Antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera L. (Date palm) Seeds Extract against Escherichia coli

Abstract

This research determines the antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera against a clinical isolate of Escherichia coli. Extraction, phytochemical screening, and agar diffusion methods were employed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera. Alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins are present in Phoenix dactylifera seeds. Phoenix dactylifera seeds showed activity against E. coli with a zone of inhibition of 20.4mm. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of Phoenix dactylifera seed extract are 1000µg/ml and 100µg/ml against E. coli, respectively. Phoenix dactylifera seed could be very useful in the management of gastrointestinal infections due to E. coli.