Date Palm Pollen Research Articles

Bioactive compounds enrichment in rabbit doe’s diet pre-and during pregnancy improves productive and reproductive performance and cost-effectiveness under hot climates

This study aimed to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with a symbiotic (SY), bee pollen (BP), honey bee (HB), date palm pollen (DPP) and their mixture (MIX) on female rabbit productive and reproductive performances under desert hot climates. Seventy-two Californian does of 5 months age and average body weight of 3250 ± 78.2 g were randomly allotted into six groups, each of 12 does. All does orally receive 3 ml distilled water for 10 days before mating and 28 days during pregnancy. Treatments were repeated for four consecutive parities. The first group served as control (C) given distilled water only, however the second, third, fourth and fifth groups were supplemented with 3 ml distilled water containing 0.2 ml SY, 200 mg DPP, 200 mg BP, 0.2 ml HB/doe per day, respectively. While, the sixth group does were given all previous ingredients (MIX). Sexual receptivity rate, fertility rate, kindling rate, and newborn traits were recorded. Also, maternal feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and digestibility coefficients of nutrients were recorded. Does in all groups were artificially inseminated with 0.5 ml of fresh heterospermic semen of 15 fertile bucks extended in Tris at 806–1006 sperm/ml. Treatment increased maternal body weight and daily gain with highest values (P < 0.05) in BP, SY, and MIX does. All treatments enhanced feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with control. Number services per conception decreased (P < 0.01), while litter size and weight and survival at birth and weaning increased (P < 0.01) in treated than control does. Treated does produced more milk than control. Digestibility coefficients of all nutrients were improved (P < 0.01) in treated does. In conclusion, supporting rabbit does pre- and during pregnancy with diets supplemented with a mixture of honey bee, date palm pollen, bee pollen, and synbiotic improves the productive and reproductive performances of rabbit does and their offspring.

HERBAL-INFUSED EGYPTIAN BEE HONEY, A BOON OR A CURSE, ITS IMPACT ON SENSORIAL, PHYSICOCHEMICAL &amp; ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES

Herbal honey mixture remedies are well known for their therapeutic benefits in traditional medicine. This research aspired to assess melissopalynological, sensorial, physicochemical, &amp; antibacterial activity for three types of honey (clover, citrus, and cucurbits) and their mixtures with black seed, date palm pollen, &amp; wheat germ at 1, 2.5, &amp; 5%. The best mixtures were chosen according to overall acceptability. Consumer’s preference was given to raw honey. However, some mixtures were as acceptable as raw honey. Melissopalynological analysis and lower glucose level compared to fructose are evidences that honeys are natural. Infusing herbs with different types of honey caused higher electrical conductivity, free acidity, ash, H2O2, HMF levels, and lower pH. Type of honey and herb may affect the physicochemical characteristics of honey in different ways. Honey whether used alone or in combination with the three herbs, demonstrated the same significant antibacterial effect for Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA. Inhibition zones of honey and its mixtures were lower than the control for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most undiluted samples created larger bacterial inhibition zones than their 50% diluted counterparts. Depending on the type of honey, the herb and additive concentration, infusing herbs with honey could alter its chemical, physical, and antibacterial qualities.

Date palm pollen: A novel medium for bacterial culture and biosynthesis of antibacterial chromium oxide nanoparticles

Medical companies and research centers seek cost-effective alternative culture media containing the necessary nutritional requirements for bacterial cultivation because of high manufacturing and production costs. Date palm pollen (DPP) is an inexpensive and rich natural plant resource that can be easily collected in large quantities. In this study, DPP was used to prepare a novel enriched culture medium that successfully cultivated pathogenic bacteria and Streptomyces spp. without any additives and at a low concentration of 10 g per 1 L of distilled water (DW). Active compounds in DPP were detected by GCMS–, and results show the highest ratio of urea (45 %) among other components. For the first time, DPP was used to synthesize Cr2O3 NPs by an environment-friendly and inexpensive green method. DPP urea plays an important role as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the biosynthesis of Cr2O3 NPs. The obtained NPs were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD and SEM. The results of agar disk diffusion ranging between 12 – 20 mm while the MIC for Cr2O3 NPs ranging between 1.56 – 25 U/mL indicated the effectiveness of Cr2O3 NPs in antibacterial activity against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. Cr2O3 NPs showed a high inhibition ratio that reach 78 % against biofilms produced by P. aeruginosa. For later studies we expect that DPP can be used to prepare selective and other culture media after adding certain materials or antibiotics. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of Cr2O3 NPs could be promising in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

The Potential of Two Phytoseiid Mites as Predators of the Grape Erineum Mite, Colomerus vitis.

Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini and Fanzago) and Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Phytoseiidae) are generalist predatory mites important in controlling phytophagous mites on some agricultural crops. The biology of both species as potential biological control agents of the grape erineum mite, Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) (Eriophyidae) on grape leaf disks was studied in the laboratory at 33 ± 1 °C, 60%RH, 12:12 h L:D. The developmental time, survival, and reproductive parameters of P. plumifer and E. scutalis on C. vitis, date palm pollen as well as C. vitis plus date palm pollen were investigated. Both predators, P. plumifer and E. scutalis, thrived on the mixed diet of C. vitis and date palm pollen resulting in a shorter developmental time (6.16 and 6.69 days, respectively), higher oviposition rate (2.11 and 1.96 eggs/female/day, respectively), and higher intrinsic rate of increase (0.251 and 0.229 per female/day, respectively) than on any other diet. Date palm pollen was an adequate alternative food source for P. plumifer and E. scutalis. The results suggest that both predators have good potential to suppress C. vitis populations and that date palm pollen can support the population establishment of both predators in the absence or scarcity of the main prey in the environment. We discuss the relevance of our results for the biocontrol of C. vitis.

Evaluation of Acute and Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity of Phoenix dactylifera L. Pollen Methanolic Extract in Rats

Pollen of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been used for thousands of years as a traditional herbal medicine for improving fertility. However, safety of plant-derived materials is an important concern to human health, and herbal remedies should be taken with adequate knowledge about their toxicity, adverse effects, purity, appropriate dosage and dose limits. The current work was undertaken to evaluate the safety of date palm pollen (DPP) and to classify it according to its oral toxicity in rats. The experiments were done according to the reported guidelines of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to assess the acute and repeated dose oral toxicity in rats. The obtained results showed neither death nor sign of toxicity or abnormality in any of the animals throughout the experimental period regarding acute and repeated dose oral toxicity. Also the results of the hematological and clinical biochemistry determinations showed no significant differences between the control and DPP-treated rat groups. It could be concluded that, the tested plant material is a relatively safe substance and its approximate LD50 defined by 2000mg/kg &lt; LD50 &lt; 5000mg/kg according to the OECD tests guidelines.

Effect of Adding Date Palm Pollen and Physical Diet Form on Productive Performance and Egg Quality of Female Quail

This experiment was conducted to estimate the main effect of adding Data palm pollen (DPP) and the form of diet on the productive performance of female quail compliant with: Hen day egg production (HD), Egg weight (EW), Egg mass (EM), Feed intake (FI) and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and eggs quality of quail compliant with: Shape index (ShI %), shell weight (%), yolk weight (%), albumen weight (%), Yolk index (YI%), Albumen Index (AI%) and Hough unit (HU). For eight weeks, from February 14 to April 13, 2023. Two hindered fifty-two female quail with age about forty-seven days were divided into six treatments, each including forty-two birds with three replicates (four ten quail of each). The treatments were T1: 0% DPP with mash feed form, T2: 0% DPP with pellet feed form, T3: 0.5% DPP with mash feed form, T4: 0.5% DPP with pellet feed form, T5: 1% DPP with mash feed form and T6: 1% DPP with pellet feed form. The quail were fed a productive diet with 2794 kcal/kg energy and 18.39% crude protein, and similar rearing conditions. Results showed there were significant effects in the percentage of HD, EW., EM, and (FCR) in treatments with DPP and pellet feed form when compared with the other treatments, as well as an improvement in egg quality in treatments with DPP and pellet feed form when compared with the other treatments.

The Effect of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Pollen on the Serum Levels of Testosterone, Luteinizing, and Follicle Stimulating Hormones in Men

Background: Date Palm Pollen (DPP) has traditionally been used to increase sexual ability and fertility. In several animal studies, the effects of this herbal medicine on testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) have been shown. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of this drug on the serum levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH in men. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, a daily dose of 6 g dry powder of DPP in two separate doses (3 g every 12 hours) was administered orally to 30 eligible men for three months. The changes in mean serum levels of hormones were statistically evaluated after the intervention compared to the baseline. The serum concentration of the hormones was assayed through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: After recruitment, among 30 participants, 24 men received the intervention and finally were analyzed. The mean (SD) age and body mass index of participants were 32.85 (0.43) years and 26.5 (0.5) kg/m2 . DPP significantly increased the serum levels of testosterone (from 5.31±0.40ng/ml to 6.88±0.71 ng/ml; p=0.019) but did not affect the serum levels of FSH (from 4.31±0.50 IU/L to 4.70±0.61 IU/L; p=0.511). It also significantly decreased the serum levels of LH (from 5.65±0.81 IU/L to 4.52±0.90 IU/L; p= 0.033). There were no reported side effects. Conclusion: The results indicated an increasing effect of DPP on serum testosterone and decreasing effect on serum LH. However, DPP had no significant effect on FSH serum levels.

Effect of Storage Temperature and Containers on Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Pollen Viability and Post-storage Pollination

Effect of Storage Temperature and Containers on Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Pollen Viability and Post-storage Pollination

Reproductive Enhancement through Phytochemical Characteristics and Biological Activities of Date Palm Pollen: A Comprehensive Review on Potential Mechanism Pathways.

Infertility represents a significant global health challenge affecting both men and women. Despite regular unprotected sexual intercourse, approximately 15% of couples of reproductive age struggle to conceive within 12 months, with 10% of infertility cases attributed to unknown causes worldwide. As a result, numerous studies have turned their attention to exploring the use of natural products for the prevention and treatment of infertility. Among these natural remedies is date palm pollen (DPP), a male reproductive powder derived from the blossoms of the Phoenix dactylifera L. palm tree, which has a long history of use as a dietary supplement, particularly as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer for both men and women. This review critically examines the diverse components of DPP, including metabolites, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, to elucidate its potential impact on human reproduction. The analysis thoroughly assesses the composition of DPP in relation to its effects on enhancing reproductive processes and delves into its traditional uses and therapeutic benefits in male fertility, such as the enhancement of sexual desire, semen quality, and hormonal equilibrium. Similarly, it explores the influence of DPP on female fertility, emphasizing its potential to improve factors such as lubrication, desire, ovulation, and hormonal balance. Overall, this review underscores the potential of DPP as a natural remedy for addressing reproductive disorders.

Assessment of Feeding Date Palm Pollen and Bee Pollen on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Intestinal Development and Microbiota of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Assessment of Feeding Date Palm Pollen and Bee Pollen on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Intestinal Development and Microbiota of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Application of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs and Date Pollen Extract as Partial Substitutes to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizers for Sweet Basil Production.

The reduction in mineral fertilizer usage is crucial to the production of medicinal and aromatic products for safety and health purposes. Presently, nanotechnology and the utilization of natural extracts have been extensively studied due to their significant contribution. Ocimum basilicum is commonly employed for various medicinal and aromatic applications. Therefore, randomized complete block design field experiments containing 10 treatments were conducted during the 2021 and 2022 seasons to investigate the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) of ZnO (1.5 and 2.0 g/L) and SiO2 (100 and 150 mg/L) and date palm pollen extract (DPPE) at 10 and 20 g/L either alone or in combination with the ¾ or ½ NPK recommended dose (RD). The NPK RD was served as a control treatment on basil plant production in each season. The effectiveness of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs, and DPPE for the decrease in NPK utilization was evaluated. Meanwhile, the most effective treatment for vegetative traits (except for plant height), essential oil %, and yield was ½ NPK RD + 20 g/L DPPE + 2.0 g/L ZnO NPs. Such a treatment increased the branch number/plant, main stem diameter, relevant chlorophyll content, fresh weight/plant, dry weight/plant, essential oil %, and essential oil yield/plant by 21.00 and 9.94%, 58.70 and 40.00%, 20.69 and 15.83%, 68.83 and 58.28%, 48.70 and 56.16%, 45.71 and 35.53%, and 113.22 and 110.32% over the control in the two seasons, respectively. For total phenol and antioxidant activity, the most effective treatments were the ¾ NPK +1.5 g/L ZnO NPs and ½ NPK +2.0 g/L ZnO NPs, respectively. Simultaneously, essential oil composition (with their compound numbers identified (11-29 for control and ¾ NPK RD + 1.5 g/L ZnO NPs)) and the percentage of total compounds, monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated hydrocarbons were varied among the used applications. The major observed compounds (>8%) estragole, methyl eugenol, linalool, cineole, and caryophyllene were found in different treatments. Thus, the findings of this study indicate the favorable utilization of ZnO NPs, SiO2 NPs, and DPPE in reducing the application of NPK, which may present a novel strategy and beneficial approach.

Phoenix dactylifera L. Pollen and Fluvoxamine Maleate Protect PC12 Cells Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress by Involvement of Nrf2 and SIGMAR1 Gene Expression

Background: The association between oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases has been documented. Besides, there is evidence that antidepressant agents, such as fluvoxamine maleate (Flv), can ameliorate neurotoxicity. The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen (DPP) contains various compounds with antioxidant capacity; however, its underlying mechanism of function has not been fully understood. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effects of DPP and Flv on H2O2-induced oxidative damage and their effects on Nrf2, SIGMAR1, and Bcl2 gene expression in PC12 cells. Methods: First, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay examined the toxicities of DPP, Flv, and H2O2 at various concentrations on the PC12 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) measured the expression of Nrf2, SIGMAR1, and Bcl2 in PC12 cells in the presence or absence of DPP or Flv after 4 h of treatment with 100 μM H2O2. Results: Based on the MTT results, DPP at concentrations of 200 - 1000 µg/mL had no toxic effect on PC12 cells. The IC50 was evaluated at 57.26 μM and 109.5 μM under treatment with Flv and H2O2. Real-time PCR analysis showed a decrease in the expression of Nrf2 and SIGMAR1 in PC12 cells treated with 100 μM H2O2, an indicator of oxidative stress recruitment in PC12 cells. Pretreatment with DPP and Flv (500 µg/mL and 10 µM, respectively) for 24 h resulted in the upregulation of Nrf2 relative to the vehicle control. In addition, pretreatment with DPP increased the level of SIGMAR1 in PC12 cells compared with H2O2-exposed cells. Considering the role of SIGMAR1 in endoplasmic reticulum oxidative stress, the SIGMAR1 level should be evaluated at the translational level. Compared to the untreated cells, the expression of Bcl2 decreased in all the experimental cases, and the difference in Bcl2 expression was not significant between the co-treatment experimental cases. Conclusions: Taken together, DPP and Flv have neuroprotective effects against oxidative damage in PC12 cells. Exposure of PC12 cells to 500 μg/mL DPP and 10 μM Flv for 24 h protected the morphology and function of PC12 cells under H2O-induced oxidative stress via regulating oxidative stress-involved genes.

Physical and aerodynamic properties of date palm pollen grains

The present study was designed to determine the effect of four moisture content levels (4, 5, 6, and 7 %) on the physical and aerodynamic properties of date palm pollen grain (DPP). The physical properties of DPP included pollen length (L), width (w), thickness (T), projected area (Ap), geometric mean diameter (dg), mass (m), sphericity (S), and bulk density (ρp). It was observed that the moisture content did not significantly influence the physical properties of the DPP. The aerodynamic properties of DPP included the terminal velocity (Vt), drag coefficient (Dc), drag force (Df), and Reynolds number (Re). The pollen Reynolds number (Re) is significant at different pollen grain moisture content, and regression models were developed in the form of polynomial and exponential relationships. Also, the 3rd order polynomial relationship was found between Re and Dc. The results showed that the average values of Vt, Dc, Df, and Re were about 0.6 m s-1, (0.38 to 0.45), 1.09E-11 N, and (0.29 to 0.42), respectively. The results of this study will be helpful in the performance of date palm pollination machines.

Heteromorphism of normal and abnormal flowers of date palm cv. “Barhee” and comparison of green and red Ghanami pollens as dominant pollen

A major limitation to the use of tissue culture techniques for propagating date palms cv. "Barhee" is the production of plants with abnormal phenotypes (low fruit set and multi-carple fruits) as a result of somaclonal diversity. In addition, pollination with specific of male date palm pollen results in better fruit set and thus higher fruit production. So, this study was conducted to compare the anatomical and morphological characteristics, investigate the possible abnormalities of off-shoot and tissue culture-derived trees, and compare the pollen grain characteristics of Green Ghanami and Red Ghanami male date palm cultivars as the dominant Pollinator of "Barhee" during the growing season of 2019–2020 at Date palm and Tropical Research Center and Shahid Chamran Univeristy of Ahvaz, Iran. This experiment was laid out as a randomized complete blocks design with nine replications. The results revealed that the pollen grain of Green Ghanami had higher polar and equatorial axis than those of Red Ghanami, while the P/E ratio index and inter-edge distance of pollen grains of Red Ghanami were significantly higher than those of Green Ghanami. On the other hand, off-shoot-derived trees of cv. "Barhee" had larger flowers with lower flower density per strand than the tissue culture-derived trees. The stigma characteristics of the upper and lower flowers strands of the offshoot-derived trees were similar to each other and had three completely intact stigmas capable of receiving pollen grains. In tissue culture-derived trees, the lower flowers of the strand had wrinkled and dried stigmas, whereas the three stigmas of the upper flowers were completely undamaged. In addition, the flower of the tissue culture-derived trees had three carpels, one of which had an ovary with an aborted egg. In contrast, in the flower of off shoot-derived trees, only one carpel had a healthy ovary and the other two carpels were without ovaries and degenerated.Generally, it can be concluded that heteromorphic self-incompatibility and abnormality of the atypical flower stigma of tissue culture-derived trees cause the pollen grain not to germinate and grow inside the style.

Development, survival, and reproduction of Amblyseius swirskii (Athias- Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on different pollen grains

In the present study, the development, reproduction, survival, and population growth rate of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias- Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were evaluated when fed on pollen of eight different plant species; lebbeck [Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.], date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), Khejri [Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce], castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), maize (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), cogongrass [Imperata cylindrical (L.) P. Beauv.], and cattail (Typha sp.), at 25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L: D). Pollen of maize and date palm did not exert any mortality during pre-imaginal development, while the highest immature mortality was observed on cogongrass pollen. The longest immature development of both sexes was obtained when sunflower pollen was the food source, whereas it was shortest on castor bean pollen followed by date palm pollen. Females fed on maize pollen laid the highest number of eggs, while the females on cogongrass laid the lowest number. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) were highest on date palm pollen and the lowest on cogongrass. Overall, we found that date palm and maize pollen are the most promising alternative food sources of the species tested for A. swirskii because populations reared on date palm and maize pollen showed no pre-adult mortality and had the longest oviposition period, and the highest fecundity and population growth rates.

The Therapeutic Potential Of Date Palm Pollen For Testicular Disorders Induced By Diabetes In Male Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the main cause of large-scale morbidity and mortality. This syndrome has adverse effects on all physiological systems, including the male reproductive system. It affects a large number of men of reproductive age and causes serious reproductive disorders. This study was aimed to examine the protective effect of date palm pollen (DPP) on diabetes-induced testicular disorders in male rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups. The first group represents the negative control, while the second group is the positive control. In contrast, the following two groups represent the treated groups of DPP suspension with a concentration of 130 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized, the epididymis and testis were extracted. The positive control group significantly decreased body weight, sex hormones, and sperm count. However, a significant increase in fasting glucose and the number of abnormal sperm. The histological results confirmed tubular degeneration, Leydig cell atrophy, and tubular dilation. Decrease the basement membrane, the semenforuos epithelium, and tubular diameter, while the diameter of the lumen increased. Treatment with DPP suspension showed a significant decrease in the level of fasting glucose and the number of abnormal sperm. While the number of sperm increased significantly. The results of the histological study confirmed that the Seminiferous Tubules treated with DPP were intact, the germinal epithelium dense, seminiferous tubules did not expand. We concluded that the DPP has an influence on protecting testis from diabetes complication.

Phytochemicals and therapeutic use of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) – A narrative review

This article provides a summary of phytochemical composition, nutritional value and health benefits of Pheonix Dactylifera L, commonly known as dates. Additionally, the article explores the potential of date fruit to be utilized as a food medicine in the treatment of various human diseases. We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the biological functions of date palm and its potential health benefits, utilizing databases literature search engines including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and google scholar. Regular consumption of date palm fruits (DPFs) may lower the risk of developing various chronic diseases due to its antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anticancer and anti-mutagenic properties. Additionally, the pollen of date palm trees contains high levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it an excellent natural supplement with substantial nutritional value and energy-boosting properties. Date palm components have demonstrated potent antioxidant effects and have played a crucial role in both male and female reproductive systems, promoting fertility in both genders. Date palm pollen (DPP) has shown gonadal-stimulating potency in females and can significantly increase testosterone levels in individuals with Oligoasthenozoospermia and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in patients with Azoospermia, making it as a potential treatment for reproductive health. According to the literature, date fruit is a highly nutritious fruit compared to other commonly consumed fruits. In conclusion dates have been shown to have a significant impact on various female reproductive parameters such as oogenesis, oocyte development, hormone modulation, and pregnancy strength.

The Effect of Resistance Training and Phoenix dactylifera L. Extract on DRP1 and MFN1 Protein Expression, and the Apoptotic Status of Rat Liver: A Safe Alternative to Testosterone Injection

Background: Testosterone enhances athletic performance in men and women, but its consumption has several side effects and is banned from most competitive sports. This study aimed to examine the effect of date palm pollen extracts (DPPE or Phoenix dactylifera L.), testosterone enanthate (T), and resistance training (RT) alone and in combination on hepatic damage and mitochondrial function of adult male rats. Methods: Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control (C), RT-treated, DPPE-treated, T-treated, DPPE+RT-treated, and T+RT-treated. The DPPE-treated animals received 100 mg/kg DPPE by gavage (five days/week for four weeks). T was injected subcutaneously into the target groups at a dose of 2 mg/kg daily (five days/week for four weeks). Moreover, the RT program was performed using a vertical ladder with weights (five days/week for four weeks). Results: RT, T, and DPPE significantly reduced collagen degradation, apoptotic cells, dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) protein expression, and increased mitofusin-1 (Mfn-1) gene and protein expression in liver tissue. RT with T/DPPE showed a synergic effect regarding present study variables. Conclusions: It seems that DPP, which is a natural compound, has less damaging effects than T on liver tissue. It can be used as a safe alternative to T injection for the enhancement of athletic performance and T deficiency.

Life history traits and population parameters of the predatory mite Euseius scutalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) and pollen from three different plants

Development, reproduction, and demographic parameters of the predatory mite Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were determined in the laboratory at 25±1 °C, with a 16L:8D photoperiod and 60 ±5% RH, to evaluate its response to four different diets: Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov and Nikolskii (Acari: Tetranychidae), caster bean pollen, date palm pollen, and hopbush pollen. Male and female mites raised on T. turkestani had a shorter mean pre-adult duration than those grown on date palm, castor, and hopbush pollen. Pre-adult mortality was found to be greater in either the larval stage or protonymphal stage than other stages. The highest and lowest pre-adult mortality rates were recorded on castor bean pollen (31.87%) and T. turkestani (2.94%), respectively. The total pre-oviposition periods (TPOP) on hopbush and castor bean pollen were significantly longer than those on T. turkestani and date palm pollen. The highest egg production and oviposition period were determined when T. turkestani were provided as diet. Overall, the individuals lived considerably longer when provided with T. turkestani and hopbush pollen than the two other diets. The gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt;) on T. turkestani were greater than the values attained on other diets. The highest intrinsic (r) and finite rates of increase (λ) were found to be 0.2537 and 1.2888 on T. turkestani, respectively. However, R&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt;, GRR, r, and λ were almost similar between all pollen diets tested. In general, all diets tested in this study were adequate for development and oviposition in E. scutalis, but T. turkestani was the most favorable diet.

Influence of date palm pollen grain extract on rabbit buck semen characteristics throughout chilled storage period of 72 h

Influence of date palm pollen grain extract on rabbit buck semen characteristics throughout chilled storage period of 72 h