Date Palm Fruit Research Articles

Extraction of bioactive components from date palm waste, various extraction processes and their applications: A review

Dates are vital sources of nutrients and bioactive components which are widely consumed throughout the world. Agro-industrial waste, such as date palm waste, has been recognized as a potential candidate of bioactive chemicals and essential oils for utilization in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Date fruit and seed are well-known for their nutritional worth, which includes high sugar, vitamins, and mineral content that includes potassium and magnesium. Presence of phenolic compounds diverges the attention of researchers towards efficient extraction processes. Various traditional e.g., soxhlet, maceration, infusion, and digesting and advanced extraction techniques, i.e., pressurised fluid extraction (PFE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and supercritical CO2 extraction (SC-CO2) have been discussed briefly to extract bioactive components for instance flavonoids, tocopherols, tannins, carotenoids, tocotrienols and hydroxybenzoic acid from date palm fruit, seed, and leaves. The findings reveal that the higher total phenolic content in a shorter time can be obtained by combining ultrasonic with PLE or SFE extraction techniques. These bioactive components can be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for pre-treatment of certain ailments. Moreover, the natural bioactive components with potential therapeutic benefits, such as non-starch polysaccharides and selenium. The purpose of this study is to highlight the advances achieved in understanding bioactive components e.g., phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins hydroxycinnamic, hydroxybenzoic and bio-oil of date palm fruits, including their synthesis, probable functions, and health advantages, to find prospective uses for date-derived materials in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food sector.

Assessment of the phenolic profile and biological activities of aqueous date seed extracts: A comparative analysis

Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a well-known fruit that has become increasingly popular among consumers due to its pleasant flavor, nutrient-dense content, and nutraceutical characteristics. Date seeds are the main by-product of date fruit consumption and processing. Date seeds are usually incorporated in animal feed; however, their application in human contexts, such as food products, remains minimal. Nonetheless, they contain significant amounts of bioactive phenolic compounds, primarily flavonoids, which possess potential health benefits. The current study investigated and compared the phenolic profile, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of aqueous extracts of nine different date seeds varieties. The phenolic profile, analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS), showed that total phenolic compounds ranged from 1.05 to 1.24 mg/g in Reziz and Naghal varieties, respectively, with flavan-3-ols predominating in all varieties. Results of the ABTS and DPPH assays revealed that the antioxidant activities against free radicals were directly correlated with the overall phenolic content, particularly for caffeic acid. Indeed, all date seeds possessed antibacterial capabilities, with a stronger effect observed on Listeria monocytogenes than Escherichia coli. Additionally, date seeds demonstrated a promising source of oil rich in oleic and lauric acids, both of which are considered beneficial for health. According to our findings, date seeds are a significant source of bioactive compounds, which renders them ideal candidates for potential inclusion in human diets as food additives and nutraceuticals.

Comprehensive analysis of microbiome biodiversity in popular date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit varieties

Due to its nutritional value and health benefits, the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential dietary food crop throughout Middle Eastern and African countries. Consumers are concerned about the possible microbial contamination of dates, especially since most dates arriving in local markets are unprocessed. The absence of processing increases the possibility of microbial contamination, which raises the probability of microbial contamination. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the variability of fungal and bacterial microbiota identified in the most popular date palm fruits in Saudi Arabia. The study assessed ten date variety fruits from the most popular date palm varieties for consumption in Saudi Arabia and analyzed the microbial count. Morphological and molecular characterization and comparison of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences identified 78 fungi, including 36 distinct species across 15 fungal genera. Alternaria, Fusarium, Curvilaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium were the most frequent genera among the ten fruit cultivars studied, according to ITS-rDNA sequence analysis. Furthermore, 36 bacterial isolates were obtained from ten date varieties studied, each with a unique colony morphology. These isolates were identified based on sequence alignment and comparison of their 16S rDNA internal spacer regions to those available in public databases. The results showed that the bacterial isolates included 15 species from five bacterial genera. The results suggested that Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and Brucella were the prevailing genera among the ten tested fruit varieties. Some bacterial genera, such as Brucella, Achromobacter, and Stenotrophomonas, are well-known potential human pathogens. Chaetomium globosum was also recognized as air pollution causing adverse health effects such as allergies and as the causal agent of human fungal infections among the tested date varieties; the Rashodiah type exhibited the highest fungal contamination, whereas the Sagai variety displayed the lowest fungal contamination. Conversely, the Sukkari, Barhi, and Mejdool varieties were the most contaminated with bacteria among the ten tested varieties, while the Khalas variety showed the least bacterial contamination. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study provides the initial comprehensive account of the molecular and morphological identification of all fungal and bacterial genera associated with date palm (P. dactylifera) fruits.

Exploration of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) bioactivity as anti-SARS-CoV-2: in silico study

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for innovation and the development of antiviral agents. One plant with potential antiviral properties is the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). However, research on the antiviral activity of dates against SARS-CoV-2 is limited. This study aims to assess the antiviral potential of compounds found in date palm fruit using a molecular docking method. Specifically, we compare these compounds to the antiviral drugs ritonavir and nirmatrelvir in their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The molecular docking analysis was conducted using various tools and software, including Autodock Vina, DS Visualizer, Autodock Tools, Python, and Marvin Sketch. The results of the study indicate that compounds such as apigenin, diosmetin, and luteolin have strong potential as antiviral agents. The binding affinity of apigenin in date fruit with various SARS-CoV-2 proteins is as follows: -7.6 kcal/mol for 3CL-Pro, -8.7 kcal/mol for Nsp3, -5.7 kcal/mol for PD-ACE-2, and -7.0 kcal/mol for RBD-S. Diosmetin exhibits similar binding affinities with these proteins: -6.7 kcal/mol, -8.5 kcal/mol, -5.6 kcal/mol, and -7.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Luteolin also shows strong binding affinities: -7.9 kcal/mol, -8.6 kcal/mol, -5.7 kcal/mol, and -7.3 kcal/mol. In comparison, nirmatrelvir achieved docking scores of -7.2 kcal/mol, -7.5 kcal/mol, -5.1 kcal/mol, and -6.3 kcal/mol with the same proteins, while ritonavir scored -7.0 kcal/mol, -8.2 kcal/mol, -5.6 kcal/mol, and -6.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Apigenin, diosmetin, and luteolin demonstrate stronger potential than nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, as evidenced by their lower docking scores when compared to these drugs.

Impacts of aquaculture wastewater irrigation on soil health, nutrient availability, and date palm fruit quality

Water scarcity and droughts are among the most challenging issues worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Saudi Arabia. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a major crop in Saudi Arabia, is being significantly affected by water scarcity, soil salinity, and desertification. Alternative water sources are needed to conserve freshwater resources and increase date palm production in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has a significant number of aquaculture farms that generate substantial amounts of wastewater, which can be utilized as an alternative source of irrigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential of aquaculture wastewater as an alternative irrigation source for date palm orchards. Aquaculture wastewater was collected from 12 different farms (Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Qassim regions, Saudi Arabia) and its quality was analyzed. The impacts of aquaculture wastewater irrigation on soil quality, nutrient availability, nutrient status of date palm trees, and dates fruit quality were assessed in comparison to source water (freshwater) irrigation at Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Qassim regions. The water quality analyses showed higher salinity (EC = 3.31 dSm−1) in farm Q3, while all other farms demonstrated no salinity, sodicity, or alkalinity hazards. Moreover, the aquaculture wastewater irrigation increased soil available P, K, NO3−–N, and NH4+–N by 49.31%, 21.11%, 33.62%, and 52.31%, respectively, compared to source water irrigation. On average, date palm fruit weight, length, and moisture contents increased by 26%, 23%, and 43% under aquaculture wastewater irrigation compared to source water irrigation. Further, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn contents in date palm leaf were increased by 19.35%, 34.17%, 37.36%, 38.24%, and 45.29%, respectively, under aquaculture wastewater irrigation compared to source water irrigation. Overall, aquaculture wastewater irrigation significantly enhanced date palm plant growth, date palm fruit quality, and soil available nutrients compared to freshwater irrigation. It was concluded that aquaculture wastewater can be used as an effective irrigation source for date palm farms as it enhances soil nutrient availability, date palm growth, and date fruit yield and quality. The findings of this study suggest that aquaculture wastewater could be a viable alternative for conserving freshwater resources and increase date palm production in Saudi Arabia.

A Derelomine Weevil Severely Damaging the Inflorescence and Young Fruits of Date Palm

A Derelomine Weevil Severely Damaging the Inflorescence and Young Fruits of Date Palm

Nanoemulsion based hydrogel: A promising platform for potential anti-inflammatory action of date palm extract

It is beyond doubt that employing natural products in medicinal application reflected to be a successful approach for managing various diseases owing to their effectiveness, affordability and least side effects. Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) is regarded the main fruit in Saudi Arabia since it possesses various biological behaviors including anti-inflammatory influence. In current study, Date palm extract (DPE) of Reziz cultivar was subjected to several phases until getting into a powder extract form. Within the scope of known investigations, this is the first time, to incorporate Date palm extract (DPE) into nanoemulsion (NE) nanocarrier prepared with olive oil to develop a novel DPE-NE. Using response surface methodology, various NEs were developed and best of them was selected based on various assigned parameters mainly; particle size and in vitro release. The optimized DPE-NE was incorporated into pre-formulated hydrogel that was characterized for various properties including pH, viscosity and spreadability. DPE-NE-based hydrogel was examined for the in vitro release of the drug over 6 hours, kinetic study, and for its stability over 3 months storage at two different conditions 4 ± 2 °C and 25 ± 3 °C. Finally, the formulation was examined for any possible skin irritation and for its anti-inflammatory action on rat hind paw induced with edema. Homogenous NE formulations were prepared, with the optimized one showed appropriate particle size (168.33 nm) and in vitro release 86.5 %. The developed DPE-NE-based hydrogel exhibited pH 6.14, viscosity 27920 cP, spreadability 51.3 mm and in vitro release 41.1 %. The formulation exhibited a non-significant difference in all evaluated parameters upon storage at two different conditions. Moreover, the formulation was safe exhibiting no skin irritation over the whole period of the study. Ultimately, the pharmacological activity of the developed DPE-NE-based hydrogel revealed potential anti-inflammatory influence.

Does hydration of ‘Deglet Nour’ date palm fruits improve their quality and help to reduce waste?

This work investigates the quality change of date palm fruits after hydration treatment which is commonly applied to enhance the hard textured ‘Deglet Nour’ fruits that are unacceptable for consumption. Date palm fruits were treated at 60–62 °C with saturated steam for 4 h in three different processing units (DPU). Mid Infrared Spectroscopy (MIR) giving a global spectral evaluation discriminates samples from the three DPUs and highlights date palm fruits of the first DPU regarding hydration treatment. Treatment led to a decrease of fruit firmness, skin lightness, and of sucrose and malic acid contents whereas citric acid and procyanidins contents and procyanidins ‘degree of polymerization increased. Thermal treatment had no effect on glucose and fructose contents, on cell wall content and composition and on minor phenolic groups. Significant differences existed on dates from the three DPUs, discriminating dates presenting high firmness. Hydration treatment improve dates texture as expected while nutritional parameters were quite stable, confirming that is very promising and could be highly recommended to valorise fruit that are currently not commercialized. However, optimisation is needed for the very hard-type dates.

Efficiency of Antioxidants on Physiological Traits and Growth Curve of Date Palm Fruit Cultivars Barhi and Zamli

The study aimed to investigate the impact of variety factor on the physiological characteristics and growth curve of date palm fruits in a private orchard in the Hartha district of Al-Masheeb, north of Basrah province. Two date palm varieties, Barhi and Zamli, were selected and antioxidants tocopherol and Glutathione were used at three concentrations (0, 75, 150 mg/L) for each. The interaction between these factors was studied in terms of physiological characteristics and growth curves. Results showed no significant differences between the varieties' physiological characteristics, but the spray treatments had a significant effect on the percentage of fruit set. The Glutathione spraying treatment had the highest rate of fruit set (86.60%), while the comparison treatment had the lowest drop rate (77.55%). The interaction treatments also had significant differences in drop rate and non-set fruit percentages. The Zamli variety showed the highest growth curve of physical traits (6 and 12 weeks after pollination), while antioxidant spray treatments had significant differences in the rate of physical characteristics. The interaction had a significant effect on the studied characteristics during the two growth periods

Preserving Postharvest Quality of Medjool Date Palm Fruits by Edible Oil Emulsions Application

Edible oils work to protect the fruit in more than one way. They act as a barrier or insulating layer that prevents moisture loss from the fruits, prevents the development of microbes on the surface, prevents chemical changes in the fruits, and prevents the deterioration of the fruits. These functions work to improve the quality of the fruits and increase the shelf life of the fruits. Medjool date palm fruits experience post-harvest difficulties such as weight loss, reduced taste, microbial contamination, and general quality degradation during storage, particularly at room temperature. Essential oils with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant qualities, such as jasmine oil, black cumin oil, and jojoba oil, have demonstrated significant promise for improving fruit storability and quality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of treatment with edible coating with jasmine oil, black cumin oil, and jojoba oil of Medjool date palm fruits under room storage conditions to lengthen shelf life, preserve quality, and reduce refrigeration during the seasons of 2021 and 2022. The study treatments were jasmine oil 1.5%, black cumin oil 1.5%, jojoba oil 7%, and untreated fruits as a control. Data showed that treatment with edible coating with jojoba oil reduced Medjool date palm fruit decay percentages and weight loss, delayed skin separation, and improved chemical fruit properties such as total sugar and total soluble solids (TSS%), followed by black cumin oil and then jasmine oil. The results showed that using jasmine oil, black cumin oil, or jojoba oil as a layer of essential oils provides a realistic option to enhance storability, extend shelf life, maintain quality, and reduce refrigeration in Medjool date palm fruits.

In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies of Antiglycation Potential of Phenolic Compounds in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruit: Exploring Local Varieties in the Food Industry

In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies of Antiglycation Potential of Phenolic Compounds in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruit: Exploring Local Varieties in the Food Industry

Evaluation of antioxidant activity in crude polysaccharide extracts from two date varieties (Tazerzait “Azerza” and Deglet-Nour)

The fruit of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L. is extensively consumed in Arabian countries and is esteemed for its nutritional attributes, boasting high carbohydrate content and specific vitamins. This study aims to assess the antioxidant potential of polysaccharide extracts from the date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from two selected cultivars, Tazerzait “Azerza” and Deglet-Nour, originating from the Ghardaia region. Crude polysaccharides were extracted from the dates using distilled water followed by ethanol precipitation. Yields from this process were 3.14% for the Tazerzait cultivar and 4.75% for the Deglet-Nour cultivar, indicative of significant polysaccharide content, known for their diverse health benefits. Antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro through DPPH and ABTS assays. Polysaccharide extracts exhibited noteworthy antioxidant activity, notably the Tazerzait variety. In the DPPH assay, the Tazerzait extract displayed an IC50 value of 4.66 mg/mL, indicating effective scavenging of free radicals. Moreover, in the ABTS assay, the extract demonstrated even more potent activity, with an IC50 value of 0.49 mg/mL, underscoring its robust antioxidant properties. These results underscore the strong antioxidant potential of Tazerzait polysaccharides. Polysaccharide extracts from the date palm fruit, particularly from the Tazerzait cultivar, exhibit significant antioxidant activity, highlighting their potential as natural antioxidants. This suggests avenues for their utilization in pharmaceutical and food industries to enhance human health.

Nutritional and Biochemical Analysis of Locally Produced Wine from a Blend of Banana (Musa sapientum) and Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Background: Wine is a low-alcohol beverage made from fresh grapes or grape juice through partial or complete fermentation. Wine contains many nutrients necessary for the human body, such as sugar, vitamins, amino acids, mineral elements, polyphenols etc. Objective: This project aimed at analysing the nutritional and biochemical composition of locally produced wine from a blend of banana and dates palm fruit. The study includes determining the proximate, phytochemical, mineral, physicochemical, and amino acid profiles. Methods: The method involves heating a crucible dish to eliminate moisture, determining fat content, defatting the sample, determining ash, and determining crude protein. The phytochemical analysis includes tests for saponin, flavonoid, alkaloid, and tannin. Mineral analysis was carried using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while physicochemical analysis includes alcohol, pH, and temperature measurements as well as determination of amino acid profile analysis of banana-date palm wine. Results: The proximate analysis revealed high moisture content (97.87%), suggesting a good source of fruit wine production. The wine contains low crude fibre (1.01%), low crude protein (0.14%), Ash content (0.49%) and low crude lipid (0.58%). The wine also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Physicochemical analysis revealed an average pH of 4.62 to 4.71, with sugar concentration decreasing daily over four days and two mineral elements were reveal which are potassium and phosphorus. The amino acid profile analysis of banana-date palm wine reveals that it contains both essential and non-essential amino acids. The essential amino acids include isoleucine, methionine, histidine, and phenylalanine, non-essential amino acids include glutamic acid, asparagine, proline, and cysteine. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that a blend of Banana (musa sapientum) and date palm fruit (Phoenix dactyliferal) wine has a unique pleasant aroma, and may have the potential to provide both essential and non-essential amino acids, provide other nutrients that are important for normal physiological function of the body.

Supplementation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) residue for growth and lactic acid production of probiotic bacterial Lactobacillus spp.

Date palm is an age-old cultivated plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. The date palm is a bountiful source of carbohydrates, encompassing sucrose, glucose, and fructose and proteins. The date industry generates a significant volume of unused by-products. Dates offer a diverse range of by-products beyond the agri-food sector. LAB have garnered extensive utilisation across diverse food sectors, spanning meat, vegetables, beverages, dairy products, and other fermented foods. In the quest for establishing a new large-scale fermentation process for lactic acid there has been a concerted effort to utilise more cost-effective medium components. In the present work, date palm residue (DPR) derived from date palm fruit, after sugar extraction, was incorporated into MRS. The fermentation process was executed through two distinct fermentation systems. Initially, experiments were conducted in flasks. Afterward, the optimal conditions for bacterial growth were determined, and the experiment was carried out using a bioreactor. DPR supported the probiotic Lactobacillus spp. growth especially after 48 h incubation. The prebiotic effect of DPR on Lactobacillus spp. was reported. An increase in the total number of bacterial populations was observed in response to the addition the DPR until 48 h. Specifically, the supplementing DPR at a concentration of 1.5% in batch fermentation enhanced the growth and lactic acid production of Lactobacillus casei. This study suggests that DPR could potentially function as an economical prebiotic source and could be seamlessly incorporated as a functional food ingredient, thereby transforming a waste product into an economically sustainable food substrate.

Determination and health risk assessment of carbamate pesticide residues in date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) using QuEChERS method and UHPLC-MS/MS

This study aimed to investigate carbamate pesticide residues in different varieties of date palm fruits in the UAE, utilizing UHPLC-MS/MS. For sample preparation and clean-up, the efficiency and performance of different QuEChERS dispersive solid-phase extraction kits were compared. Precision and recovery were assessed at 10 μg kg−1 for the three kits, revealing that Kit 2 demonstrated the best performance. The selected QuEChERS method was validated to detect 14 carbamate residues in 55 date samples. The method exhibited strong linearity with R2 > 0.999 and low LOD (0.01–0.005 μg kg−1) and LOQ (0.003–0.04 μg kg−1). Excellent accuracy (recovery: 88–106%) and precision (RSD: 1–11%) were observed, with negligible matrix effect (− 4.98–13.26%). All samples contained at least one carbamate residue. While most detected residues were below their MRLs, carbosulfan was found in 21 samples, propoxur in 2 samples, and carbofuran in 1 sample above their MRLs. The hazard index (HI) was calculated for carbosulfan, phenmedipham, carbaryl, propoxur, carbofuran, and methomyl to assess potential health risks for date consumers. All HI values were below the safety limit of 1.0, indicating that the consumption of dates does not pose a non-carcinogenic health risk for adults and children.

A comparative study of the antifungal efficacy and phytochemical composition of date palm leaflet extracts

Abstract This study rigorously evaluated the inhibitory effects of chloroform (PDCL) and methanol (PDML) extracts from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) leaflets, in comparison to fosetyl-aluminum, against molecularly identified fungal strains Fusarium oxysporum (OR116511), Botrytis cinerea (OR116493), and Rhizoctonia solani (OR116530) isolated from date palm tree roots and fruits. We found that coumaric acid (1663.91 µg g−1) is one of the top four high-performance liquid chromatography-major phenols in the PDML extract, while the PDCL extract includes rosmarinic acid (291.08 µg g−1). The major flavonoids in the PDML extract are naringenin and kaempferol, whereas PDCL extract includes naringenin and quercetin. In the PDML extract, methyl 9-cis-11-trans-octadecadienoate (9.96%) is one of the top five gas chromatography–mass spectrometry major compounds; likewise, cis-13-octadecenoic acid (26.16%) is in the PDCL extract. The highest growth inhibition percentages of PDCL and PDML extracts were initiated against F. oxysporum (60.53 and 50.00%) at 150 µg mL−1, respectively, whereas inhibition against B. cinerea was realized at the highest concentration with 50.82%. Fosetyl-Al potently inhibited the growth of fungal isolates to varying degrees. Therefore, we could successfully employ PDCL extract to control the growth of F. oxysporum and B. cinerea and also use both extracts against R. solani.

Impact of date-based energy bar intake on postprandial appetite, metabolism and thermogenesis

Research studies suggest that date-palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits provide a superior nutritional and health benefits, compared to other fruits (1). They are rich source of many essential nutrients including carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. The date palm fruits are produced in many countries around the world and about 10-15% of the total production is lost or sold extremely at low prices (2, 3). Despite these, date fruits have been rarely used as an ingredient in commercially available energy bars. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of newly formulated date-based energy bar (DBEB) (4) intake on subjective appetite, postprandial metabolism, energy substrate oxidation and diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT).Twenty-seven healthy male adults (mean ± SD, aged 20.8 ± 3.5 years with body weight of 66 ± 8 kg) participated in a randomised crossover design study. Each participant conducted two experimental arms and was investigated prior to (baseline) and for three-hours after consumption of either a date- based energy bar (DBEB) or an isocaloric and macronutrient matched mixed fruit-based energy bar (FBEB) as control arm. The DBEB contained significantly less fructose and glucose, but more sucrose and fibre than FBEB. Both experimental arms involved blood sampling, subjective appetite, and indirect calorimetry measurements. At the end of each experiment, an ad libitum buffet meal was provided. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and two-way ANOVA.Time-averaged composite appetite and satiety scores were not significantly different between control (FBEB) and DBEB arms. Energy intake during ad libitum buffet was also not different between arms. Metabolic rate measured at baseline and during post-ingestion of the bars were not significantly different between FBEB and DBEB arms (arm effect, P>0.05). Thermic effect of bars calculated as percentage increase in metabolic rate above RMR during whole postprandial duration was (mean ± SE) 9.5 ± 1.6 % in DBEB arm and 8.7 ± 1.3 % in the FBEB arm (arm effect, P>0.05). Rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation were also not different between the two arms (arm effect, P>0.05) Time-averaged concentrations of blood glucose, insulin and triglycerides were similar between the study arms.The obtained results suggest that energy bars based on dates or mixed fruits produce similar effects on postprandial appetite, fat and carbohydrate oxidation, thermic effect and cardiometabolic risk factors. Date fruits can be used as rich source for carbohydrate and energy. However, future research should investigate the impact of date-based energy bars on antioxidant capacity and other health related markers.

The effect of the growth stimulant Bio 20 and thinning on some physiological and physical characteristics of date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.), the Al-Shwaithi cultivar growing in Thi - Qar Governorate.

The effect of the growth stimulant Bio 20 and thinning on some physiological and physical characteristics of date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.), the Al-Shwaithi cultivar growing in Thi - Qar Governorate.

Optimizing the leaf-to-bunch ratio in ‘Mazafati’ date trees by considering source-sink limitation and physiological-molecular responses

The balance between carbon production and consumption is regulated by source and sink, which can limit plant performance. When there is an imbalance between source and sink, the plant's performance is affected. Thus, source and sink are interdependent. We conducted a two-year study (220–221) to investigate how different leaf-to–bunch ratios (LBR) (7–12) affect source–sink balance and yield in ’Mazafati’ date trees. We also determined the optimal number of bunches per tree as the main carbon sinks competing with other organs. Trehalose is a non-reducing sugar that protects cellular structure and function under stress. We found that 9–10 LBR-trees had no biotic stress due to carbon deficiency or excess, as indicated by minimal expression of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) gene and synthesis of trehalose. This alleviated source-sink limitation and resulted in the highest yield, bunch weight, fruit weight and flavor, water use efficiency, and reduced abscised fruit. Hormones gibberellic acid (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA), gene expression of sucrose phosphate synthase 1 (SPS1), enzyme activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SuSy) related to sucrose synthesis, reducing and non-reducing sugars, and starch increased with increasing LBR in date palm fruit. Based on our findings, we concluded that a LBR of 9–10 optimizes fruit quality in date palm.

Monitoring and Health Risk Assessment of Lead and Cadmium in Date Palm Fruit Cultivars Growing in Morocco.

The present study aimed to investigate the levels of two toxic trace elements (lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)) in 84 date fruit samples of four varieties (Mejhoul, Bouittob, Aziza and Boufegouss) produced in four Moroccan areas, using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and to assess their risk to the consumer health. Results showed that out of the total samples, Pb was detected in 39 date fruit samples (46.43%) in the range of 0.0001-0.118mg/kg, with an average level of 0.016 ± 0.0005mg/kg. For Cd levels, a total of 40 samples (47.62%) were found to be contaminated with Cd levels ranging from 0.0004 to 0.752mg/kg, with a mean value of 0.079 ± 0.003mg/kg. Cadmium levels exceeded the European maximum regulatory limit (MRL) of 0.020mg/kg in 17 date samples, which represents 20.24%. However, only one sample (1.19%) was above the MRL for Pb (0.10mg/kg) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values were found to be below 1. Furthermore, cancer risk (CR) levels exceeded the acceptable ranges. As a result, the non-carcinogenic risk assessments have concluded that consuming date fruits is safe and unlikely to harm harmful effects to the consumers. However, the date consumption may pose a significant lifetime carcinogenic risk to consumers from date-growing regions.