Punica granatum L

• Published in: TheScientificWorld Vol. 16
• Main Authors: Gomes, Livia Aparecida Procopio, Figueiredo, Livia Mara Alves, Palma, Ana Luiza do Rosario, Geraldo, Barbara Maria Correa, Castro, Kelly Cristine Isler, Fugisaki, Luciana Ruano de Oliveira, Jorge, Antonio Olavo Cardoso, de Oliveira, Luciane Dias, Junqueira, Juliana Campos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-01-2017
• Subjects: Health aspects; Physiological aspects; Pomegranate
• ISSN: 1537-744X; 1537-744X
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/8626987

Due to the increase of bacterial resistance, medicinal alternatives are being explored. Punica granatum L. is an effective herbal extract with broad spectrum of action and bactericidal, antifungal, anthelmintic potential and being able to modulate the immune response. The aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of pomegranate glycolic extract (PGE) against the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis by using Galleria mellonella as in vivo model. Fifteen larvae were used per group. Injection of high concentration (200,100, and 25 mg/mL) of PGE showed a toxic effect, leading them to death. A suspension of P. gingivalis ([10.sup.6] cells/mL) was inoculated in the left last proleg and PGE (12.5, 6.25, 3.1, and 2.5 mg/mL) were injected into the right proleg. The larvae were then kept at 37[degrees]C under the dark. Injection of PGE at any dose statistically improved larvae survival rates. The data were analysed (log-rank test, Mantel-Cox, P < 0.05) and showed that all concentrations of PGE (12.5, 6.25, 3.1, and 2.5 mg/mL) presented higher larval survival rates, with significant statistical difference in relation to control group (P. gingivalis). In conclusion, the PGE had antimicrobial action against P. gingivalis in vivo model using G. mellonella.