Pomegranate extract specifically inhibits growth and toxin production without disturbing the beneficial bacteria in vitro.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the pomegranate juice against the growth and toxin production of multidrug-resistant hypervirulent strain NAP1/027/BI and also against the growth of beneficial bacteria to prevent or suppress infection (CDI).

Materials And Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were taken as parameters for the assessment of antimicrobial property of the pomegranate juice. Four different hypervirulent strains NAP1/027/BI, spp., , and were subjected to the broth dilution method to determine the MIC and MBC. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine clostridial toxin B (TcdB) production in the presence of pomegranate juice.

Results: The MIC and MBC of pomegranate juice containing punicalagin were found to be 390 µg/mL for all hypervirulent strain NAP1/027/BI, and the growth of spp., , and was not inhibited. Pomegranate juice reduced TcdB production in hypervirulent strain NAP1/027/BI.

Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of pomegranate juice to reduce CDI without affecting the beneficial bacteria. Pomegranate juice may be a useful antimicrobial agent to prevent or suppress CDI, avoiding the use of antibiotics.