Pomegranate Extracts: A Natural Preventive Measure against Spoilage and Pathogenic Microorganisms

Abstract

Pomegranate has been known for hundreds of years as a healing food. Health benefits associated with the use of pomegranate are well documented. Research studies have shown that various pomegranate extracts possess great preventive potency against a wide range of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans. Various phytochemical compounds are considered as potent agents responsible for antimicrobial efficacy of pomegranate extracts. These compounds include polyphenols, including hydrolyzable tannins (punicalagin and ellagic acid), anthocyanins, and other polyphenols. The present review investigates the antimicrobial potential of pomegranate fruit extracts against various pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms.