The anti-biofilm potential of pomegranate (Punica granatumL.) extract against human bacterial and fungal pathogens

Abstract

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and fungi are the major cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Multi-drug resistance in these pathogens augments the complexity and severity of the diseases. Various studies have shown the role of biofilms in multi-drug resistance, where the pathogen resides inside a protective coat made of extracellular polymeric substances. Since biofilms directly influence the virulence and pathogenicity of a pathogen, it is optimal to employ a strategy that effectively inhibits the formation of biofilm. Pomegranate is a common food and is also used traditionally to treat various ailments. This study assessed the anti-biofilm activity of a methanolic extract of pomegranate against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Methanolic extract of pomegranate was shown to inhibit the formation of biofilms by Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant S. aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Apart from inhibiting the formation of biofilm, pomegranate extract disrupted pre-formed biofilms and inhibited germ tube formation, a virulence trait, in C. albicans. Characterization of the methanolic extract of pomegranate revealed the presence of ellagic acid (2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione) as the major component. Ellagic acid is a bioactive tannin known for its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies revealed the ability of ellagic acid to inhibit the growth of all species in suspension at higher concentrations (>75 μg ml(-1)) and biofilm formation at lower concentrations (<40 μg ml(-1)) which warrants further investigation of the potential of ellagic acid or peel powders of pomegranate for the treatment of human ailments.

Biofilm Inhibitory Effect of Spirulina platensis Extracts on Bacteria of Clinical Significance

“…In a previous report, coral associated bacteria inhibited 79-89 % of P. aeruginosa ATCC10145 biofilm [28]. In a previous report methanolic extract of pomegranate showed maximum of 90 % biofilm inhibition at 150 lg concentration against S. aureus, MRSA and E. coli [29]. Citrus extract of C. limon, C. medica, and C. aurantium at 75 % of MBC showed biofilm inhibition against Campylobacter jejuni [30].…”

“…The results of the present work are in line with the reports from marine bacterium, pomegranate extracts and Chlamydomonas sp. methanolic extract [29,31,34]. Firm attachment or adhesion of bacterial cells and successive increase in the biofilm mass are highly influenced through CSH [35].…”

Curcumin from Curcuma longa affects the virulence of Pectobacterium wasabiae and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum via quorum sensing regulation

“…Therefore, it is envisaged that the inhibition of such QS mechanism in soft rotting bacterial pathogens could ultimately reduced their pathogenicity on plant species. Several studies have already reported that plant extracts and plantderived compounds will effectively interfere with AHL mediated QS system, without inhibiting the bacterial growth (Adonizio et al 2006;Annapoorani et al 2012a;Annapoorani et al 2012b;Bakkiyaraj et al 2013;Bodini et al 2009;Brackman et al 2009;Choo et al 2006;Packiavathy et al 2012;Packiavathy et al 2013;Rudrappa and Bais 2008). Hence, our research aims to investigate the QSI potential of curcumin against soft rot causing P. wasabiae SCC3193, P. carotovorum subsp.…”

Antifungal activity of extracts and isolated compounds from Buchenavia tomentosa on Candida albicans and non-albicans

“…Examples include gallic acid [40][41][42], kaempferol [43,44], (-)epicatechin [45], ellagic acid [41,42,[46][47], vitexin [44] and corilagin [41,48]. The antifungal activity on Candida species of these compounds was investigated.…”