Ginger Extract Inhibits T2 Bacteriophage Yield in E. coli

Schimmel/Conrades Science Center Atrium

Extracts of ginger inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses of animal cells. An extract of ginger was prepared with alcohol and LB broth. At concentrations of 1, 2, 4, and 6 ml of ginger extract per 100 ml of LB broth, there was very little effect on the replication of E. coli. At concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 ml of ginger extract per 100 ml of LB broth, the yield of T2 bacteriophage decreased by 22% to 28%. The longer ginger extract was in contact with the bacterial cells prior to infection, the larger was the inhibition of T2 bacteriophage yield. When added 50 minutes before infection, the yield of T2 bacteriophage was 93.75% of the control, at 100 minutes prior to infection, the yield was 87.05% of the control and at 150 minutes prior to infection, the yield was 79.91% of the control. The addition of excess glutamine partially reversed the inhibition of T2 yield by ginger extract. With 2 ml of ginger extract, the yield of T2 bacteriophage was 71.3% of the control. With ginger extract and 30 mM glutamine, the yield was 81.4% of the control and with 45 mM glutamine, the yield was 93.0% of the control. With ginger extract plus 1 mM, 3 mM, and 5 mM nucleosides, the yield was 29.85%, 106.1%, and 103.0% of the control. These results suggest that ginger extract inhibits the replication of T2 bacteriophage by inhibiting the metabolism of glutamine and the synthesis of nucleotides during T2 replication.