Date Palm Pollen Research Articles

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flower and date palm pollen fortification of date palm spathe beverage

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of roselle flower extract and date palm pollen on the nutritional and sensory qualities of date palm spathe beverage (DPSB).Design/methodology/approachThe nutritional composition and sensorial quality of the date palm spathe-based beverage were evaluated. The product was fortified with different concentrations (1 per cent and 5 per cent) of roselle flowers and 1 per cent date palm pollen grains.FindingsGenerally, fortification of the DPSB with roselle flowers only or the combination of roselle flowers and date palm pollen grains significantly affected the nutritional and sensory properties of the products. The total dissolved solids, turbidity and total contents of proteins; fats; carbohydrates; vitamins A, E and C; iron; nickel and copper were highest in the DPSB fortified with a mixture of 1 per cent roselle flower extract and 1 per cent pollen grains and lowest in the DPSB supplemented with 1 per cent roselle flower extract. The manganese and selenium contents were both highest and lowest in DPSB supplemented with 5 per cent and 1 per cent roselle flower extract, respectively. Antioxidant activity was highest in DPSB supplemented with the 5 per cent roselle flower extract and lowest in unfortified DPSB. Boron, molybdenum and zinc contents were highest in unfortified DPSB. All sensory attributes were highest in both the unfortified DPSB and that fortified with 1 per cent roselle flower extract.Originality/valueWhile fortification with a combination of 1 per cent roselle flower extract and 1 per cent date palm pollen grains improved the nutritional quality of the DPSB, it negatively affected the sensory attributes of the products.

Pollen beverage from date palm spathe: impact of fortification with ginger on the nutritional and sensory quality of the product

Date palm spathes are by-products of date cultivation, which normally go to waste. To improve sustainability, this study reports the development of a date palm pollen beverage prepared from date palm spathes and examines the impact of ginger and pollen grains on its nutritional and sensory properties. Date spathe pollen beverage fortified with 1% ginger exceeded all other beverages in total protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin C, Mn, and Fe contents (P < 0.05). The unfortified date palm pollen beverage displayed the highest values of Bo, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mb, color, flavor, texture, appearance, and overall quality (P < 0.05). The pollen beverage supplemented with 1% ginger and 1% pollen grains exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (P < 0.05). Overall, fortification of date palm pollen beverage with ginger showed a varied impact as it improved some nutritional properties, but compromised others and had a negative impact on the sensory quality of the product.

Phytochemical Characterization and Health Benefits of Omani Date Pollen

Traditional and folk medicines of different countries have great potential for introducing new natural remedies for various human diseases. One of these remedies is date pollen, which is an edible component of the date palm tree, and has been used in Oman and other countries as a therapeutic agent for male infertility. There is a need to identify the bioactive/phytochemical compounds in the Omani date palm pollen which might attribute for its therapeutic effects on infertility and other human diseases. Date palm pollen is rich in bioactive compounds with phytochemicals and nutraceutical properties. There is no information about the efficacy of the Omani date pollen bioactive compounds and their structure. This study is focusing on optimizing the extraction conditions of different Omani date palm pollen and to compare their bioavailability as well as their therapeutic properties. The project was carried out in two phases. In the first phase: Extraction of date pollen from different date palm cultivars and the characterization of their phytochemicals profile. In the second phase: Novel therapeutic (antioxidant and anticancer activities) properties of the date pollen extracts were investigated. The results of this study support the use of Omani date palm pollen extract as a functional food by the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Impact of date palm pollen (Phoenix dactylifera) treatment on paracetamol-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats

BackgroundConsumption of plant-derived nutraceuticals and crude drugs in Arab traditional medicine is widely believed to confer beneficial effects in liver and kidney diseases. Fruits from the date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. are a rich source of nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals which possess a myriad of pharmacological effects. Herein, we examined the impact of Date Palm Pollen (DPP) aqueous suspension treatment on paracetamol (APAP) [Acetaminophen (APAP)] triggered hepatorenal damage in rats and further explored the underlying putative mechanism.MethodsThirty Wistar rats were assigned to five groups (n = 6/group). Group I was control group; animals in group II were administered APAP 1000 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) intraperitonealy (i.p.); Group III and IV administered APAP plus date palm pollen with doses of 50, 100 mg/kg b.w and group V were administered APAP plus Silymarin (SIL) 10 mg/kg b.w. (i.p) respectively. Various biochemical parameters and histological assessment were evaluated in serum and tissue homogenate.ResultsPretreatment with DPP aqueous suspensions (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) significantly (p < 0.05) thwarted APAP triggered alterations in serum biomarkers of liver damage [aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)], serum albumin as well as bilirubin. DPP treatment further mitigated APAP triggered dyslipidemia associated with hepatic damage by influencing APAP elicited changes in serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and VLDL. DPP treatment significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated extrahepatic manifestations of APAP toxicity by influencing alterations in parameters of renal function (creatinine, urea and uric acid) as well serum electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Calcium). DPP treatment further influenced APAP-induced histological lesions by curtailing necrosis and inflammatory changes in the hepatic and renal architecture, respectively. Furthermore, DPP treatment modulated APAP-induced redox imbalance in the hepatic and renal tissue by blunting the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as decrease of nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with control. The protective effect of DPP was further confirmed histologically.ConclusionsThe present observations point to an hepatorenal protective effects of acute DPP treatment in APAP-intoxicated rats which is underpinned by its robust antioxidant properties.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Aspects of Date Palm Pollen

Health Benefits and Nutritional Aspects of Date Palm Pollen

Physico-Chemical, Surface and Thermal Properties of Date Palm Pollen as a Novel Nutritive Ingredient

Physico-Chemical, Surface and Thermal Properties of Date Palm Pollen as a Novel Nutritive Ingredient

Evaluation of date palm pollen (Phoenix dactylifera L.) encapsulation, impact on the nutritional and functional properties of fortified yoghurt.

The aim of this study was to evaluate Egyptian date palm pollen (DPP) grains composition, physical and functional potentials in comparing with two forms; 80% ethanol extract, and nanoencapsulated form. Functional yoghurt fortified with DPP in three forms was prepared and their physicochemical, microstructure, texture and sensory characteristics were assessed. The micro morphology was explored via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed for functional groups detection. Phenolic compounds were detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) while fatty acids were identified via Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC). Cytotoxicity of DPP nanocapsules was evaluated against RPE1 cell line (BJ1). The Egyptian date palm pollen grains evaluation revealed its rich content of protein and carbohydrate (36.28 and 17.14 g/ 100g), high content of Fe, Zn and Mg (226.5, 124.4 and 318 mg/100g), unsaturated fatty acids ω-3, ω-6 and ω-9 (8.76, 20.26 and 7.11 g/100g, which was increased by ethanol extraction) and phenolic compounds especially catechin (191.73 μg/mL) which was pronounced in DPP antioxidant potentials (IC50 35.54 mg/g). The FTIR analyses indicated the presence of soluble amides (proteins) and polysaccharides (fibers) functional groups in DPP. Fortification with nanoencapsulated DPP proved to be safe and the recommended form due to the announced positive characteristics. Yoghurt fortification with DPP forms enhanced viscosity, syneresis and Water Holding Capacity (WHC), which can be considered a symbiotic functional product as it contained both probiotics (106 CFU/g) and prebiotics represented in DPP forms.

Determination of Five Mineral Element Contents in Pollen Grains of Different Seedling Date Palm &lt;i&gt;(Phoenix dactylifera &lt;/i&gt;L.) Male Trees Grown in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

This experiment was conducted to found the connection between sensible male pollinators and the content from mineral element (Zinc, Irion, Manganese, Cupper and Magnesium) in pollen grain of fifty seedling date palm male and compared it with the best selective five seedling date palm males (number 2, 10, 29, 40, 46) are appropriate and promising males for to be utilized in pollinating female date palms and mistreatment in breeding programs in previous study. Results found variations among the categories of pollen and elements. The highest concentration of zinc was found in males' number (2, 10, 40 and 46) which recorded 127,102, 115 and 122 μg/g dry weight respectively as compared to the other male trees. Also the highest concentration of iron was found in male number (40) which recorded 222 μg/g dry weight as compared to the other male trees. Moreover, notes from result excellence male number (10) in manganese concentration which recorded 202 μg/g dry weight as compared to the other male trees. In this concern, pollen grain of date palm male trees contained also, high concentrations of copper and magnesium the concentration ranging from 10 to 30 and 1320 to 1985 μg/g dry weight for copper and magnesium respectively. The best result for copper and magnesium which obtained from the selective male number (46) which recorded 30 and 1985 μg/g dry weight for copper and magnesium respectively as compared to the other male trees. From all the results we can conclude that the date palm pollen grain was as rich source of important minerals, so its suitability as a regular component in plant and human diet.

Effect of sonication pretreatment on physico-chemical, surface and thermal properties of date palm pollen protein concentrate

Sonication assisted isoelectric precipitation protein extraction was investigated, to determine the effect of sonication pretreatment (20 KHz, 2 s pulse on and 1 s pulse off for 30 min) on the physico-chemical, surface and thermal properties of date palm pollen concentrate. Concentrates obtained only by isoelectric precipitation and with the addition of sonication pretreatment were compared on the basis of their structure and their functional properties. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in surface properties, where sonicated sample exhibited a better capacity of reducing the surface tension at pH 7 even at low protein concentration (0.5 g/100 mL) reaching 40.7 mN/m. It was also deduced that thermal properties are strongly influenced by the sonication treatment since the temperature and enthalpy of protein's denaturation decreased significantly (P < 0.05). These differences were attributed to the induced modifications in protein's structure caused by sonication. Deductions align with what has been observed in the scanning electron microscopy that showed sonication leads to the modification of protein's structure.

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.

Biological Aspects and Life Table Parameters of the Predatory Mite, Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) Reared on Different Diets

The predator mite Neoseiulus californicus McGregor is an effective predator that is used to control the invasion of Tetranychus urticae Koch on crop plants. Experiments for rearing N. californicus on different food sources were carried out under laboratory condition (25±2oC, 75+5 % RH). N. californicus was reared on three different food types; two types of phytophagous mites (Tetranychus urticae and Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes) and date palm pollens. In response to food type, the periods of N. californicus immature stages were 4.79, 8.14, and 11.79 days for females and 3.93, 6.71, and 10.71 days for males when fed on T. urticae, B. phoenicis, and date palm pollen, respectively.The developmental periods (life cycle) of both female and male individuals were longer when they fed on date palm pollen (14.07, 12.86 days for females and males respectively) compared with 6.93, 5.79 days for females and males in case of feeding on T. urticae and 10.29, 8.79 days for those reared on B. phoenicis.N. californicus males completed their developmental stages on the studied food types successfully ,however, N. californicus females were significantly affected by the type of food, which recorded the highest number of eggs per each female when fed on T. urticae (32.14 eggs), followed by females that fed on B. phoenicis and date palm pollen (13.29 and 3.86 eggs, respectively). Obtained results provide alternatives of T. urticae to rear N. californicus for mass production although the efficiency was not the same.

Does glycogen synthase kinase-3 β signaling pathway has a significant role in date palm pollen cancer therapy?

Background and objective Palm pollen (PP) has attracted much attention for its wide applications as an anticancer natural product due to their high phenolic and flavonoid contents. In the current of PP to inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma was assessed in a rat model. Materials and methods First, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed to identify the active constituents in PP. Diethyl nitrosamine as a hepatocarcinogenic agent was administered at a dose of 4 gm/kg body weight intraperitoneally for 4 months sequenced by PP treatment orally (200 mg/kg) daily for 3 weeks. Biochemical and molecular analyses were estimated. Results and discussion HPLC analysis showed the presence of chlorogenic acid, quercetin, coumaric acid, caffeine, vanillin, and ferulic acid in PP. Diethyl nitrosamine significantly elevated serum lipid peroxide, nitrite/nitrate levels, and decreased glutathione level. In addition to an obvious alternation of tumor necrosis factor-α1, nuclear factor kappa-β, cellular oncogene-Fos, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β genes expression. Meanwhile, PP improved all the previously deviated biochemical parameters reflecting great antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory index. These findings were confirmed histopathologically.

The impact of Date Palm Pollen Capsule on Vaginal Iubrication and Dyspareunia In Menopausal Woman

Background & aim: Estrogen and androgen deficiency in menopause leads to poor vulvovaginal blood flow, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia which can reduce the quality of life among the women. In this regard, this study investigated the impact of date palm pollen capsules on vaginal lubrication and dyspareunia in postmenopausal women. Methods: The present triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 ‌menopausal women aged 40-65 years, who referred to the health centers affiliated to the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, in 2015. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of intervention and placebo (n=30), receiving date palm pollen and placebo capsules (350 mg, daily), respectively, for 35 days. The data were collected at two stages (at the baseline and after treatment) using the Female Sexual Function Index, a part of which evaluated vaginal lubrication and dyspareunia. Data analysis was performed in SPSS (version 16) using the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and ANCOVA. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups after the intervention in terms of vaginal lubrication (p <0.001) and dyspareunia (P=0.048). The results of the ANCOVA revealed a significant difference between the intervention and placebo groups regarding the two investigated domains of sexual function by controlling the effect of the confounding factors. Conclusion: As the findings indicated, the administration of date palm pollen could improve vaginal lubrication and reduce dyspareunia in the postmenopausal women.

Improvement of Semen Parameters in a Man With Idiopathic Severe Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Using Date Palm Pollen (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Based on Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Case Report and Literature Preview

Introduction: Almost 50% of infertilities are associated with males and among them 30to 50% are idiopathic. Empirical treatments are used in idiopathic male infertility, yet not enough scientific evidence is available for the application of such remedies. Date palm pollen (DPP) is one of the drugs suggested for such patients in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). Case Presentation: This study was performed on a 35-year-old male patient with idiopathic infertility. He previously had severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and was under medical supervision at Yas hospital of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from August 2016 to February 2017, where he was treated with DPP at a dose of 3 g twice daily, for three months. The second semen analysis was carried out after a quarter of the treatment period, followed by re-analyses after one and three months of finalizing the treatment period. The results obtained showed an impressive improvement in the quality of semen parameters. Within six months, the initial values of normal morphology (1%), total motility (3%), progressive motility (0.0), and sperm concentration (0.1 million) increased to 20%, 60%, 10%, and 10 million, respectively. Conclusions: Date palm pollen could be helpful in improving semen parameters in such patients. Clinical studies are required to find the exact effect.

Assessment of date palm pollen supplementation on productivity, digestibility, immune response, and intestinal and hepatic morphology of Egyptian fayoumi laying Hens

Assessment of date palm pollen supplementation on productivity, digestibility, immune response, and intestinal and hepatic morphology of Egyptian fayoumi laying Hens

Improving quality of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits CVS. Khalas and Sagae under different climate by spraying of date palm pollen grains extract

Improving quality of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits CVS. Khalas and Sagae under different climate by spraying of date palm pollen grains extract

Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Biomimetically Synthesized Using Date Palm Pollen Extract-Induce Apoptosis and Regulate p53 and Bcl-2 Expression in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Recently, several attempts have been made to use the phytopharmaceuticals from plant extracts as reducing, capping and stabilizing agents for the biomimetic synthesis of various metal nanoparticles conjugated to the phytopharmaceuticals. These biogenic metal nanoparticles are non-toxic and can be used as contrast agents, drug delivery vehicles and photothermal agents for cancer therapy. Herein, we report the synthesis of both silver and gold nanoparticles using the pollen extract of Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm), characterization using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, quantitation of phytochemicals capping the nanoparticles using Folin - Ciocalteu's method, cytotoxicity studies on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, cancer cell death analysis using fluorescent microscopy, and modulation of expression of the pro-apoptotic p53 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. The biosynthesis resulted in stable and poly-dispersed silver nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles, exhibiting strong and broad surface plasmon absorption peaks. The elemental analysis confirmed the presence of gold and silver of high purity and also the organic moieties from the plant extract acting as capping and stabilizing agents. The biogenic nanoparticles also exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells and showed signs of apoptotic cell death. Immunoassays revealed the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein p53 and down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 after the nanoparticle treatment.

Suitability of date palm pollen as an alternative food source for the predatory mite Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski and Amitai) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) at a low relative humidity

The nutritional suitability of date palm pollen for the predatory mite Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski and Amitai) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was tested by assessing the development and life table parameters of the predator at two relative humidity levels, 35 and 60 % RH, at 30 °C in the laboratory. C. negevi successfully developed and reproduced when fed on a fresh date palm pollen diet at both humidity levels. However, at 35 % RH, the incubation period and development of immatures were significantly longer, female longevity and fecundity significantly decreased, and all life table parameter values were negatively affected. The results obtained in this study were compared with those of some previously published studies in the same field. The date palm pollen could be a suitable food source for the mass production of C. negevi. Moreover, the successful reproduction and development of C. negevi fed date palm pollen at low RH (35 %) makes it a good alternate food source in the field to conserve the population of the predator under local arid environmental conditions.

Comparative in vitro/theoretical studies on the anti-angiogenic activity of date pollen hydro-alcoholic extract: Highlighting the important roles of its hot polyphenols.

Introduction: Date palm pollen (DPP) is the male reproductive soft powder from date flowers widely used as the valuable dietary supplement to fortify the size of testis and ovarian to increase the power of sex. This part of date palm significantly exhibited anti-diabetic, anti-inflammation and protective effects against male and female infertility. Though the anticancer activity of date fruits was previously reported, the DPP anti-angiogenic effects were not reported, and as the first study, its inhibitory effects were examined in the current study. Methods: The DPP soft powder was collected to prepare its hydro-alcoholic extract to examine its anti-angiogenic activity in an in vitro model. At different concentrations, the cytotoxicity of the prepared extract was examined on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using lactate dehydrogenase method. Cell proliferation was determined using the MTT assay and cytodex-3D model in collagen gel was used to assay its possible anti-angiogenic activity. The expression of VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, molecular docking simulation was used to highlight the possible role of DPP polyphenols to interact with the associated receptors. Results: The prepared hydro-alcoholic extract exhibited significant anti-angiogenic activity in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the endothelial cell proliferation. The calculated IC50 value for the examined extract in angiogenesis model was 260 µg·mL, respectively. Also, the expression of VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes were significantly decreased. Docking simulation results unveiled that the isolated DPP polyphenols have the affinity to interact with ctDNA, VEGF and its receptors. Conclusion: The DPP is the new source of non-toxic anti-cancer agents to use as a dietary supplement in the pre-treatment of cancer.

Studies on Biological Effect of some Selected Foods (Un-Pollinated Siwi Date, Date Palm Pollen and Doum Fruit)

The current work aimed to study the biological effects of fresh un-pollinated date, date palm pollen and doum fruit against some cancer cells line and some pathogenic microorganisms. Chemical composition including moisture content, total soluble solids, ash content and total and reducing sugars were determined. Also, antioxidant compounds such as phenolic compounds, hydrolysable tannins, condensed tannins and flavonoids were measured. The biological effects of fresh un-pollinated date, date palm pollen and doum fruit extracts against some human cancer cells include colon (HCT), prostate (PC3), breast (MCF7) and larynx (HEP2) cancers were tested. In addition, the antimicrobial effect of these extracts against some pathogenic microorganisms includes bacteria, mold and yeast were examined. The results indicated that fresh un-pollinated Siwi date had the highest content of antioxidant compounds compared with date palm pollen and doum fruit, therefore lead to the high antiradical activity. On the other hand, the date palm pollen had the highest content of some minerals content such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese compared with fresh un-pollinated date and doum fruits. The best effect against the four human cancer cells has been observed with fresh un-pollinated date extract. The cancer cells viability has been decreased up to 50% when the fresh un-pollinated date extract was used with concentration 62 µg/ml approximately. However, the highest decreased of cancer cells reached to 25% approximately when a concentration of the extracts has been used between 125 and 250 µg/ml. Also, fresh un-pollinated date revealed the best effect against gram negative bacteria but date palm pollen exhibited the best effect against gram positive bacteria, mold and yeast. So, the obtained data of the present study pointed that we neglected a very important bio-active products.