group's results using 16% carbamide peroxide showed a decrease in the hardness and surface roughness of the enamel, but it did not decrease the calcium content. Conclusion: white pomegranate extract can be used as an external bleaching agent because of not reduce the surface hardness, reduce the surface roughness and not reduced the calsium of the enamel tooth

Pomegranate (P. granatum) fruit juice protects against iron-induced oxidative testicular injury via amelioration of oxidative imbalance and modulation of metabolic indices linked to male infertility

Male infertility is a challenging clinical condition that threatens global reproductive health. Majority of the issues found in testicular dysfunction are associated with oxidative stress. The present study investigated the protective effect of pomegranate fruit extract against Fe2+- mediated oxidative testicular injury using ex vivo experimental models. Testicular oxidative injury was induced by incubating testes tissues in Krebs buffer and FeSO4.7H20 solution, and treated by co-incubating with different concentrations (30–240 μg/mL) of pomegranate fruit extract for 90 min (37 °C), with gallic acid serving as the standard antioxidant. Oxidative injury induction led to significant (p < 0.05) elevation of testicular malondialdehyde and LDL-cholesterol concentration, acetylcholinesterase, ATPase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase and lipase activities. These were concomitantly accompanied by depleted levels of reduced glutathione, glycogen, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ENTPDase and 5′Nucleotidase. It also led to distorted testicular histological architecture. Treatment with the fruit extract markedly reversed these levels and activities and preserved testicular morphology. Octadecenoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester, (E,E,E)-; squalene and cholesterol, while concomitantly generating 6-Octadecenoic acid, (Z)-; (2Z)-2-Octenoic acid; methyl tetradecanoate; methyl 14-methylpentadecanoate; octadecanoic acid, 2-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]ethyl ester and cholestan-3-ol, 2-methylene-, (3.beta.,5.alpha.)-. This was accompanied by the deactivation of alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, and steroidogenesis. Treatment with pomegranate depleted the oxidative-generated metabolites, while concomitantly generating arachidonic acid, cholesterol margranate and ethyl lithocholate, and reactivating the inactivated pathways. The results indicate the protective effect of pomegranate fruit juice against oxidative testicular injury.

Effect of Rhodiola rosea Rhizome and Punica granatum Fruit Peel on the Metabolic Processes and Physiological Activity of Rats Fed with Excessively Fat Diet.

Rhodiola rosea (golden root) and Punica granatum (pomegranate), as well as a number of other species of medicinal plants, exert an array of biological effects: adaptogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. However, there are not enough contemporary studies of their influence on metabolic processes, especially in cases of imbalanced diet. Lipid dysregulation is the main reason for many diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. Recently, a growing amount of evidence has suggested the positive effects of certain natural nutrients on lipid metabolism. The work aims to define the general effect of golden root rhizome and pomegranate peel on physiological activity and metabolic processes in model animals fed with excessively fat diet. This study is relevant for the development of drugs and food additives for treatment and prophylaxis of metabolism disorders. In a 30-day experiment, we determined the effect of golden root (Rhodiola rosea L.) rhizome and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel on the physiological activity and metabolic processes of 24 laboratory rats consuming a high-fat diet. The physical activity was evaluated according to the mass gain of animals and change in the relative mass of the internal organs, and also the functional conditions of the central nervous system, as demonstrated by the indicators of the locomotor activity and emotional status, determined in the open field test. The influence on the metabolic processes was revealed by biochemical and clinical blood analyses. Body mass of rats fed with golden root (R. rosea) reached 125.8 % of the initial body mass; when fed on pomegranate (P. granatum), it reached 123.9 %; and the control group reached only 111.5 % of the initial body mass. The rhizomes of R. rosea in the diet of male rats during the month of the experiment did not cause significant changes in the relative organ mass, and the pomegranate peel fruits led to a decrease in the thymus relative mass, as well as liver and brain. R. rosea rhizomes in the rats' diet led to an increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase, and also to a decrease in the concentration of urea and urea nitrogen. Diet supplemented with R. rosea also contributed to a strong decrease in plasma concentrations of bilirubin and triglycerides (up to 57.0 % compared with the concentration in the control group). The rhizomes of R. rosea contributed to an unreliable decrease in the atherogenicity index. The pomegranate peel also greatly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced plasma triglyceride concentrations. In addition, in rats consuming the peel of P. granatum, blood glucose concentration decreased. Under the influence of P. granatum, a strong increase in the atherogenic index of plasma (up to 518.6 % of the control) was observed because of a decrease in the concentration of high-density lipoproteins (up to 57.1 %) and a simultaneous elevation of the concentration of low-density lipoproteins (up to 158.3 % of the control). Open field test between groups remained without significant changes. The results indicate that the rhizome of R. rosea and peel of P. granatum are safe as food additives to high-fat diet and did not cause pathological changes and side effects, and at the same time significantly influence the metabolic processes (lipid and carbohydrate). Our study theoretically substantiates the use of R. rosea rhizome and P. granatum peel for the production of nutraceutical and pharmacological products for the correction of metabolic disorders of people and animals. Doses and periods of their application require further research.

In vitro Antibacterial Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers for Treating Urinary Tract Infection in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia.

Despite the presence of antibacterial agents for urinary tract infection treatment, most of the uropathogenic bacteria reveal multi-drug resistance. Health and economic loss due to these represent a rising burden worldwide which necessitates serious action at regional, national and global levels. Thus, alternative approaches to overcome this problem by using bioactive compounds from traditional medicinal plants are required. This study was designed to evaluate the in-vitro antibacterial activity of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho used in the traditional treatment of urinary tract infections. An experimental study was employed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of methanol and ethanol crude extract of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho roots of six dilutions (25, 50, 100, 125, 250, and 500) mg/mL. Disc diffusion and macro broth dilution methods were used to determine antimicrobial activity test and minimum inhibitory concentration respectively against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, and S. aureus bacterias. Antibacterial activities of ethanol and methanol crude extract of Punica granatum fruit peels against E. coli ATCC25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC27853, S. aureus ATCC25923, K. pneumoniae UK5099 and P. mirabilis UK5999 had highest inhibition zones among tested plants. All tested bacteria were highly sensitive to Punica granatum extract. The second most active plant extract in inhibiting the growth of tested bacteria was Nigella sativa while Echinops kebericho showed the smallest efficacy against tested bacteria. The inhibition zone diameter produced by the methanol extract of each screened plant had higher inhibition zones than ethanol extract. The crude extracts of Punica granatum fruit peels, Nigella sativa seeds, and Echinops kebericho roots have promising antibacterial activity against tested uropathogenic bacteria.

Utilization of mangrove peel (Xylocarpus granatum) extract as an active ingredient in the making of hand body lotion

The fruit of Xylocarpus granatum has been used empirically by the community as a traditional medicine, the fruit peel is used as skin medicine. The results of the phytochemical analysis of Xylocarpus granatum rind simplex contain flavonoids, tannins, saponins, hydroquinones and steroids. This study aims to develop a hand body lotion product based on Xylocarpus granatum fruit peel extract. In this study, Xylocarus granatum fruit peel extract was formulated into a lotion preparation. Xylocarpus granatum fruit peel extract was prepared by maceration method using 70% ethanol solvent. The extract is formulated with a composition of 0.5 ml (FI). The lotion was then tested for its physical properties including pH, viscosity, homogeneity, spreadability and stability of color, odor and texture. The results showed that the lotion containing Xylocarpus granatum fruit peel extract was stored for 14 days for physical stability test. The results of the stability test showed that the lotion had a pH of 10.55, a viscosity of 1120000 mPas, the lotion did not change shape, smell, color, and did not cause skin irritation.