Pomegranate Peel Extract Balances Skin Bacteria: An Eco-Friendly Solution

Jenn Hoskins
2nd August, 2024

Pomegranate Peel Extract Balances Skin Bacteria: An Eco-Friendly Solution

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at the University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy, found that Pomegranate Peel Extract (PPE) can help restore skin microbiota balance
  • PPE extracted with Dimethyl Ether (DME) showed strong antimicrobial activity against harmful bacteria and yeast
  • The PPE in DME was effective in reducing biofilm formation by Staphylococcus species, which are often resistant to treatments
  • The extract was non-toxic in tests, suggesting it is safe for use in managing skin health
Recent research from the University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Italy, explores the potential of Pomegranate Peel Extract (PPE) in restoring skin microbiota balance, particularly targeting Staphylococcus species[1]. This study addresses the growing concern of skin microbiota imbalance, characterized by an increase in pathogenic bacteria relative to beneficial commensal microorganisms. The human skin is home to a vast array of microbial organisms that play crucial roles in maintaining skin health and function[2]. These microbes inhabit both the surface and the follicular structures of the skin, interacting with host cells and influencing systemic health[2]. The skin microbiota contributes significantly to the skin's barrier function, protecting against pathogens, tuning immune responses, and fortifying the epithelium[3]. However, imbalances in this microbiota can lead to skin disorders and affect distant organs[3]. In this study, PPE was extracted using green methodologies involving n-butane and Dimethyl Ether (DME) solvents. The extracts were analyzed for their phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity. Among the tested extracts, PPE extracted with DME exhibited the most potent antimicrobial action. The main active compounds identified were Catechin, Quercetin, Vanillic acid, and Gallic acid. These compounds were effective against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast reference strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1 to 128 mg/mL. The study further evaluated the anti-adhesive effects of PPE in DME on Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, both in mono-species and dual-species biofilm formations. Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are protected by a self-produced matrix, making them resistant to antimicrobial treatments. The PPE in DME showed significant anti-adhesive activity, particularly at concentrations of 4 and 8 mg/mL, effectively reducing biofilm biomass and colony-forming units (CFU/mL). The toxicity of the PPE extract was assessed using an in vivo model involving Galleria mellonella larvae. The results indicated that the extract was non-toxic, suggesting its potential as a safe treatment option. This finding is particularly important as it underscores the eco-sustainability and safety of using PPE as a strategy to manage skin microbiota and prevent Staphylococcal colonization. The implications of this study are significant. The ability of PPE to selectively target pathogenic Staphylococcus species without harming beneficial microbes could help restore the natural balance of the skin microbiota. This is crucial as an imbalance in skin microbiota has been linked to various skin disorders and systemic health issues[3]. By leveraging the antimicrobial properties of compounds found in PPE, this research offers a promising, eco-friendly approach to managing skin health. Furthermore, this study ties in with previous findings that highlight the importance of the skin microbiota in maintaining skin barrier function and overall health[2][3]. The use of PPE represents an innovative way to utilize food waste for health benefits, aligning with sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact. In conclusion, the research conducted by the University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara provides compelling evidence for the use of Pomegranate Peel Extract in managing skin microbiota balance. The study's findings suggest that PPE in DME could be an effective, non-toxic, and eco-sustainable strategy to combat Staphylococcal skin colonization, thereby contributing to healthier skin and potentially preventing related disorders.

MedicineSustainabilityBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Staphylococcus aureus/Staphylococcus epidermidis from skin microbiota are balanced by Pomegranate peel extract: An eco-sustainable approach.

Published 1st August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308211

Related Studies

2) Human Skin Is the Largest Epithelial Surface for Interaction with Microbes.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2016.11.045

3) Microbiota and maintenance of skin barrier function.

https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abo0693


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