Microbiological Quality, Aflatoxin Level, Phytochemical Compounds, Antioxidant Potential And Proximate Mineral Composition Of Date Palm Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Abstract

Date palm fruits are edible fruits widely consumed for nutritional and health benefits. The microbiological quality, aflatoxin level, phytochemical compounds, antioxidant potential and proximate mineral composition of Refined Arabian Date Palm Fruit (RADPF), Nigeria Date Palm Fruit (NDPF) and Black Arabian Date Palm Fruit (BADPF) were investigated. Microbial counts, aflatoxin level, phytochemical components and proximate mineral composition were determined using standard methods while antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging, Ferric Reducing Power and Total Phenolic Content assays. Total bacteria and fungi count ranged from 5.5 – 11.3 CFU/g and 0.5 – 13.0 CFU/g in which NDPF had the highest fungi and bacteria count. Aflatoxin level in RADPF, NDPF, and BADPF were 4.3ppb, 3.9ppb, and 2.00ppb respectively. Saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, and alkaloids were present in all the samples. All the date palm fruit samples have significant mineral contents. NDPF had highest DPPH scavenging activity (77.83%) while RADPF had highest FRAP (4.765µM/µg) and Total Phenolic Content (1.615 mgGAE/mL). The study revealed that the three date palm fruits sampled have some level of aflatoxin and also have substantial antioxidant activities. Keywords:Date palm fruit, aflatoxin, antioxidant, microbial count, phytochemical Aims Research Journal Reference Format: Sanusi, J. F. O., Sakariyau, A.O. & Sirajudeen, A.O. (2022): Microbiological Quality, Aflatoxin Level, Phytochemical Compounds, Antioxidant Potential And Proximate Mineral Composition Of Date Palm Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Advances in Multidisciplinary and Scientific Research. Vol. 8. No. 2, Pp 17–28. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/V8N2P5. www.isteams.net/aimsjournal