Antibacterial Activity of the Extracts of Dates and Their Leaves Against some Pathogenic Bacterial Isolates

Abstract

Background: Many plant-derived natural products, including fruits, fruit skins, seeds, and barks, have been studied for their antibacterial properties. This study was prompted by the global increase in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, which pose a growing challenge to global health. Natural phytochemicals are being explored as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of five types of dates (Ajwa, Maryam, Sagai, Safawi, and Amber) and date leaves against five clinical isolates, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus spp. Methods: To this end, aqueous crude homogenates were prepared by homogenizing fresh samples and tested using the agar well diffusion method. Additionally, sun-dried samples were powdered and extracted using ethanol, methanol, and water. Antibacterial activity was assessed against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. Results: Among twenty-eight antibiotics tested, P. aeruginosa showed resistance to ten, and Enterococcus spp. to eight. Ethanol and methanol extracts exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity compared to aqueous crude homogenates and aqueous extracts, with methanol extracts being the most effective. Aqueous extracts demonstrated the least antibacterial potential. Among all tested samples, Amber extracts displayed the highest antibacterial activity, while the other dates represented moderate but comparable results. Conclusion: The ability of the extracts to inhibit MDR clinical isolates suggests their promising potential as alternative agents for treating infections caused by resistant bacteria.