Punica granatum as a source of novel antibacterial agents for combating bovine mastitis and multidrug resistance

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a major challenge for both human and veterinary health, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Bovine mastitis remains one of the most economically significant infectious diseases affecting dairy production worldwide. In this narrative review, we examine current evidence regarding the antibacterial potential of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) and its major bioactive constituents, particularly punicalagin, against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Recent studies indicate that pomegranate-derived extracts possess antibacterial activity against several mastitis-associated organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Experimental evidence suggests that punicalagin may contribute to membrane destabilization, increased membrane permeability, interference with biofilm formation, and modulation of bacterial stress-response pathways, although the relative importance of these mechanisms appears to vary among bacterial species and experimental systems. Several studies have also reported synergistic interactions between pomegranate-derived compounds and conventional antibiotics against selected multidrug-resistant pathogens. Despite these promising findings, the current evidence remains dominated by in vitro investigations, while in vivo efficacy, pharmacokinetic characterization, toxicological assessment, and clinical validation remain limited.