In this exploratory study, Schiffenbauer tested 100 percent pomegranate juice and POMx liquid extract and the effect each had on a bacterial virus T1 and several bacteria over various periods of time, in various conditions and with the addition of other ingredients. The titer of T1 virus (a model system) which infects E.coli B decreased up to 100 percent within 10 minutes of the addition of 100 percent pomegranate juice or POMx liquid extract. The research was funded by
Both were also found to be effective in the destruction of bacteria S. mutans, known to cause cavities, S. aureus, the most common cause of staph infections, and B. cereus, a common cause of food poisoning. Schiffenbauer’s findings also indicate that 100 percent pomegranate juice and POMx liquid extract inhibit the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), having widespread implications in the treatment of these potentially pathogenic microorganisms.
The addition of the POM products to various oral agents, including toothpaste and mouthwash, gave these agents an antimicrobial effect.
This work comes on the heels of earlier studies conducted by Schiffenbauer that found that white tea and green tea extracts also have antimicrobial effects. According to Schiffenbauer, pomegranate has achieved even better results than the teas.
Source: Pace University