Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Punica granatum and Origanum vulgare

Author(s): Mahima Seth, Diksha, Ramanpreet Kaur, Nitika, Henna Sood, Rupinder Kaur and Vikas Gupta*

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Punica granatum and Origanum vulgare against some bacterial strains. Methods: The aqueous extracts were screened for their antimicrobial potential and physiochemical parameters such as extract concentration and temperature were optimized. The MIC of the most sensitive microorganism was worked out. Results: The 10% aqueous extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) and Origanum vulgare (Oregano) were screened for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, where the average inhibition zone of Punica granatum ranged from 11-19mm with Salmonella typhimurium being the most sensitive (19mm). Origanum vulgare did not show effectiveness against the test organisms at 10% concentration. Optimization studies showed 20% extract concentration and an extraction temperature of 60°C to be the optimal conditions which would support the best antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts. The MIC of Punica granatum against Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be 50mg/ml. Conclusion: These findings suggest that these plants can be used for development of antimicrobial compounds in time to come.

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