Ajwa date extract (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Phytochemical analysis, antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus-I and coxsackie B4 virus, and in silico study.

Objectives: To investigate the phytochemical composition of Ajwa date extract and evaluate its antiviral activity and mechanism of action.

Methods: High perfomance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the phytochemical profile of Ajwa date extract. The antiviral activity was assessed using the MTT colorimetric assay against herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-I) and coxsackievirus B4 (CVB-4). Assessment of the mechanism of action against HSV-I was carried out using 3 protocols. Molecular docking and quantum chemical calculations were carried out to predict the binding affinities of the identified compounds to viral glycoprotein D.

Results: A total of 17 metabolites belonging to different classes of metabolites, mainly flavonoids, phenolic acid derivatives, fatty acids, and sugar derivatives. Ajwa extract exhibited antiviral activity against HSV-I with an IC: 50 of 113.99±4.67 μg/mL, whereas it showed limited activity against CVB-4. The antiviral activity of Ajwa extract was mainly attributed to its cell protectant activity by preventing adherence of viral to host cell with an IC: 50 equal to 57.82±1.37μg/mL. Molecular docking studies indicated that chlorogenic acid had the strongest binding affinity to viral glycoprotein D, which suggests its potential role in inhibiting viral entry into host cells.

Conclusion: The Ajwa date extract demonstrated promising antiviral activity, especially against HSV-I. Integrating in vitro and in silico analyses provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of action.