CHAPTER 3

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND HYPOTHESIS

3.1 Conceptual Framework

Pomegranate peel extract

(Punica granatum)

Flavonoid Saponin & Triterpenes Alkaloid Tannins & Phenol

Form Inhibit active Damage

Inhibit Damage complex with transport of bacterial
DNA bacterial cell bacteria cell cell cell wall
gyrase membrane wall

Interrupt Lysis of Damage cell Inhibit cell Failure of

DNA, bacterial membrane metabolism cell wall
RNA and cell (cytotoxic) formation
protein
synthesis

Escherichia coli

Inhibit growth of Escherichia coli

Figure 3.1: Conceptual Framework

Description:
: Observed variable
: Non-observed variable
: Observed pathway
: Non-observed pathway

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Pomegranate peel extract contains flavonoids, saponin, triterpenes,

phenols, tannins, and alkaloids. Tannin which works as an antibacterial. It’s

mechanism of action is to inhibit the enzyme reverse transcriptase of DNA

topoisomerase, so that bacterial cells cannot be formed. Tannins can also wrinkle

cell wall or cell membrane so that it can interfere with the permeability of the

bacterial cell wall. As a result of the disruption of the permeability of the bacterial

cell wall is the cell cannot perform activities of life so that growth becomes stunted

and die (Zhang et al., 1995). As for Alkaloids as antibacterial, the mechanism is

through inhibition of cell wall synthesis that will lead to lysis of the cells so that the

cells of bacteria will die. Meanwhile, flavonoids have activities that inhibit the

synthesis or damage the nucleic acid of bacterial cells (Ulanowska et al, 2007).

Sterols and triterpenes have destructive activity of bacterial cell membranes.

Phenols and tannins have activity inhibiting the of bacterial cell of Shiga-like toxin

also known as verotoxins synthesis (Voravuthikunchai et al, 2005).

3.2 Research Hypothesis

Pomegranate peel extract (Punica granatum L) has the ability to inhibit the

growth of Escherichia coli in vitro.