Abstract
This study was aimed at examining the variations in the metabolite constituents of the different Ajwa grades and farm origins. It is also targeted at establishing the correlations between the metabolite contents and the grades and further to the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity. Identification of the metabolites was generated using 1H-NMR spectroscopy metabolomics analyses utilizing multivariate methods. The NO inhibitory activity was determined using a Griess assay. Multivariate data analysis, for both supervised and unsupervised approaches, showed clusters among different grades of Ajwa dates obtained from different farms. The compounds that contribute towards the observed separation between Ajwa samples were suggested to be phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and phenylalanine. Ajwa dates were shown to have different metabolite compositions and exhibited a wide range of NO inhibitory activity. It is also revealed that Ajwa Grade 1 from the al-Aliah farm exhibited more than 90% NO inhibitory activity compared to the other grades and origins. Phenolic compounds were among the compounds that played a role towards the greater capacity of NO inhibitory activity shown by Ajwa Grade 1 from the al-Aliah farm.
Highlights
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important crop in the Middle East and many parts of the world
It is worthy to note that the same compounds strongly influenced the discrimination of Ajwa dates of al-Aliah from Bir Maashi origins
The results revealed that Ajwa dates of different grades and origins possessed different metabolite profiles and compositions and, on the basis of these, exhibit varied nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity
Summary
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important crop in the Middle East and many parts of the world. The fruits of this palm are the major source of income and food for the oasis farmers [1]. Dates have been shown to have important therapeutic values for glycaemia and lipid control in diabetic patients [3]. Their physical properties are useful indicators of the fruit maturity, degree of ripeness and for a prediction of shelf life. Reliable approaches are necessary for the benefit of all relevant parties
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