Examination of the Inhibitory Influence of the Aqueous Extract of <i>Punica granatum</i> Seeds on Bacteria Isolated from Tonsillitis in Al-Ramadi City

Abstract This research focused on identifying the bacterial agents responsible for tonsillitis by the VITEK 2 compact system, followed by evaluating the antimicrobial activity seeds extracts for pomegranate (Punica granatum ) prepared via hot and cold aqueous methods. 120 throat swab samples were obtained from patients at Al-Ramadi Hospital and processed in the laboratories of the Biology Department at the University of Anbar. The collected samples were cultured on nutrient, blood, and MacConkey agars, incubated at 37°C, and purified for further analysis. The isolates were identified using the VITEK 2 system, including Klebsiella pneumoniae , Rhizobium radiobacter , Escherichia coli , Proteus mirabilis , and Raoultella ornithinolytica . Peel extracts at concentrations of 5%, 7%, and 10% were tested for antibacterial activity using both extraction techniques. The hot extract demonstrated stronger inhibition zones (15-25 mm) against most isolates, whereas the cold extract showed weaker activity (10-20 mm). These findings support the potential of pomegranate peel, particularly via hot aqueous extraction, as an effective antibacterial agent against tonsillitis-causing bacteria.