Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, cilt.355, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Ethnopharmacological significance: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel, known for its antimicrobial properties, is an important plant in traditional medicine and offers a valuable resource for anti-virulence strategies amid increasing antibiotic resistance. Aim of the study: To evaluate the anti-quorum-sensing (QS) activity of pomegranate peel extract and punicalagin, its primary compound, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods: The effects of sub-inhibitory doses of the extract and punicalagin on pyocyanin production, biofilm formation, and swarming motility were evaluated. Sub-inhibitory doses of the extract and punicalagin were evaluated for their effects on pyocyanin production, biofilm formation, and swarming motility. qRT-PCR was used to assess QS gene expression, and molecular docking modeled punicalagin-LasR receptor interaction. Results: According to HPLC analysis, the predominant phenolics were protocatechuic acid and catechin. At subinhibitory concentrations (up to 76 %), punicalagin and the extract both markedly decreased swarming motility. The crude extract demonstrated superior anti-biofilm activity (66 % inhibition) in comparison to pure punicalagin. Furthermore, the extract significantly down-regulated all tested QS regulatory genes. Using molecular docking, it was found that the LasR receptor and punicalagin had a strong binding affinity (−7.5 kcal/mol). Conclusion: Pomegranate peel extract and punicalagin suppress P. aeruginosa's swarming and biofilm formation through anti-QS activity, establishing the peel as a promising anti-virulence candidate, likely due to synergistic effects.