ANTI MRSA ACTIVITY OF POMEGRANATE RIND EXTRACT IN COMBINATION WITH METAL SALT AND VITAMIN C”

Anuja K. U.*, Jayesh V. N.

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a serious and growing global health threat that compromises the effectiveness of life-saving medications. Antibiotics function by targeting various bacterial processes such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and metabolic pathways. However, misuse, overuse, and improper prescription of these drugs have accelerated the emergence of resistant strains. Bacteria naturally evolve through mutations and genetic material transfer, leading to mechanisms that render antibiotics ineffective. The World Health Organization has identified AR as one of the top ten global public health threats. A key example of antibiotic resistance is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a strain resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. MRSA infections typically occur through skin contact and can cause symptoms such as painful red bumps, fever, and swelling. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and even death. The resistance mechanism of MRSA involves the acquisition of the mecA gene, which encodes a penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a) with low affinity for β-lactam antibiotics. In response, research is focusing on alternative therapies including natural products. Pomegranate rind extract (PRE), especially when combined with metal salts like copper sulfate and stabilized with vitamin C, has demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against MRSA. Additionally, silver nitrate has been studied for its potent antimicrobial properties due to its ability to disrupt bacterial DNA and protein synthesis. This study highlights the urgent need for continued surveillance, judicious antibiotic use, and the exploration of novel antimicrobial agents to combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.