Date Cultivars Research Articles

Overall Quality Characteristics of Nectar Produced by Some Date Cultivars

Overall Quality Characteristics of Nectar Produced by Some Date Cultivars

Soluble and hydrolyzable phenolic compounds in date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and UPLC-DAD

Phenolic compounds in plant foods exist in soluble, hydrolyzable, and insoluble forms. This study is the first to analyze both soluble (extracted using 80 % methanol) and hydrolyzable (extracted using ethyl acetate after alkaline hydrolysis) phenolics in 18 date cultivars. The phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and diode array detectors. A total of 59 peaks were detected, of which 45 were identified while 14 remained unidentified. The concentrations of the soluble and hydrolyzable phenolics ranged from 27.5–54.0 and 24–78.5 mg/100 g fresh weight, respectively. Gallic acid and ferulic acid predominated in the soluble and hydrolyzable fractions, quercetin and taxifolin were predominant in the soluble fraction, while caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid were abundant in the hydrolyzable fraction. The hydrolyzable phenolics were found to contribute significantly to the total phenolic content of date fruits pointing to the need to include them in the analysis of total phenolic compounds in foods.

Determination of changes in bioactive components, antioxidant capacity, phenolic components and mineral values of date fruits stored in different packages and temperatures for six months

The moisture results, bioactive compounds, phenolic and mineral amounts of date fruits showed significant changes depending on package types, storage temperatures and fruit types. The moisture content of date fruits stored at -18 °C was higher than that of date fruits stored at other temperatures (5 and 25 °C). The highest moisture loss in date fruits was observed in fruits stored at 25 °C. The storage temperature with the highest total phenol amounts of the Khalas, Ruzeiz and Sukkari date cultivars was at 25 °C, followed by 5 °C and − 18 °C in decreasing order. The storage temperature and packaging types with the highest total flavonoid content of the “Ruzeiz” date variety were “open cardboard” and “sealed in plastic bag and stored in closed cardboard” at 25 °C. In general, the highest phenolic compounds were detected in “Khalas” date variety, followed by “Ruzeiz” and “Sukkari” varieties in decreasing order. While the most abundant macro element in date varieties was K, followed by P, Mg and Ca, the most abundant micro elements were Fe, and followed by Mn, Zn, B and Cu in decreasing order. The P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and B results of the “Khalas” date variety stored at 25 °C were higher than those of the “Khalas” date fruits stored at other temperatures.

Fruit Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Three Saudi Arabian Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivars Grown in District Khairpur, Pakistan

In the present study fruit morphological and biochemical characterization of three Saudi Arabian date palm cvs. (Ajwa, Safawi and Ruthana) were carried out, which were cultivated in the district Khairpur, Pakistan. Fruits were collected at four different fruit growth stages (kimri, khalal, rutab and tamar) from fifteen years old trees for morphological (fruit colour, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, pulp ratio, seed length, seed diameter, seed weight) and biochemical analyses (moisture content, pH, total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars). Results of fruits physical characters showed that significantly highest fruit length (5.5 cm at rutab stage), fruit weight (20.2 g at khalal stage) was observed in cv. Safawi, whereas at khalal stage significantly lowest fruit length (3.4 cm) was observed in cv. Ajwa and fruit weight (13.2 g) was observed in cv. Ruthana. Fruits showed significant variations in colour and weight from kimri to tamar stage. Biochemical analyses of fruits revealed that highest moisture content (86.2%) was observed in fruits of cv. Ruthana at kimri stage. Total soluble solids (TSS) increased from 8.7% (at kimri stage) to 20.5% (at tamar stage) in cv. Ruthana. pH of the fruits at kimri stage was 3.2 in cv. Ajwa, whereas pH increased to 5.2 in cv. Ruthana at tamar stage. Total sugars (reducing and non-reducing) increased from 7.56% in cv. Ajwa at kimri stage to 69.7% in cv. Safawi at tamar stage as significantly highest values. Findings obtained in the present study described morphological attributes and biochemical constituents of the fruits of three exotic cultivars introduced in climatic conditions of the district Khairpur, Pakistan will open the route and interest of the farmers to introduce other elite date cultivars grown in the world.

The improvement of antioxidant contents and fruit quality of Sukkary date cultivar using various Potassium levels and Irrigation interval

Sukkary date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were treated with three levels of potassium fertilizer combined with three irrigation intervals regime, five replicates were allocated per treatment, to enhance better date peel color; decrease loose crust, and subsequently, improve high market ability. Potassium sulfate (49% K2O) was applied annually at a rate of 490 g (as common fertilization applied in the farm in which this experiment was carried out, therefore, it was considered as a control treatment), 735 g, or 980 g K2O per palm tree, each level was divided into three equal doses. The first dose was added one month after pollination; the other two doses were added at two month interval, whereas the irrigation treatments were as follows: 24 hrs (as common irrigation application in the farm used for this study, and it was considered as a control treatment), 48 hrs, or 72 hrs. The results showed a great decrease in the loose crust dates at harvesting time. An inverse proportional relationship between irrigation intervals and loose crust of dates was observed. The High potassium fertilizer treatment accompanied with 72 hrs irrigation interval treatment produced a significantly higher date quality regarding with bright yellow color, less darkening, and loose crust. High potassium fertilizer treatments (735, or 980 g K2O per palm) increased total yield, improved date weight, size, and color. Moreover, increasing potassium level affected significantly the date total antioxidant. This study showed that, a potential means to control peel darkening and loose date crust and improve quality of cv. Sukkary dates, which ultimately improves its market ability, through implementing appropriate potassium and irrigation regimes.

Effects of Ethrel and auxin applications on date palm fruit abscission during development

'Medjoul' is a large semidry date cultivar that is marketed as a special elite product. Fruit size and quality are determined by fruit load, which is dependent on the level of fruit set, fruitlet thinning protocols and natural drop. Currently there is no information on the process of natural fruit abscission in date palms and specifically not on abscission of 'Medjoul'. In the present study abscission levels were characterized through fruit development in vivo and in vitro. Fruit abscise throughout development. During two stages, at an 'Early fruitlet drop' and a 'June drop' (at 25–45 and 80–100 days after pollination respectively), specifically high rates of abscission were observed. The level of fruit set and the fruit load affects these two peaks respectively. Ethrel treatment, an ethylene releasing chemical, significantly induced fruitlet drop while Auxin (2,4-D) treatment reduced the rate of natural fruit drop in vitro, especially during the developmental stages with high natural abscission. A specific abscission zone located at the base of the fruit, just between the calyx and spikelet was detected. Following Ethrel treatment, breaks and cracks in this tissue were detected. This data will enable better understanding of fruitlet and fruit abscission in date palm, which is extremely important for a high quality production of 'Medjoul' dates.

Effect of the Variety and Processing Method on the Productivity and Quality of Date Molasses

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of date cultivar and processing technique on the chemical composition, qualitative attributes, and quantitative characteristics of date molasses. Two Iraqi date varieties, namely Al-Zuhdi and Al-Khastawi, were chosen during the date stage to produce date molasses using three established methods: the Madabis method, the foundry method (hot water) and the modern mechanical method (synergistic). The results of the comparison of the physical characteristics of the fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) between the two cultivars Zahdi and Khastawi showed that the fruits of the Khastawi variety were superior to the Zahdi variety in weight, length, diameter, size, and weight of the fleshy part. Significant differences were also recorded in the chemical properties of the dates used in the study, as the Zuhdi variety recorded the highest percentage of ash, protein, fat and total acidity, while the Khastawi variety recorded the highest percentage of total sugars. The results showed that there were significant differences between the studied molasses samples in terms of production, as the sample (Khastawi W3) of molasses produced by the synergistic method recorded the highest production rate of date molasses (643.7) g / kg of dates, with a slight difference from the closest value recorded by the same manufacturing method for the Zahdi variety (591.3). g/kg). As for the biological test for the microbial molasses content of bacteria and molds, the molasses manufactured by three methods and for the two varieties under study met the limits of microbiological safety, under normal storage conditions at room temperature even after 90 days without recording any microbiological infection. All samples of molasses were accepted with a very good degree in the sensory evaluation of the qualities of texture, smell, taste and color, while the Zahdi variety by the traditional cold pressing method (Madabis) scored the best final acceptance score.

Impact of Modified Atmosphere Packaging Conditions on Quality of Dates: Experimental Study and Predictive Analysis Using Artificial Neural Networks.

Dates are highly perishable fruits, and maintaining their quality during storage is crucial. The current study aims to investigate the impact of storage conditions on the quality of dates (Khalas and Sukary cultivars) at the Tamer stage and predict their quality attributes during storage using artificial neural networks (ANN). The studied storage conditions were the modified atmosphere packing (MAP) gases (CO2, O2, and N), packaging materials, storage temperature, and storage time, and the evaluated quality attributes were moisture content, firmness, color parameters (L*, a*, b*, and ∆E), pH, water activity, total soluble solids, and microbial contamination. The findings demonstrated that the storage conditions significantly impacted (p < 0.05) the quality of the two stored date cultivars. The use of MAP with 20% CO2 + 80% N had a high potential to decrease the rate of color transformation and microbial growth of dates stored at 4 °C for both stored date cultivars. The developed ANN models efficiently predicted the quality changes of stored dates closely aligned with observed values under the different storage conditions, as evidenced by low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values. In addition, the reliability of the developed ANN models was further affirmed by the linear regression between predicted and measured values, which closely follow the 1:1 line, with R2 values ranging from 0.766 to 0.980, the ANN models demonstrate accurate estimating of fruit quality attributes. The study's findings contribute to food quality and supply chain management through the identification of optimal storage conditions and predicting the fruit quality during storage under different atmosphere conditions, thereby minimizing food waste and enhancing food safety.

Studying the effect of dusting with ethyl formate on the physical traits of some Iraqi date cultivars

The current study aimed to use three cultivars of Iraqi dates in the date stage, AlZuhdi hard, Sayer semi-hard and soft Paraben) and fumigating these dates with ethyl formate to preserve them and studying the physical traits of the dates under study in three periods (the pre-storage period, the three-month post-storage period and the six-month storage period).The physical traits included (total soluble solids, pH, viscosity, relative viscosity, surface tension, density, refractive index, and electrical conductivity. Keywords: Dates Dusting; Ethyl Formate; Al-Zuhdi; Paraben; Sayer.

Phytochemical-derived tumor-associated macrophage remodeling strategy using Phoenix dactylifera L. boosted photodynamic therapy in melanoma via H19/iNOS/PD-L1 axis

BackgroundThe tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a barrier to PDT efficacy among melanoma patients. The aim of this study is to employ a novel muti-tactic TME-remodeling strategy via repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the main TME immune cells in melanoma, from the pro-tumor M2 into the antitumor M1 phenotype using Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) in combination with PDT. MethodsScreening of different date cultivars was employed to choose extracts of selective toxicity to melanoma and TAMs, not normal macrophages. Potential extracts were then fractionated and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Finally, the efficacy and the potential molecular mechanism of the co-treatment were portrayed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. ResultsInitial screening resulted in the selection of the two Phoenix dactylifera L. cultivars Safawi and Sukkari methanolic extracts. Sukkari showed superior capacity to revert TAM phenotype into M1 as well as more prominent upregulation of M1 markers and repression of melanoma immunosuppressive markers relative to positive control (resiquimod). Molecularly, it was shown that PDT of melanoma cells in the presence of the secretome of repolarized TAMs surpassed the monotherapy via the modulation of the H19/iNOS/PD-L1immune-regulatory axis. ConclusionThis study highlights the potential utilization of nutraceuticals in combination with PDT in the treatment of melanoma to provide a dual activity through alleviating the immune suppressive TME and potentiating the anti-tumor responses.

Saudi date cultivars' seed extracts inhibit developing hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet

This research aim was to assess the impact of the seed extracts of the date cultivars (Qatara, Barhi, and Ruthana) on rat’s liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation triggered by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). The experimental design was based on random partitioning into two groups; one that received the standard diet and another that received the HFD diet. The HFD rats were orally administered Lipitor or date seed extracts at 300 or 600 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Accordingly, feeding rats HFD significantly increased body and liver weights, hepatic and serum lipid levels, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, liver function enzymes, and inflammation markers, and decreased oxidative stress enzymes. Oral administration of Barhi and Ruthana date seed extracts significantly decreased body and liver weights. Serum and liver total cholesterol TC, Triglycerides TGs, and free fatty acids FFAs were also decreased as were AST, ALT, MAD, leptin, and CRP, with a concomitant increase in SOD, GSH, and CAT. Furthermore, similar to Lipitor, oral administration of the extracts reduced inflammation markers such as TNF-α, serum CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, and leptin while increasing IL-10 and adiponectin levels. Histological observation revealed that extract administration improved hepatocyte and parenchymal structures and decreased lipid deposition. In conclusion, both Barhi and Ruthana seed extracts showed strong hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects against HFD-induced liver steatosis. And date seeds have other beneficial potential for prevention and treatment of various diseases, which can be studied in the future.

Hot Water Treatment Improves Date Drying and Maintains Phytochemicals and Fruit Quality Characteristics of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera).

Fresh date fruits (cvs. Hillawi and Khadrawi) were harvested at the khalal stage and treated with hot water treatment (HWT) for different time durations (control, HWT-1 min, HWT-3 min, HWT-5 min, and HWT-7 min) to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical properties, and sensory attributes. The results revealed that both date cultivars took less time to reach the tamar stage in response to HWT-7 min compared to control. However, Hillawi date fruit showed a higher fruit ripening index (75%) at HWT-3 min, while Khadrawi fruit had a higher ripening index (80%) at HWT-5 min than untreated fruit (10%). Higher weight loss and lower moisture contents were observed in Hillawi (25%) and Khadrawi (20%) date fruit as the immersion period increased in both cultivars. Moreover, soluble solid content was higher in Hillawi (11.77° Brix) in response to HWT-3 min and Khadrawi (10.02° Brix) date fruit immersed in HWT-5 min in contrast with the control group, whereas significantly lower levels of titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content were observed in Hillawi (0.162%, 0.67 mg/100 g) and Khadrawi (0.206%, 0.73 mg/100 g) date fruit in response to HWT (HWT-1 min, HWT-3 min, HWT-5 min, and HWT-7 min) than untreated fruit. Furthermore, noticeably higher levels of reducing sugar (69.83%, 57.01%), total sugar (34.47%, 31.14%), glucose (36.84%, 29.42%), fructose (33.99%, 27.61%), and sucrose (3.16%, 1.33%) were found in hot water-treated Hillawi (immersed for 3-min) and Khadrawi (immersed for 5-min) date fruit, respectively. In addition, total phenolic content, total flavonoids, total antioxidants, and total tannins were substantially superior in date fruits subjected to HWT-3 min (in Hillawi, 128 mg GAE/100 g, 61.78%, 20.18 mg CEQ/100 g) and HWT-5 min (in Khadrawi, 139.43 mg GAE/100 g, 72.84%, and 18.48 mg CEQ/100 g) compared to control. Overall, sensory attributes were recorded to be higher in Hillawi and Khadrawi date fruit after treatment for 3 min and 5 min, respectively. Our findings suggest that HWT is a promising technique that can be adopted commercially to improve fruit ripening and preserved nutritional quality of dates after harvest.

Determination of Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Date-Based Sports Energy Gel.

Applying energy supplements in gel form may circumvent gastric discomfort and thus it is a practical alternative. The main objective of this investigation was to develop date-based sports energy gels consisting of highly nutritious ingredients such as black seed (Nigella sativa L.) extract and honey. Three date cultivars (Sukkary, Medjool, and Safawi) were used and characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. The sports energy gels were prepared with addition of xanthan gum (0.5% w/w) as the gelling agent. The newly developed date-based sports energy gels were then analysed for proximate composition, pH level, colour, viscosity, and texture profile analysis (TPA). A sensory test was also conducted with 10 panellists who analysed the appearance, texture, odour, sweetness, and overall acceptability of the gel using a hedonic scale. The results showed that different types of date cultivars affect the physical and mechanical properties of the new developed gels. The outputs of the sensory evaluation revealed that the date-based sports energy gel prepared from Medjool received the highest mean score, followed closely by those prepared from Safawi and Sukkary, indicating that, overall, all three cultivars are acceptable to consumers, but the date-based sports energy gel prepared from Medjool is the most preferred one.

The origin and geographical distribution of the ‘Mejhoul’ date cultivar

The origin and geographical distribution of the ‘Mejhoul’ date cultivar

Phenolic Profile, Sugar Composition, and Antioxidant Capacities of Some Common Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivars as a Potential Nutraceutical and Functional Food Ingredients

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a strategic oasian species in most Mediterranean regions, is often known by the commercialized Deglet Nour variety. However, many other common varieties that might have high importance are neglected. The current study aims to evaluate the nutraceutical and functional properties of six common date palm cultivars, collected from three Tunisian oasian regions. The biochemical composition and antioxidant potential of these date cultivars were investigated. Total polyphenols (TPP), total flavonoids (TF), and condensed tannins (CT) contents varied significantly between varieties. In particular, the Ftimi cultivar had the highest amounts of TPP, TF, and CT (204.04 ± 12.85 mg·GAE/100 g·FW, 117.35 ± 7.49 mg·RE/100 g·FW, and 147.93 ± 7.65 mg·CTE/100 g·FW, respectively). Similarly, this cultivar exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with 131.59 ± 11.54 mg·TE/100 g·FW and 106.57 ± 2.33 mg·TE/100 g·FW, respectively, for DPPH and ABTS+ assays. Contrary to the Deglet Nour variety, the six common dates contain a high amount of fructose and glucose (reducing sugars) and a low content of sucrose. LC-ESI-MS analysis showed that “Kenta” had the highest number of polyphenolic compounds (19 compounds) followed by “Ftimi” with 18 compounds, whereas “Deglet Nour” has only 15. Six major compounds (quinic acid, epicatechin, rutin, hyperoside, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, and kaempferol) were omnipresent. These findings highlight the high potential of neglected date palm varieties and confirm their richness with nutraceuticals and natural antioxidants.

Screening date cultivars for resistance against the saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. (Coleoptera: Silvanidae)

The saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) is an important insect pest of stored dates. This study aims to assess the susceptibility of ten date cultivars to the infestation by O. surinamensis. The tested cultivars were Rushodia, Segae, Shaishee, Nabtat Ali, Sari, Khalas, Ruzeiz, Sukkari, Ajwa Al Madina, and Deglet Noor. The response of the beetle to the ten cultivars was studied using a ten-arm olfactometer choice test. The nature of injury incurred by the beetle on the cultivars and the number of individuals produced per gram of consumed dates were determined. Additionally, the F1 progeny produced on each cultivar and the median developmental time were identified and used to calculate the susceptibility index (SI) for each cultivar. The cultivars Rushodia, Segae, and Shaishee were highly susceptible to the infestation by the saw-toothed beetle according to their high SI of 12.05, 12.02, and 11.11, respectively. However, the cultivar Deglet Noor was resistant to the infestation showing the smallest SI of 4.15. The ten cultivars were classified as highly susceptible, susceptible, moderately resistant, and resistant to attack by the saw-toothed grain beetle. The degree of susceptibility or resistance of the tested cultivars to the beetle also coincided with the beetle's mode of damage as well as the total number of progeny developed upon feeding on each date cultivar. The findings of the study can be used in the management strategies of O. surinamensis in stored dates.

Phoenix dactylifera in vitro culture and transformation of Thio-60 antifungal gene via chitosan nanoparticle

The date palm, or Phoenix dactylifera L., is one of the world’s oldest fruit trees. The entire date palm tree is used to produce a variety of goods, including food, clothing, fibre, and shelter. Tissue culture is one of the most recent methods used to multiply date palms and produce disease-free offspring. Plant tissue culture technology has advantages over conventional methods of propagation for the quick and extensive multiplication of significant plants in vitro, regardless of the season, and disease-free. This is because it preserves space and time. For this study, three different cultivars were used (Barhy, Sakkoti, and Shamia). For the three cultivars, ¾ MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L indole butyric acid IBA and 0.25 mg/l activated charcoal (AC) provided the optimal in vitro culture conditions. Plant gene function research and cultivar development are now both possible thanks to the advancement of plant transformation technologies. Date palm plants were given the AT1G12660 “Thio-60” gene to make them resistant to fungus infection. Utilizing chitosan nanoparticles for genetic transformation, the gene was introduced into three cultivars of dates (Barhy, Sakkoti, and Shamia). Run a conventional PCR to verify genetic fusion into all three cultivars. The fungal infection with Fusarium oxysporum was used to determine the resistance of the transgenic cultivar lines after it was established that the thionin gene had been transferred into transgenic date palm cultivars. Date crop transgenic lines showed strong resistance and a decline in the percentage of fungal infection-induced inhibition.

Fruit Evaluation of Minor Nubian Date Palm Cultivars

Domestication of date palm in the Nuba-land of Mahas andSakkot tribes since ancient times had been well documented inarcheological records. The commercially valuable Sudanese date palmcultivars originated there and were distributed country-wise. Besides,there are many minor cultivars in that habitat, rarely recognized in otherdates producing areas in Sudan. In this study, the physical, chemical andsensory attributes of 10 of these cultivars were studied in comparison toBarakawi, the major date cultivar in Sudan. Kulmat Al Borgaig scored toprank for fruit weight, width and pulp thickness, sharing weight positionwith Kajnosa, while Barakawi fruit was the longest. The highest total andnon-reducing sugars were recorded in Zagloul and Kulumtoad fruits. Themoisture content of all cultivars was extremely low, except for KulmatAlBorgaig which was characterized by relatively higher moisture. Theoverall acceptance in the panel of sensory evaluation was in favour ofKulmat Al Borgaig and Kajnosa, with relatively higher grades for tasteand palatability for Kulmat Al Borgaig.

Algerian date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit cultivars: HPLC fingerprinting and antibacterial activity

The abusive use of antibiotics causes the destruction of intestinal flora and the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Date palm is used in traditional medicine in the Saharan regions due to its biological properties.&#x0D; The study aimed to identify the phytochemical composition and assess the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extracts of three date cultivars from Algeria. Their total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol contents were measured spectrophotometrically. The phytochemical screening was conducted by HPLC fingerprinting using twenty-three pure phenolic compounds as standards. The antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacterial species was assessed using the disk diffusion method. &#x0D; The colorimetric methods showed that the total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol contents ranged from 2.13 ± 0.09 to 2.67 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g DW, 1.33 ± 0.21 to 1.55 ± 0.13 mg CEQ/100 g DW, and 0.41 ± 0.23 to 0.47 ± 0.05 mg REQ/100 g DW, respectively. HPLC fingerprinting showed that the extracts of date cultivars served as an excellent source of bioactive compounds (gallic acid, tannic acid, ferulic acid, vanillin, caffeine, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, aspegenin, isorhamnetin, and hesperidin). They also exhibited an antibacterial potential with an inhibition zone diameter ranging from 8.40 to 12.50 mm.&#x0D; The results clearly demonstrate the antibacterial potency of date palm fruits, which could be attributed to their considerable content of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, and luteolin.

Pattern Recognition of Phytoconstituents and Bioactivities of Date Pit Extracts from Different Cultivars Grown in the Qassim Area

A huge number of date varieties grow annually throughout the world. The genetic variation between different date varieties is reflected in their variable sensory characters and phytochemical contents. Date pits are considered a waste product of the date industry, despite their rich metabolic content. The present study attempts to generate visual clustering to clarify the diversity among fourteen date cultivars growing in the Qassim region, according to the phytochemical contents and biological potentials of their pits. The results indicated a wide variation in the total phenolic content (11.4–29.7 mg GAE/g), flavonoids content (21.9–37.1 mg RE/g), proanthocyanidine content (12.0–207.0 mg CE/g), and antioxidant potential (10.3–25.5 mg AEAC/g) among the tested cultivars. Screening the antimicrobial activity of extracts from the 14 tested cultivars indicated different activities against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans. Multivariate analysis of phytochemical content and biological activity, using different analytical models, allowed the classification of the 14 cultivars into four classes, Class-1: Barhi, Safawi, and Sukkari; Class-2: Khodry and Nabtat Ali; Class-3: Ruthana, Segae, Shaqra, and Sheishee; and Class-4: Hulwa Aljouf, Mabroom, Meneifi, Rushodia, and Wannana. These findings provide a scientific basis for the classification of date pits which facilitates the future selection of promising candidates for more phytochemical and biological exploration.