Amidst the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance as a significant health challenge, research has emerged, focusing on elucidating the antimicrobial potential of polyphenol-rich extracts to reduce reliance on antibiotics. Previous studies explored the antifungal effects of extracts as potential alternatives to conventional therapeutic strategies. We aimed to assess the antibacterial and antifungal effects of standardised pomegranate extract (PE) and lemon extract (LE) using a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and two yeast species. Additionally, we assessed the antimicrobial activities of common antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem, Gentamicin, and Ceftazidime), either alone or in combination with extracts, against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. PE displayed substantial antibacterial (primarily bactericidal) and antifungal effects against most pathogens, while LE exhibited antibacterial (mostly bacteriostatic) and antifungal properties to a lesser extent. When compared with antibiotics, PE showed a greater zone of inhibition (ZOI) than Ciprofloxacin and Ceftazidime (p < 0.01) and comparable ZOI to Gentamicin (p = 0.4) against Staphylococcus aureus. However, combinations of either PE or LE with antibiotics exhibited either neutral or antagonistic effects on antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings contribute to the existing evidence regarding the antimicrobial effects of PE and LE. They add to the body of research suggesting that polyphenols exert both antagonistic and synergistic effects in antimicrobial activity. This highlights the importance of identifying optimal polyphenol concentrations that can enhance antibiotic activity and reduce antibiotic resistance. Further in vivo studies, starting with animal trials and progressing to human trials, may potentially lead to recommendation of these extracts for therapeutic use.
