Comparative analysis of phytochemical compounds, antioxidant potential, and in vitro antibacterial activity of Zahidi date parts from Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The pharmaceutical research sector’s inability to develop new drugs has made it challenging to combat microbial resistance. Secondary metabolites from plant extracts have been identified as potential protective agents against multi-drug-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to analyze hydro-ethanol extracts’ antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from various parts of the Zahidi date (whole fruit, pit powder, and flesh). Phytochemical screening of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were extracted at their maximum levels, 71.89 mg/100 g and 843.06 mg/100 g, respectively, using EoH 60%. The whole fruit had the highest concentration of flavonoid quercetin (0.83 μg/g) and phenolic compoundsinapic acid (20.03 μg/g) at the same concentration. The findings from the broth micro-dilution method showed that the whole fruit had the strongest antimicrobial effects at 60% EoHagainst Salmonella typhi (30 mg/ml), Helicobacter pylori (27 mg/ml), Escherichia coli (22 mg/ml), and Staphylococcus aureus (44 mg/ml). Zahidi whole fruit extracts showed higher antioxidant potential at EoH 60% using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging potential (78%) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a significant negative correlation between antioxidant activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Evidence from this study highlights the considerable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Zahidi date fruit, suggesting its potential use in producing natural drugs and value-added foods to counteract contagious diseases.

KEYWORDS:

• Zahidi date fruit
• HPLC
• phytochemical compounds
• antioxidant activity
• antimicrobial potential

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge support from the Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, for carrying out all research activities. This project was supported by Researchers Supporting Project Number [RSP2025R5] King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.K., F.S. and M.A.; methodology, S.K. and F.S.; software, S.K and N.A.; validation, S.K, F.S. and M.A.; formal analysis, M.Z.K., W.K and S.Y.A.; investigation, S.K., and F.S; resources, F.S. and M.A. data curation, S.K., and F.S; writing – original draft preparation, S.K., and F.S.; writing – review and editing, S.K., F.S. and S. Y. A.; visualization, F.S., and M.A.; supervision, F.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2024.2365924

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by Researchers Supporting Project Number [RSP2025R5] King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia