Date Palm Pits Research Articles

In vivo efficacy of date palm pit extract based chromone derivative against Aedes aegypti dengue vectors in Saudi Arabia

AbstractThis study investigated the in vivo efficacy of a chromium derivative extracted from date palms pit against Aedes aegypti the third instar larvae, the known vector of dengue fever in Saudi Arabia. Chromone 1, a flavonoid chromone component, was isolated from the alcoholic extract of date palm pits (DPP) using High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that exposure of A. aegypti larvae to whole DPP extract and chromone 1 for 24 h resulted in significant insecticidal efficacy with LC50 values of 132.82 and 54.64 ppm, respectively. The same concentrations also effectively inhibited AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity up to −56.83 and −58.58%, respectively, compared to controls. The acetylcholine bromide test further confirmed the interaction between chromone 1 and AChE. The results also revealed that the chromone 1 treatment altered Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and protein content. It also exhibited that the extract of date palm pits DPP can effectively serve as sustainable ingredients for the control management of A. aegypti.

Valorization of Natural Dye Extracted from Date Palm Pits (Phoenix dactylifera) for Ecofriendly Dyeing of Bicomponent Polyester Filaments

Valorization of Natural Dye Extracted from Date Palm Pits (Phoenix dactylifera) for Ecofriendly Dyeing of Bicomponent Polyester Filaments

Eco-friendly nano-enabled fertilizers derived from date industry waste for sustainable and controlled-release of P, K and Mg nutrients: sorption mechanisms, controlled-release performance and kinetics

Development of nano-enabled fertilizers from green waste is one of the effective options to enhance global agricultural productions and minimize environmental pollution. In this study, novel, eco-friendly and cost-effective nano- enabled fertilizers (NEF) were synthesized using the planetary ball milling procedure. The NEF (nDPF1and nDPF2) were prepared by impregnation of nanostructured date palm pits (nDPP) with (KH2PO4 + MgO) at 1:1 and 3:1 (w/w) ratios respectively. The nDPP, nDPF1 and nDPF2 were extensively characterized. The produced nano-fertilizers enhanced soil water retention capacity with nDPF2 being the most effective. The water retention capacity of nDPF2 treated soil was 5.6 times higher than that of soil treated with conventional fertilizers. In addition, the nDPF2 exhibited superior sustained lower release rates of P, K and Mg nutrients for longer release periods in comparison with the conventional fertilizers. For instance, P cumulative release percentages from conventional fertilizers, nDPF1 and nDPF2 in soil reached 22.41%, 10.82 and 8.9% respectively within 384 h. Findings from FTIR and XPS analyses suggested that hydrogen bonding and ligand exchange were the main interaction mechanisms of PO4-K-Mg ions with nDPP surface. The released kinetics data of the NEF revealed that power function was the best suitable model to describe the kinetics of P, K and Mg release data from NEF in water and soil. Pot study ascertained that the nano-enabled fertilizers (nDPF1 and nDPF2) significantly promoted biomass production and nutrient uptake of maize plants as compared to commercial fertilizer treated plants. The present work demonstrated the potential of NEF to increase nutrients uptake efficiency, mitigate moisture retention problem in arid soils and reduce nutrients loss through leaching and safeguard the environment.Graphical

Development of sustainable thermal insulation based on bio-polyester filled with date pits

Date palm pit (DPP)-filled poly (-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) composites were prepared, evaluated, and characterized to determine their thermal insulation ability. Thermal conductivity values ranged between 0.086 and 0.100 W/(m·K). At a maximum filler concentration (50% (w)), the specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity were 1 183 J/(kg·K) and 0.068 9 mm2/s, respectively. The DPP increased the thermal stability, and the highest compressive strength obtained was 80 MPa at 30% filler content. The PHB-DPP composites exhibited promising water absorption (less than 6%) and tensile strength (6–14 MPa). Date-pit-based PHB composites could be used in sustainable building engineering and cleaner production.

Selective formation of fuel BXT compounds from catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of waste biomass over Ni-decorated beta-zeolite

Upgrading of bio-oil extracted from the various components of biomass into transportation fuels is typically attained via surface-assisted hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) pits constitute an important category of waste biomass in many parts of the world. Herein, we report a comprehensive integrated experimental-simulation approach to investigate HDO process of vapor fraction generated from pyrolysis of date pits over the metal-supported catalyst Ni/H-Beta zeolite. The catalyst was synthesized and characterized using various techniques including XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, and TPR. Catalytic tests were carried out in a 2-stage catalytic reactor where pyrolysates from the first reactor flows over the catalyst placed in the second reactor. Selective formation of toluene (and other alkylated benzenes) indicates a profound selectivity towards the formation of benzene-toluene-xylene (BXT) fractions especially in the temperature range 200–400 °C. As the temperature increases, fragmentation and bimolecular reactions involving toluene leads to synthesis of unwanted PAHs, most notably azulene. Considering 3,4-altrosan as a model compound for the lignin content in date pits, governing mechanisms of HDOs, was mapped out using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Results reported herein are expected to assist in the optimizing operational conditions that leads to the production of the valuable BXT fraction from pyrolysis of date pits.

Assessment of phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and in vivo antidiarrheal activity of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

ABSTRACT Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has a significant role in our daily life due to its diverse nutritional composition and potential health benefits. This study was designed to evaluate the phytochemicals, antioxidant, and antidiarrheal potential of various extracts of Ajwa whole fruit, date palm pit, and flesh. The extracts with the highest phytochemical quantities were further subjected to bio-assay assessment against castor oil-induced diarrhea using different animal models. The results indicated that Ajwa whole fruit extract (AWFE) exhibited higher amount of total phenolic contents (TPC: 36 ± 16 mg/g GAE), total flavonoid contents (TFC: 360 ± 135 mg/g RE), and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH: 60 ± 7%) in hydro-ethanolic extracts. In vivo results revealed that Ajwa whole fruit 60% hydro-ethanolic extract at high dose (2000 mg/kg) showed significantly (p < .05) highest protective effect against diarrheal changes in mice. In case of AWFE, the intestinal contents % inhibition was slightly higher (72%) as compared to that of loperamide control (70%). High dose of Ajwa whole (2000 mg/kg) demonstrated less effectiveness (66 ± 11%) in comparison with loperamide (78 ± 8%) regarding % inhibition of fluid accumulation in enteropooling studies. High dose (2000 mg/kg) of Ajwa also reduced intestinal transit time by decreasing the % distance (53 ± 1%) in comparison with loperamide (57 ± 1%). The % inhibition of charcoal meal traveling of AWFE (38 ± 2%) was also significantly higher as compared to loperamide (26 ± 1%). The findings of the current study reveal that AWFE might be consumed as an ingredient in daily food products to counter effect the symptoms of diarrhea.

Formation of value-added products from the pyrolysis of date pits: A combined experimental–DFT approach

In arid and semiarid environments, bio-oil extraction from environmentally favorable and waste biomass is presently used as a mainstream strategy for the development of sustainable sources of energy. In keeping with this, we provide a thorough analysis of the pyrolysis of date palm pits here, focusing particularly on relevant thermal degradation profiles and pyrolytic products over a wide temperature range. Pyrolysis experiments were performed using a single-stage reactor at several temperature intervals. The temperature ranges were chosen following mass loss profiles of date pit biomass obtained by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations map out reaction pathways that dictate the decomposition of two model compounds that represented oxygen and nitrogen content in the collected condensed and non-condensed fractions. In-depth temperature-dependent profiles of pyrolytic products are thoroughly presented and analyzed. Analysis of products indicates the generation of a wide spectra of green diesel's ingredients of (i.e., long aliphatic compounds) and transportation fuels additives (alkylated benzenes). Aromatic compounds attain the highest fractions in the collected bio-oil at investigated temperature windows. Glucose derivatives appear in appreciable loads in the non-condensable fractions. The obtained mass loss curves reflect degradation curves for the most prominent biomass structural components; namely lignocellulosic, hemicellulose, and lignin. Findings presented herein shall be helpful to develop pyrolysis technologies that are suited for niche categories of biomass found in arid and semiarid regions where cultivation of standard energy crops is impractical.

Chemical Profile of the Pits Oil from the Tunisian 'Alig' Cultivar of Phoenix dactylifera L.: In Vivo Wound Healing Potential Evaluation of a Cream Formulated from the Extracted Oil and Insights from Molecular Docking and SAR Analysis.

Since ancient times the oil from date palm pits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been used to heal wounds. In order to prove this traditional usage of the pits, this oil was extracted from the pits of the Tunisian cultivar 'Alig' and its physico-chemical properties and the chemical composition were evaluated. The fatty acid profile, evidenced by GC, allowed to classify this oil as an oleic-myristic acid oil with a clear abundance of oleic acid (53.66 %). 1 H and 13 C-NMR as well as FT-IR analyses confirmed the presence of fatty acids in triglyceride forms. Furthermore, in vivo wound healing activity of a cream formulated from the extracted oil was performed, for the first time, using a rat model and was compared to placebo cream and a commercial formulation, MEBO®. This study showed that the test cream promoted the healing of pressure ulcers better than the placebo cream and the MEBO® ointment. The results showed that this vegetable oil is able to improve the healing of infected wounds in rats, thus supporting its traditional use. The contribution of the main oleic, linoleic and myristic acids that can be derived from enzymatic hydrolysis to the healing activity of the whole pits oil was predicted by in silico study and the calculated pharmacokinetics parameters.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Fe-Modified Activated Carbon Affecting the In Vitro Growth of Date Palm Plantlets cv. Medjool

The survival and growth of in vitro plantlets are still problematic for the date palm; thus, the application of nanotechnology may provide date palm plantlets that develop faster with enhanced growth and biochemical parameters. Moreover, the usage of Fe-modified activated carbon (Fe-AC) prepared from date palm pits instead of activated charcoal (AC) in tissue culture media during the current investigation can be considered an innovative approach. Furthermore, the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and bulk particles (ZnO-BPs) on the rooting and growth of date palm plantlets and on some physiological indices was also investigated. X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize Fe-AC and ZnO-NPs. As detected from the characterization, the particle size was 720 nm for Fe-AC and 60 nm for ZnO-NPs. The obtained results indicated that AC significantly enhanced plantlet growth, plantlet height, number of leaves/plantlet, root length, number of roots/plantlet, and the concentrations of IAA, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b compared with Fe-AC. On the other hand, sugars and phenols concentrations, and POD and PAL activities were highly increased with Fe-AC. There was no significant difference in terms of plant fresh weight (FW), leaf length, leaf width, protein, amino acids, and carotenoids. ZnO nanoparticles significantly improved plant height, leaf length, leaf width, root length, and the concentrations of IAA, chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids; in contrast, the bulk form increased roots/plantlet, amino acids, and total sugars. Supplying the MS medium with combinations of ZnO-NPs or ZnO-BPs and AC or Fe-AC significantly increased all growth and physiological parameters. Plant height, leaf length, leaf width, root length, and the concentrations of IAA, protein, and chlorophylls a and b significantly increased when ZnO-NPs were combined with AC. Amino acids, total sugars, carotenoids, and phenols concentrations and the activities of POD and PAL increased when ZnO-BPs and Fe-AC were added together.

Active food packaging films from alginate and date palm pit extract: Physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and stability.

Date palm pits are highly available and inexpensive palm date by-products, representing a valuable source of natural antioxidants, particularly phenolic compounds. Date palm pit extract (DPPE) was prepared from these waste products and characterized for its phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity. Profiling DPPE by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) showed the presence of dimers and trimers of (epi)catechin as the main constituents. Alginate-based films with four increasing concentrations of DPPE (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% w/w) were prepared by the casting method. DPPE incorporation reduced solubility values of alginate films by 37%-64% and their surface wettability by 72%-111%. The incorporation of 10% DPPE improved water vapor barrier properties and increased tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (%E) of alginate films by more than 23%, 50%, and 45%, respectively. The film containing 40% DPPE showed the lowest loss of phenolic content (32%), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity (38%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (30%) after storage for 3months.

Green Synthesis of Nano Zinc Oxide/Nanohydroxyapatite Composites Using Date Palm Pits Extract and Eggshells: Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue.

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP) were prepared in the presence of date palm pits extract (DPPE) and eggshells, respectively. Another four nanocomposites were prepared from ZnO and NHAP in different ratios (ZP13, ZP14, ZP15, and ZP16). DPPE and all nanomaterials were characterized using GC-MS, zeta potentials, particle size distributions, XRD, TEM, EDX, FTIR, and pHPZC. The characterization techniques confirmed the good distribution of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of NHAP in the prepared composites. Particles were found to be in the size range of 42.3–66.1 nm. The DPPE analysis confirmed the presence of various natural chemical compounds which act as capping agents for nanoparticles. All the prepared samples were applied in the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under different conditions. ZP14 exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity (596.1 mg/g) at pH 8, with 1.8 g/L as the adsorbent dosage, after 24 h of shaking time, and the static adsorption kinetic process followed a PSO kinetic model. The photocatalytic activity of ZP14 reached 91% after 100 min of illumination at a lower MB concentration (20 mg/L), at pH 8, using 1.5 g/L as the photocatalyst dosage, at 25 °C. The photocatalytic degradation of MB obeyed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood first-order kinetic model, and the photocatalyst reusability exhibited a slight loss in activity (~4%) after five cycles of application.

Therapeutic and Preventive Effects of Aqueous Extract of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Pits on Ethylene Glycol-Induced Kidney Calculi in Rats.

Urinary tract stones are one of the most common diseases in the urinary tract. Lack of kidney stone treatment causes irreparable damages to the kidneys, which has many harmful effects. Date palm pits are recommended in traditional medicine as an effective drug in the treatment of kidney stones. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of date palm pits on kidney stones induced by ethylene glycol in male rats. In this study, 40 rats were classified into five groups (n = 8), including the healthy group receiving normal water, the negative control group, the therapeutic groups with doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, and the prevention group with a dose of 300 mg/kg. In order to induce kidney stones, ethylene glycolated water (1%) was used as drinking water in the studied groups. Blood and urine of rats were collected on days 14 and 28 of the study to assess urinary parameters of calcium, creatinine, uric acid and phosphorus, and serum parameters of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus. Also, the kidneys of rats were removed from the body on day 28 of the study and were given to a pathologist for examination. Results of serum parameters shows that the use of date palm pits extract in the treatment and prevention groups with a dose of 300 mg/kg significantly (P < .05) has reduced the levels of blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, calcium, creatinine and phosphorus. Also, the results of urinary parameters show that the use of the extract caused a significant decrease (P < .05) in creatinine, uric acid and calcium in the prevention group and a significant decrease (P < .05) in creatinine and uric acid in the therapeutic group with a dose of 300 mg/kg. Pathological results show a decrease in the number and size of calcium oxalate crystals in renal tubules in the treatment and prevention groups in a dose-dependent manner. The results of this study showed that the use of aqueous extract of date palm pits has been effective in the treatment and prevention of kidney stones induced by ethylene glycol in rats.

Anticancer activities of selected Emirati Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties pits in human triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important fruit crop with significant pharmaceutical potential. Little data are available on comparative pharmaceutical importance of the date pits. We designed this study to assess the antitumorigenic effects of date palm pits extracts from different Emiratis varieties. We used MDA-MB-231 cells derived from triple negative breasts cancer tissues as a model. We found that out of the 17 date pits extracts from 6 Emiratis varieties, three (Khalas extract in water + acetone (1:1), Abu-Maan extract in MeOH + Chloroform (1:1) and Mabroom extract in water + acetone (1:1)) were found effectively cytotoxic and changed morphology of cells in dose and time dependent manner. We found the maximum effect at 2.5 mg/mL concentration at 72 h. We calculated IC50 values for these varieties at 24 h. IC50 values for Khalas, Abu-Maan and Mabroom were 0.982 mg/mL, 1.149 mg/mL and 2.213 mg/mL respectively. We treated the cells with IC50 values of extracts and observed changes in protein profile using human kinase array kit. After analyzing the results, we suggest that EGFR/ERK/FAK pathway, eNOS and src family proteins are targets of these extracts. We conclude that date pits extracts can be a possible therapeutic agent against cancer and we suggest further studies.

Surface‐functionalization of activated carbon with polyglucosamine polymer for efficient removal of cadmium ions

AbstractIn this work, a polymer‐activated carbon composite was prepared by grafting polyglucosamine polymer on the surface of activated carbon, which was produced by a carbonation/calcination/oxidation process of the Date palm pits. The obtained composite was confirmed by different techniques, including, X‐ray, infrared, thermal analysis, scanning electron spectroscopy, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller protocol surface area measurements. Subsequently, a comprehensive adsorption study was performed to assess the synergetic effect of the composite structure on the adsorption behavior of Cd2+ ions. The adsorption capacity of Cd2+ ions reached 35.0 mg/g at optimum adsorption conditions of pH 5.5, a composite dose of 200 mg, and a contact time 120 minutes. The kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamics results indicated chemisorption, an exothermic, and a spontaneous adsorption process. The adsorption mechanism of the composite correlated to the functional groups (NH2 and COOH) and the cavities of the composite (surface area 699.11 m2/g, pore volume 0.28 cm3/g), which potentially contributed to the capture of the Cd2+ ions. From the recyclability point of view, the composite was able to maintain around 89% of its initial adsorption capacity after the third adsorption‐desorption cycle.

Treatment of Gaseous Ammonia Emissions Using Date Palm Pits Based Granular Activated Carbon.

The present work investigated the application of granular activated carbon (GAC) derived from date palm pits (DPP) agricultural waste for treating gaseous ammonia. Respective findings indicate increased breakthrough time (run time at which 5% of influent ammonia is exiting with the effluent gas) with a decrease in influent ammonia and increase in GAC bed depth. At a gas flow rate of 1.1 L/min and GAC column length of 8 cm, the following breakthrough trend was noted: 1295 min (2.5 ppmv) > 712 min (5 ppmv) > 532 min (7.5 ppmv). A qualitatively similar trend was also noted for the exhaustion time results (run time at which 95% of influent ammonia is exiting with the effluent gas). The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) findings for the produced GAC indicated some salient functional groups at the produced GAC surface including O–H, C–H, C–O, and S=O groups. Ammonia adsorption was suggested to result from its interaction with the respective surface functional groups via different mechanisms. Comparison with a commercial GAC showed the date palm pits based GAC to be having slightly higher breakthrough and exhaustion capacity.

Distribution of natural radioactivity in soil and date palm-pits using high purity germanium radiation detectors and LB-alpha/beta gas-flow counter in Saudi Arabia

In the first study, the Radon emanation and radiological hazards associated with radionuclides in soil samples, collected from 9 various date palm farms located in 3 different districts in Saudi Arabia were determined through a high purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometer. The estimated average values of Radon emanation coefficient and Radon mass exhalation rate for soil samples were 0.535 ± 0.016 and 50.063 ± 7.901 mBqkg−1h−1, respectively. The annual effective dose of radionuclides in all sampling locations was found to be lower than UNSCEAR's recommended level of 0.07 mSvy−1 for soil in an outdoor environment. In the secondary study, gross α and gross β activities in soil and date palm pits samples were measured by a low background α/β counting system. Average values of gross α and gross β activities in soil and date palm pits samples were 5.761 ± 0.360 Bqkg−1, 38.219 ± 8.619 Bqkg−1 and 0.556 ± 0.142 Bqkg−1, 24.266 ± 1.711 Bqkg−1, respectively.

Sensory Metabolite Profiling in a Date Pit Based Coffee Substitute and in Response to Roasting as Analyzed via Mass Spectrometry Based Metabolomics.

Interest in developing coffee substitutes is on the rise, to minimizing its health side effects. In the Middle East, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pits are often used as a coffee substitute post roasting. In this study, commercially-roasted date pit products, along with unroasted and home-prepared roasted date pits, were subjected to analyses for their metabolite composition, and neuropharmacological evaluation in mice. Headspace SPME-GCMS and GCMS post silylation were employed for characterizing its volatile and non-volatile metabolite profile. For comparison to roasted coffee, coffee product was also included. There is evidence that some commercial date pit products appear to contain undeclared additives. SPME headspace analysis revealed the abundance of furans, pyrans, terpenoids and sulfur compounds in roasted date pits, whereas pyrroles and caffeine were absent. GCMS-post silylation employed for primary metabolite profiling revealed fatty acids’ enrichment in roasted pits versus sugars’ abundance in coffee. Biological investigations affirmed that date pit showed safer margin than coffee from its LD50, albeit it exhibits no CNS stimulant properties. This study provides the first insight into the roasting impact on the date pit through its metabolome and its neuropharmacological aspects to rationalize its use as a coffee substitute.

Ultra-fast spill oil recovery using a mesoporous lignin based nanocomposite prepared from date palm pits (Phoenix dactylifera L.).

Oil spills present the enormous harm to the environment, and its potential remediation for environmental protection is import worldwide. Herein, we report an effective strategy inspired by the lignin based bio-waste date palm pits powder (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which was modified with magnetic Fe3O4 nanocrystals and used as a porous, hierarchical graphite carbon oil/solvent sorption magnetic materials. The fabricated nanocomposite (Fe3O4@MPC) was characterized using several analytical techniques. The results revealed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a 22 nm in average size were embedded into the graphite carbon matrix. The rate of sorption, sorption capacity, oil retention, water uptake, adsorption isotherm model, and kinetic behavior were evaluate and >85% of both oils were adsorbed, onto Fe3O4@MPC surface in the first 30 min followed by equilibrium in both type of aqueous solution. The batch equilibrium data supported the Langmuir isotherm model with the adsorption capacity about to 23.01 mg/g. The kinetics data was well fitted with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. After saturation, the Fe3O4@MPC was recycled using ethanol and reused for further cycle. The fabricated nanocomposite exhibited a significant dual oleophilic and hydrophobic nature that can be applicable for oil removal from oil-contaminated wastewaters. Meanwhile, the magnetic properties allowed Fe3O4@MPC to be separated conveniently and effectively from the solution and used as oil absorbent without touching the oil.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF SOME NATURAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ON ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AMONGST WEIGHTLIFTER ATHLETES

This work was carried out to study the effect of using some natural dietary supplements; i.e. powders of date palm pits and pollen, ginseng roots, moringa leaves and royal jelly which giving orally in capsule to improve endurance of weightlifter athletes throughout 12 weeks in camp of sport Championship Sector belongs to the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defense, Future City, Cairo, Egypt. Collecting data showed that the suggested dietary supplement capsule had the highest value of the antioxidant activity (96.3%) and significant increases in total phenolic and flavonoids content (52.42 & 63.1 mg/g, respectively). Also, the anthropometric measurements showed a significant increase in weight and height in males compared to females. likewise, waist and mid upper arm circumference had significant increases in males compared to females, Male weightlifter athletes had significant muscles mass bigger than female one, and the fat mass for male was assessed as ‘‘Fitness’’ which ranged between (14 and 17%) but the female had fat mass that assessed as ‘‘Athletes’’ which ranged between (14 and 20%). The weights lifting by male and female increased during three months, and also revealed a significant increase in the efficiency of males in lifting weights higher than in the females during the period of 12 weeks. Thus, the results indicated that by incorporating natural dietary supplement powders in suggesting capsule, it is possible to enhance the performance of weightlifter athletes.

Valorization of natural dye extracted from date palm pits (Phoenix dactylifera) for dyeing of cotton fabric. Part 2: Optimization of dyeing process and improvement of colorfastness with biological mordants

This paper investigates the feasibility of dyeing cotton fibers with solution extracted from date pits which are abundant vegetal material. The extraction step and its optimization were conducted in the first part of this paper. This second part studies the influence of the main dyeing conditions on the color yield K/S and the CIELab coordinates. The studied parameters are pH of the dye bath, temperature and duration of dyeing. Experiments were carried out using Box-Behnken experimental design to be able to analyze the main effects of each parameter, to detect interactions between these parameters and to deduce optimum conditions for dyeing process. The fastness properties of dyed samples were also evaluated. Obtained results indicate interesting sweat, washing and rubbing fastness in the range of 4–5. Three metallic mordants (Alun, ZnSO4 and CuSO4) and three biological mordants (gall nuts, chlorophyll (a) and green almond shell) were used to improve the degree of absorption as well as the color fastness of cotton fabrics dyed with aqueous extract from date pits. The obtained results showed high improvement of fastness (sweat, friction, washing and light fastness) for biological mordants than the metallic ones.