Figs Fight Off Food Poisoning
 (HealthDayNews, 5/27/04)

In some parts of the world, figs and fig extracts are used to treat constipation, bronchitis, wounds and other ailments. Maysoun Salameh and colleagues from North Carolina A&T State University tested the medicinal properties of figs by adding strains of E-coli and salmonella to figs that had been blended into a liquid. After 24 hours, the scientists found reduced bacterial growth in the fig-treated mixtures; while the control samples had increased levels of bacteria. Scientists speculate that the food industry may some day use fig and fig extracts as a natural antimicrobial food additive and preservative.