AJWA DATE (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA) POSSESSES ACTIVITY AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI – AN IN VITRO STUDY

Background: Foodborne infections are a common occurrence in the world specially since the globalization has emerged. E. coli is one of the main pathogens found in these infections. Different studies on different extracts of Ajwa date have pointed out its antibacterial activity, this study uses Ajwa dates as Such instead of extracts and assesses any activity against E. coli. Methods: Ajwa date pulps were separated, washed, dried and 10 grams dates were blended in 100 ml water. This syrup was mixed with nutrient broth to make different concentrations of Ajwa date. E. coli was inoculated on agar plates to find MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) and MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of Ajwa date pulp. Ampicillin 1 mg/ml was taken as standard. Results: Ajwa date exhibited an MBC of 500 mg/ml while MIC was 250 mg/ml. Conclusion: Ajwa date possesses both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against E. coli and can be beneficial in treating foodborne infections caused by E. coli.