title: Effect of Iranian Ziziphus honey on growth of some foodborne pathogens.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Honey has previously been shown to have wound healing and antimicrobial properties, but this is dependent on the type of honey, geographical location, and flower from which the final product is derived. We tested the antimicrobial activity of a natural honey originating from the Ziziphus spina-christi tree, against selected strains of bacteria. Ziziphus honey among more than a 100 verities of honey is known to have the greatest value of energy and minerals in it.
  
  
  METHODS
  The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of Ziziphus honey in 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% dilutions (v/v) against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Viable count enumeration of the sample was investigated after 0, 24, 72, and 120 h postinoculation with any of the bacteria using pour-plate method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings indicate that Ziziphus honey was effective against these pathogenic bacteria. In a comparative trial, antibacterial activity of Ziziphus honey was higher after 120 h incubation for each four bacteria in most dilutions. The microbial count showed 3-7.5 log reduction comparing with control after 120 h.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Therefore, it is recommended using Ziziphus honey as a natural preservative and antibacterial agent. Also, it could potentially be used as therapeutic agents against bacterial infection particularly to the tested microorganisms.
authors.affiliation: Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ekhtelat
authors.affiliation: Agricultural Jahad of Applied Science and Technology University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Karim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ravaji
authors.affiliation: Agricultural Jahad of Applied Science and Technology University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Masood
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parvari
keywords: Antibacterial activity; Ziziphus honey; foodborne pathogens