The Antimicrobial Effects of the Fruit Extracts of Punica granatum, Actinidia deliciosa and Citrus maxima on Some Human Pathogenic Microorganisms

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial activity of ethanol, methanol and water extracts of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) "pulp", Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwifruit) "peel" and Citrus maxima (Pomelo) "pulp" against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Methods: The extracts were prepared using soxhlet apparatus for 8 hours. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity was carried out using disc diffusion method and microdilution method (MIC) at different concentrations (100-0.195mg/ml) for S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and (200-0.39mg/ml) for C. albicans. Results: The results of this study showed that the water extract of pomegranate pulp "fresh and dried" showed maximum zone of inhibition against S. aureus and E. coli and the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration against all tested microorganisms. The ethanol extract of pomegranate pulp "fresh and dried" showed maximum zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Conclusion: These results was revealed the importance of tested extracts in control of some human pathogenic microorganisms.If these results are confirmed by in vivo studies this make the tested extracts especially pomegranate fruit promising plants in medical treatments.