Anti-mycobacterial and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Punica granatum peel Extract Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most prevalent infections in the world causing high mortality in developing countries. There is an urgent need for improved TB drugs due to development of drug resistant TB strains. Since herbal medicines play an important role in combating bacterial infections, the present study was performed to evaluate anti-tubercular activity of pomegranate fruit peels in Golestan province, north of Iran where the highest prevalence of TB was reported. Hydro-alcoholic extract of pomegranate fruit peel was screened for anti-tubercular activity by disc diffusion (DD) method. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extract was evaluated by cytokines measurement using ELISA in a model of phagocytized intracellular Mycobacterium in dU937cells. Phytochemical properties of the extract were assessed by free radicalscavenging activity test and also evaluation of the total phenolic, flavonoids and gallic acid concentrations. Our results showed the inhibitory effect of Punica granatum peel extract on all strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis even on drug resistant TB strains. Cytokines production in culture media and Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the anti inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the extract respectively. These findings revealed the potential ability of the Punica granatum peel against mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro.