Effectiveness of Natural Extracts of Phoenix dactylifera, Nigella sativa, and Ziziphus Honey against Antibiotic-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains

Background Multidrug‑resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa) is a leading cause of hospital‑acquired infections and treatment failure in pediatric wound and burn care. Its intrinsic defenses, ability to form biofilms, and rapid acquisition of resistance necessitate new antimicrobial approaches. Natural products offer multi‑target mechanisms that can complement or potentiate conventional antibiotics. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of extracts from Phoenix dactylifera (date palm), Nigella sativa (black seed), and Ziziphus (Sider) honey against clinical MDR P. aeruginosa isolates and considers future enhancement via zinc and silver nanoparticles. Methods MDR clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from varieties of pediatric wound and burn samples were tested by agar well diffusion. Three concentrations (100%, 75%, and 50%) of each natural product were examined, and inhibition zones (mm) were measured in triplicate. They were compared to imipenem, which is a synthetic β-lactam antibiotic belonging to the carbapenems chemical class, as a reference control. Extract preparation followed standardized maceration and solvent removal procedures for plant materials; Ziziphus honey was diluted 1:1 with sterile water. Statistical significance was assessed by one‑way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results All agents exhibited concentration‑dependent inhibition. Ziziphus honey was the most potent (24, 19, and 11 mm at 100%, 75%, and 50%, respectively), surpassing imipenem at a maximum dose (17 mm). Nigella sativa showed intermediate activity (20, 15, 12 mm), and Phoenix dactylifera was the least active (12, 10, 8 mm). The hierarchy was Ziziphus honey > Nigella sativa >  Phoenix dactylifera . Conclusion Ziziphus honey and Nigella sativa extracts demonstrate promising activity against MDR P. aeruginosa and merit evaluation as adjuncts to antibiotics.