Pome “Grenade” - Antimicrobial potency of pomegranate peel extract against Streptococcus mutans

Background: Plant products have emerged in the forefront of management of several infectious diseases. Use of such therapeutically effective natural products generally entails lesser side effects and drug resistance. Streptococcus mutans is implicated in the common oral diseases including dental caries. Aim: The present study is an attempt to investigate the anti-streptococcal activity of pomegranate peel extract. Materials and Methods: Hydro-methanolic extract of fresh ground paste of fruit peels were prepared using a soxhlet apparatus and employed in an antimicrobial assay using a well diffusion and micro-broth dilution technique. Results: All concentrations of the extract used show promising results with both antimicrobial assays used. The extract was effective in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans at concentrations as low as 1:8 diluted from the stock obtained after rotary evaporation. Conclusion: The results implicate that exploring the application of Punica granatum extracts in oral health care could prove worthwhile. Further studies supported with in vivo evidence could implicate the extract to be an effective tool in oral health management such as mouthwashes, root canal irrigants, etc.