Bactericidal, protistocidal, nematodicidal properties and chemical composition of ethanol extract of Punica granatum peel

We have studied the chemical composition and antibacterial profile of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum L. (Lythraceae) on strains of microorganisms in vitro. Analysis using GC-MS showed 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (36.6%), D-sucrose (23.2%), sorbitol (6.7%), palmitic acid β-monoglyceride (5.6%), 2-furancarboxaldehyde (3.5%) and β-D-glucopyranose (3.3%) as the major components of the title extract. The experiment revealed a positive antibacterial effect of extracts obtained from P. granatum on 14 strains specifically Enterobacteriaceae microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aegorenеs, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonia), Listeriaceae (Listeria ivanovi, L. іnnocua, L. monocytogenes) and yeasts from the family Saccharomycetaceae (Candida albicans). Our study showed that in many cases these extracts more intensively affect multi-resistant strains of microorganisms than macrolide antibiotic azithromycin and is therefore a source of molecules to be exploited in medicine or by the pharmaceutical industry. The investigated extracts of P. granatum can be recommended for further in-depth research against poly-resistant strains of the above-mentioned microorganisms. Effective drugs perform a leading role in providing stable veterinary well-being of livestock and healthcare of the population. The present study showed that the studied plant species more intensively affects multi-resistant strains of microorganisms than sodium salt of azithromycin. Lethal concentration (LC50) of ethanol extract from pomegranate for Paramecium caudatum Ehr. equaled 0.3%. Death of 100% of nematode larvae of Strongyloides papillosus (Ihle) was recorded during 24 h exposition in 20% extract of P. granatum peel.