Pomegranates fight bacteria and cavities

TORONTO, May 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. study found 100 percent pomegranate juice and POMx liquid extract, or pomegranate polyphenol extract, have anti-viral and antibiotic effects.

Milton Schiffenbauer, a biology professor at Pace University in New York, tested pomegranate juice and POMx liquid extract and found them 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, or MRSA.

The addition of pomegranate products to various oral agents, including toothpaste and mouthwash, gave these agents an anti-microbial effect, according to Schiffenbauer.

The findings are being presented at the American Society for Microbiology's annual meeting in Toronto.