Date Seeds Extract Research Articles

Natural stabilizers for functional foods: The role of optimized date seed extracts in nanoemulsion applications

This study explores the potential of date seeds as natural stabilizers in nanoemulsion-based functional foods. Six pre-treatments (control, overnight stirring, high-speed homogenization, ultrasound, microwave, and pH-shift) were investigated to determine the best method for aqueous extraction of date seeds for nanoemulsion optimization and stability studies. The ultrasonic pre-treatment was found to enhance total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity and produce stable nanoemulsions with minimal size variation. A D-optimal design was used for nanoemulsion optimization using varying high-pressure homogenization (HPH) pressure, date seed powder (DSP) concentration, and oil content. The optimal nanoemulsion was formulated at 493.21 bar, with 15% DSP, and 4.13% oil. This nanoemulsion demonstrated stability over a week under refrigerated conditions, particularly at pH 6 and with NaCl concentrations below 100 mM. Our findings indicate that date seed extract can be an effective natural ingredient to stabilize nanoemulsions, promoting the development of novel functional foods. Future studies on enhancing the functional attributes and understanding the properties of the nanoemulsions, including sensory and rheological characteristics and long-term stability across a broader pH range and salt concentrations, would broaden the potential of date seeds as natural stabilizers in nanoemulsion-based functional foods.

Development of date seed extract encapsulated MCM-41: Characterization, release kinetics, antioxidant and antibacterial studies

The encapsulation of natural bioactive compounds in porous support can lead to a sustained release of antioxidants and antimicrobial substances. In this study, the natural antioxidant of date seed extract (DSE) was encapsulated into the mesoporous silica matrix (MCM-41) through the physical vacuum impregnation method. Various characterization studies confirmed the successful encapsulation of DSE into MCM-41 with an encapsulation efficiency of 91%. Date seed extract encapsulated MCM-41(DSE@MCM-41) exhibited rougher morphology, lower specific surface area (1.2 m2 g−1), and lower pore volume (0.023 g cm−3) than MCM-41, indicating higher loading of DSE into the MCM-41 pore channels. The in vitro release profile and bioactive DSE@MCM-41 release kinetics were determined using phosphate buffer solution at pH 5.2 and 7.4. Studies showed that DSE release from DSE@MCM-41 followed first-order kinetics with a sustained release rate, preferably in an acidic medium. The results of radical scavenging activity also showed that the release of antioxidants from DSE@MCM-41 was more sustained than that of free DSE when stored at 4 °C for 3 months. Furthermore, antibacterial studies of DSE@MCM-41 against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant and sustained bactericidal effect at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. These results suggest that DSE-encapsulated MCM-41 could be used as a sustainable-release nanocarrier to extend the shelf-life of food in food packaging applications.

Aktivitas Imunostimulan Ekstrak Metanol Biji Kurma (Phoenix dactylifera) secara In Silico Terhadap Reseptor GIF dan COX-2 serta Uji In Vitro melalui Proliferasi Sel Limfosit Mencit

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the plants that very useful, but the date palm seeds that become waste have not been widely used. Based on studies that are known to contain bioactive compounds that can be suspected as antioxidants, antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory. However, research on immunostimulants from dates, especially in silico and in vitro, has not been widely carried out. Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential of date seed bioactive compounds as immunostimulants through in silico against Human Glycosylation-Inhibiting Factor (1GIF) and Human Cyclooxygenase-2 (5IKR) receptors as well as in vitro through the proliferation of lymphocyte cells of male mice (Mus musculus) balb/c strains with the MTT Assay methods. The results of the in silico study showed that 5-O-Caffeoylshikimic Acid had the highest interaction and stability, Gibbs free energy with 1GIF and 5IKR receptors, -6.68 kcal/mol and -8.58 kcal/mol, respectively. This value is known to be higher than the Caffeic Acid as control ligand. The results of in vitro research obtained methanol extract of date seeds at a concentration series of 6.25; 12.5; 25 µg/mL had higher lymphocyte cell proliferation activity which was indicated by an increasing OD value, and at a concentration of 25 μg/mL produces the highest immunostimulant activity. Therefore, date seed extract containing the compound 5-O-Caffeoylshikimic Acid can potentially be an immunostimulant agent.

Characterization and antibacterial activity of raw cotton fabrics treated with date seed extract and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).

Because of their immense economic, wellness, and remedial value, the seeds of palm (Phoenix dactylifera) were selected with synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) based on their properties for increasing the antibacterial efficacy of medical cotton. This study aimed to be contingent upon the characterisation of raw cotton fabrics treated by AgNPs with date seed extract (DSE) of P. dactylifera both individually and in combination and to investigate their antibacterial activity against various human pathogens. The prepared cotton materials with the synthesized AgNPs and/or DSE were described by both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). At the same time, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were employed to determine the bioactive components in the aqueous date seed extract. The greater antibacterial activity was recorded by cotton treated with DSE and AgNPs mix, in which inhibition zones of all treatments were against Escherichia coli (8 cm), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (2.33-5.87cm) and Bacillus subtilis (2.17-4.63 cm), respectively. Overall, these findings indicate that treated cotton fabrics with synthesised AgNPs and DSE may be widely applied in various potential biological and medical applications, which could enhance environmental sustainability in closed production and consumption.

Antioxidant properties of date seeds extract (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in alloxan induced damage in rats.

The study was conducted to examine the antioxidant activity and evaluate the protective effects of the date seeds powder kentichi against alloxan-induced damage in the liver, kidney, and pancreas in diabetic's rats. Group 1: control group, that did not receive any treatment, Group 2: alloxan was injected intraperitoneally (120 mg/kg body weight) for two days (Diab), Group 3: treated only by date seeds powder added in the diet (300 g/kg) for 6 weeks (DSPK), Group 4: alloxan-diabetic rats treated with date seeds powder (300 g/kg) (DSPK + Diab). Estimations of biochemical parameters in blood were determined. TBARS, SOD, CAT, and GPx activities were determined. A histopathological study was done by immersing pieces of both organs in a fixative solution followed by paraffin hematoxylin-eosin staining. In addition, the antioxidant activities of DSPK were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and ABTS free radical scavenging. The results revealed that date seeds significantly decreased serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, T-protein, ALP, D-bili and T-bili levels. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities that had been reduced in liver, kidney, and pancreas of the treated group were restored by DSPK treatments and, therefore, the lipid peroxidation level was reduced in the liver, kidney and pancreas tissue compared to the control group. Additionally, the histological structure in these organs was restored after treatment with date seeds powder.

A Pilot Study of the Effects of Ajwa Date Seed Extract in a Diabetic Animal with Parallel Observations on Human Subjects

Background: most diseases are inequality of the antioxidants, pro-oxidants, and failure in resolved inflammation. Diabetes is a metabolic malfunction associated with inflammation and ends with organs failure. Alternative treatments for diabetes include a lifestyle and an anti-inflammatory diet.
 Method: we investigated the effects of dietary Ajwa dates seeds extract (AJSO) against alloxan monohydrate-induced biochemical changes. We analyzed the phytochemical components of AJSO with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. We determined the effects of oral AJSO on biochemical changes caused by alloxan monohydrate in rats. We also observed biochemical changes in human volunteers with or without Ajwa seed as caffeine-free coffee replacements.
 Results: the results and outcomes confirmed the improvement in the rats’ biochemical analysis due to AJSO constituents. The treatment of AJSO after alloxan monohydrate injection significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decline the studied parameters NO, MDA, Amyloid A, CRP, and glucose concentrations by 47.2%, 34.8%, 55.6%, 47.4%and 60.0%, respectively, compared to treatment only with alloxan monohydrate. The volunteers treated with Ajwa seed as caffeine-free coffee replacements(group2) showed significant amelioration of inflammatory and diabetes markers as compared to the untreated group1. Group 2 showed a significant decrease in the concentration of serum NO (34.7%), MDA (43.9%), amyloid A (79.6%), CRP (60.9%), HbA1c (33.8%), Troponin T (16.4%), serum total cholesterol (14.2 %), TG (28.1%), LDL-C (6.1%), AST 8.8%, and ALT (11.6%) compared to Group1.
 Conclusion: AJSO had a healthy impact by decreasing the levels of amyloid a, c-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and improving diabetes, lipid and liver profiles in both rats and human volunteers. Further long-term investigation of higher numbers and the different types and sexes is needed in progress to confirm and validate the results.

Exploiting Egyptian dates waste extract as a preservative to improve the quality and safety of chilled chickens

Egypt is one of the richest countries in the world producing Phoenix dactylifera fruit. Phoenix dactylifera fruit wastes are not yet extensively utilized in the industry. Chicken safety and quality are prerequisites for current meat production and a basic requirement for consumers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of 2% date seed extract on the safety and quality of the chicken meat marketed in Port-Saied markets, Egypt using chemical and bacteriological parameters. A total of forty chicken carcasses were equally divided into two groups. The first group was treated by dipping the carcasses in 2% date seeds extract for 15 mins, while the second group was kept as a control. Chicken samples were evaluated after one hour of treatment, as on the 3 rd, 6th, and 9th days of storage at 3±1°C. The obtained results revealed that pH, total volatile nitrogen (mg/100 g), and Thiobarbituric Acid reactive substances (mg-MDA/kg) values of treated samples were 6.4, 13.6 and 0.303 respectively on the 9th day of chilled storage. The treatment of chicken samples with 2% date seeds extract showed significantly (p<0.05) lower total volatile nitrogen and Thiobarbituric Acid reactive substances values, as compared with control ones due to their content of antioxidants and phenolic compounds. Additionally, treatment with 2% date seed extracts significantly reduced the aerobic bacterial counts and extended the shelf-life of stored chicken meat to the 9 th day of storage. Furthermore, using 2% date seed extract effectively improved the safety of the chicken meat as Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. were not detected in treated samples. It could be concluded from this study that additional studies are recommended to investigate the nature of the preservative materials in dates seeds extract to expand its use on an industrial scale to ensure the safety and quality of chilled chicken meat.

Evaluation of tendering effect from date seed extract (P. dactalytera) in knuckle part meat

Phoenic dactylifera (date) is a species of flowering plants in the family of Arecaceae. Date seeds are considered as a waste from many processing that produced plants pitted date, confectionery date syrup and date itself. Currently, the seeds are used mainly for animal feed in the cattle and chicken industry. In 2004, about 863,000 tonnes of date seeds are produced out of 6.9 million tonnes date. Tenderness is the major concern that affecting consumer acceptance of beef in meat industry. This study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of the bioactive compound extracted from date seed as a tenderizing agent in meat. Extraction of date seeds used a different method of extraction (Soxhlet and Maceration). The application of extracted on knuckle part of beef were performed and papain was used as a positive control and followed by the sensory evaluation. The analysis of cooked meat was performed in order to analyze the physico-chemical properties of date seeds extract. The result from the study revealed that the aqueous extract (maceration techniques) gave the best percentage of the total yield recovery with 28.44%. The physico-chemical properties of cooked meat showed the reducing of pH value after cooking. Meanwhile for the cooking yield, result showed that almost 86% of water losses during cooking for aqueous extract and positive control and 96% for negative control. According to the sensory evaluation of the cooked meat, scoring test and hedonic test were performed using One Way Anova. The result for texture is 6.10±2.1, juiceness is 5.87±1.76 and taste is 6.80±1.34. All attributes have no significant different at p <0.05 between aqueos extract, and positive control. A general acceptance shows that no significant different between aqueos extract (6.50±2.0) and positive control (7.13±1.98). The result suggested that the tenderization effect of date seed improved the textural properties of knuckle part meat and have potential for tenderization purpose in food industry.

In-vitro Investigation of Polyphenol-Rich Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seed Extract Bioactivity.

Date seeds are a by-product of the date fruit processing industry with minimal human use; however, they are a rich source of polyphenols with a range of potential biological properties. The current study investigates the cytotoxicity of date seed polyphenols against cancer cell lines, its ability to combat hyperglycemia, its antioxidant potential and its anti-adipogenic effect. The present work aimed to establish the usefulness of date seeds in the food industry as a functional ingredient. The anti-tumour activity of DSE was tested in a panel of cell lines such as MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, Hep-G2, Caco-2, and PC-3 by measuring cell viability and cleaved PARP. Lipid accumulation and effect on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells (adipocytes) were tested with date seed extract treatments. The influence of date seed polyphenols on glucose uptake was studied in 3T3-L1 cells and C2C12 cells (muscle cells). The antioxidant activity of the polyphenols from date seed products such as date seed extract (DSE), date seed powder (DSP), and date seeds fortified bread (DSB) was tested following in-vitro digestion to study their stability in the gastrointestinal milieu. DSE treatment resulted in significantly reduced viability in MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cells with 48-h treatments. Glucose uptake increased in the adipocytes with DSE treatments; moreover, it inhibited adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation. DSE decreased the expression levels of PPAR-γ, C/EBPα, adiponectin and upregulated GLUT-4, and phospho-AMPK. This study also found that date seed samples retained antioxidant activity in the digestive milieu and concludes that the date seed polyphenols remain active in the digestive milieu and exhibit potential anti-hyperglycemic and anti-adipogenic activity.

Effect of Chronic Administration of Date Palm Seeds Extract on Some Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Status and Caspase-3 Expression in Female Albino Rats

Date palm seeds have been debated for their beneficial effects on body health. Present study discussed the influences of chronic exposure palm date seeds extract on hepato-renal integrity and feed efficiency. Twenty one Albino female rats were randomly splitted into 3 groups. Group I, is the control and were given oral propylene glycol 10%. Group II, were given palm date seeds extract (200mg/kg body weight) dissolved in 10% propylene glycol. Group III, were given (400mg/kg body weight) palm date seeds extract dissolved in 10% propylene glycol. Treatments were given by intra gastric route daily for 60 days. Body weight, weight gain, feed efficiency ratio (FER) were determined. Serum liver and kidney functions tests were detected. Serum Super oxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were estimated. Caspase-3 protein expression in kidney and liver was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results revealed improved FER in group II and III than control. Reduction in serum liver and kidney enzymes were evident in group II and III with improvement in albumin and total protein levels. Caspase-3 IHC in liver and kidney exhibited significant (P<0.05) reduction in palm date seeds extract treated groups especially in group III. Palm date seeds extract, seemed to be safe after chronic administration and has beneficial influences on liver and kidney. The beneficial effects of palm date seeds extract seemed due to its antioxidant effect that reduced hepato-renal caspase-3 protein expression.

Effects of date seeds administration on anxiety and depressive symptoms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: biochemical and behavioral evidences.

Several epidemiological data indicate that chronic hyperglycemia is associated with behavioral changes such as anxiety and depressive symptoms. Date seeds, one of the most potent products with potential antioxidant activities and possess many benefits against hyperglycemia and its complication. The aim of the current study was to explore the potential effect of date seeds extract on biochemical and behavioral changes (anxiety and depression) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Rats were divided into four groups as follows: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with the lyophilized aqueous extract of the date seed (2,000mg/kg) (LAE-DS) and diabetics treated with insulin (4UI/day). Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60mg/kg). After 24days treatment period, anxiety and depressive behaviors were evaluated using four behavioral tests. After sacrifice, blood samples were collected to evaluate lipid parameters. In addition, rat organs (kidney, liver and brain) were dissected out in order to estimate lipid peroxidation levels as oxidative stress marker. Oral administration of the lyophilized aqueous extract of date seeds and insulin injection for 30days significantly decreased blood glucose levels in STZ-diabetic rats and protected them against undesirable changes in lipid parameters, including cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis index. Compared to untreated diabetic rat, a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation levels in kidney, liver and brain (Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) were observed after treatment with insulin or LAE-DS in diabetic rats. Furthermore, insulin and LAE-DS administration prevented anxiety-related behaviors in STZ-diabetic rats. Therefore, it would be possible to combine this extract with insulin and use it as an antioxidant supplement for type 1 diabetic patients.

Date Seeds Supplementation Reduces Stress Oxidative, Inflammation and Prevents Anxiety-like Behavior in Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rat Model

Background: several researches indicate that type 2 diabetes is associated with brain biochemical and behavioral perturbations. Objective: this study aims to explore the neuroprotective effect of date seeds phenolic compounds on hyperglycemia induced inflammation, oxidative stress and anxiety-like behavior in the brain of diabetic rats. Method: Rats were assigned to 4 groups (of 10 rats each) as follows: Group 1 (normal control), group 2 was diabetic control, while group 3 and group 4 were diabetic treated with date seeds extract (DSE) and metformin respectively. Experimental type 2 diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) 15 min after nicotinamide (NA) intraperitoneal injection (110 mg/kg). After diabetes confirmation, Treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Before sacrifice, anxiety-like behavior of all rats was assessed using 4 behavioral tests. After sacrifice, lipid peroxidation and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were evaluated in the brain (Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) of all groups rat. Result: treatment with date seeds extract (2000 mg/kg) and/or metformin (300mg/kg) significantly decreased the level of lipid peroxidation levels and control the activity of tumor necrosis factor-α in Hippocampus as well as in prefrontal cortex in NA-STZ diabetic rats. Furthermore, the administration of date seeds extract or Metformin for 6weeks prevented anxiety-like behavior in these rats. Conclusion: in conclusion, the findings of the current study demonstrated that date seeds exhibited anxiolytic effect in type 2 diabetes, that could be due to its strong antioxidant (suppress oxidative stress) and anti-inflammatory (reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines) activities.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Seeds Extract and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Interest in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has recently increased due to their extensive and varied use, the biological synthesis of synthesis of AgNPs being safer than other approaches. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest producers of date palm, leading to the production of large amounts of waste date seeds. Here, the study evaluatesthe use of date seeds extract in the biosynthesis of AgNPs and to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the resultant nanoparticles (NPs) against pathogenic bacteria. A number of which were used here in order to characterize the synthesized particles, including UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that date seed extract can be used to synthesize AgNPs effectively. These AgNPs exhibit unique, small-size morphologies which proved to be antibacterial against pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Escherichia coli.

Assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Phoenix dactylifera L. seed extracts: Perspective for the development of new foods

Background: Conventional food additives were associated with potential harm. Palm seeds are an interesting source of high-added value bioactive compounds, regarding their potential use in food industries. Aim: Date seeds extract (DSE) of Algerian Phoenix dactyliefra L. was studied for its phytochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity and to identify its potential uses in foods. Material and methods: A total soluble solid of DSE (°Brix) was determined by refractometry. The total phenolic contents (TPCs) were determined according to the Folin-Cioclateu method and the total flavonoid and flavonols were also estimated with colorimetric method. The DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of DSE. The IC50 values were also calculated and the antioxidant activity index (AAI) was determined. The agar well diffusion method was employed for the antibacterial activity of the aqueous DSE against various pathogens. Results: Moisture, ash, and fat contents (%) determined were 11.06, 1.33, and 7.06, respectively. The physicochemical analysis of the extract showed a pH value of 4.67, titratable acidity value of 0.64 citric acid/100 g, °Brix value = 3%, sugars values of 0.12, 0.47, and 0.35 g/L for reducing sugar, total sugar, and sucrose, respectively. The determination of phenolic compounds was carried out on three groups, namely total phenols = 229.67 mg GAEq/g, flavonoids = 201.12 mg QEq/g, and flavonols = 173.03 mg QEq/g, respectively. The DSE demonstrates to be effective as an antioxidant “in vitro” and showed a strong antibacterial activity with different inhibition levels, depending on the bacterial strains. Conclusion: The current investigations present knowledge about the possible role of palm industry by-products as a novel perspective for the development of new foods. We suggest that date seeds can be exploited in some food applications utilizing their high levels of bioactive molecules. ​Keywords: Phoenix dactylifera L., Degla-Baïda, seeds extract, bioactive molecules, biological activity, in vitro, novel perspective.

Évaluation de l'activité antioxydante et antibactérienne de l’extrait de graines de Palmier Dattier (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Perspective de développement de nouveaux aliments

Background: Conventional food additives were associated with potential harm. Palm seeds are an interesting source of high-added value bioactive compounds, regarding their potential use in food industries. Aim: Date seeds extract (DSE) of Algerian Phoenix dactyliefra L. was studied for its phytochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity and to identify its potential uses in foods. Material and methods: A total soluble solid of DSE (°Brix) was determined by refractometry. The total phenolic contents (TPCs) were determined according to the Folin-Cioclateu method and the total flavonoid and flavonols were also estimated with the colorimetric method. The DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant activity of DSE. The IC50 values were also calculated and the antioxidant activity index (AAI) was determined. The agar well diffusion method was employed for the antibacterial activity of the aqueous DSE against various pathogens. Results: Moisture, ash, and fat contents (%) determined were 11.06, 1.33, and 7.06, respectively. The physicochemical analysis of the extract showed a pH value of 4.67, titratable acidity value of 0.64 citric acid/100 g, °Brix value = 3%, sugars values of 0.12, 0.47, and 0.35 g/L for reducing sugar, total sugar, and sucrose, respectively. The determination of phenolic compounds was carried out on three groups, namely total phenols = 229.67 mg GAEq/g, flavonoids = 201.12 mg QEq/g, and flavonols = 173.03 mg QEq/g, respectively. The DSE demonstrates to be effective as an antioxidant “in vitro” and showed a strong antibacterial activity with different inhibition levels, depending on the bacterial strains. Conclusion: The current investigations present knowledge about the possible role of palm industry by-products as a novel perspective for the development of new foods. We suggest that date seeds can be exploited in some food applications utilizing their high levels of bioactive molecules. Keywords: Phoenix dactylifera L., Degla-Baïda, seeds extract, bioactive molecules, biological activity, in vitro, novel perspective.

Possible mechanisms for the renoprotective effects of date palm fruits and seeds extracts against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

PurposeThis work investigates the possible renoprotective effects of date palm fruits and seeds extract against renal ischemia and their underlying mechanisms. Methods108-Sprague Dawle male rats were randomly allocated into 6 equal groups differently receiving aqueous or methanolic fruit and seed extracts. Assay of serum creatinine, BUN and TNF-α, morphological examination of the left kidney, markers of the redox state (MDA, CAT, and GSH), the expression of TNFα and Nrf2 genes at the level of mRNA, the expression of caspase-3 and TGF-β proteins by immunohistochemistry were performed. Results45-min renal I/R caused significant deterioration of kidney functions (increase in serum creatinine and BUN) and morphology (P < 0.001) and significant reduction in CAT activity and GSH levels with significant increase in serum TNF-α and MDA concentration and the expression of Nrf2, caspase-3, TNF-α, and TGF-β in kidney tissues. Pre-treatment with either date palm fruit or seed extracts significantly improved kidney functions and morphology (P ≤ 0.001) with a significant increase in the expression of Nrf2 and CAT activity, and GSH concentration and a reduction in serum TNF-α and expression of caspase-3, TNF-α, and TGF-β (P < 0.001). ConclusionsAdministration of date palm extracts exhibited a renoprotective effect against renal I/R injury.This renoprotective action might be due to their antioxidants, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions. Moreover, aqueous fruit extracts offered powerful renoprotective effect than aqueous seed extracts, and aqueous fruit and seed extracts were generally more effective than methanolic extracts.

Effect of Phoenix dactylifera seeds (dates) extract in triton WR-1339 and high fat diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rats: A comparison with simvastatin

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDate seeds are widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine for treating obesity and related diseases. Aim of the studyTwo date seed varieties (Jihel and Majhoul) were assessed for their phenolic profile and lipid-lowering activity. Materials and methodsThe polyphenolic profile was determined using HPLC-DAD. Triton-WR-1339 and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidaemic rats were used to evaluate the hypolipidaemic effect of date seeds extracts. Serum lipid profile was measured using automatic biochemical analyser. ResultsRutin, quercetin, p-coumaric and caffeic acids were the most prevalent chemical among the analysed phenolic compounds. Serum lipids: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were lowered and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were increased by date seed methanolic extract (at 200 mg/kg) in triton WR1339 -induced hyperlipidaemia in experimental rats. Chronic feeding of these extracts (at 200 mg/kg), to animals concurrently fed with high fat diet (HFD) for three weeks, caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and atherogenic index, while it increased serum HDL-C. Furthermore, the supplementation of date seed extract was effective in preventing body weight gain. ConclusionsThese findings are suggestive of hypolipidaemic and atherosclerosis prevention roles of Jihel and Majhoul date seeds.

Inhibition of Digestive Enzyme and Stimulation of Human Liver Cells (HepG2) Glucose Uptake by Date Seeds Extract.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, and the United Arab Emirates is presenting one of the world's highest prevalence rates. Dietary polyphenols exert an antidiabetic effect by modulating carbohydrates digestion and cellular glucose uptake. Due to their particularly high content in polyphenols, date seeds represent a potential antidiabetic agent. This study aims to determine if date seed polyphenols inhibit the activity of the enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates and modulating the glucose uptake by human liver cells. In vitro activity of the intestinal α-glucosidase, pancreatic α-amylase, the glucose uptake by HepG2 cells, and the expression of GLUT4 and AMPK analyzed by western blotting (with and without date seeds extract). Our result showed that the maximum enzymes inhibition was obtained with 400 μg/mL and 900 μg/mL DSE for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. The HepG2 cell viability significantly decreased up to 80% at 4000 μg/mL DSE. The expression of GLUT4 was higher at 100 μg/mL DSE (with insulin and without insulin). However, the expressions of P-AMPK and AMPK were increased by DSE, mainly in a non-insulin-dependent manner. Therefore, DSE, by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and stimulating glucose uptake by HepG2, can potentially demonstrate the therapeutic potential for diabetes management.

Polyphenol characterisation of Phoenix dactylifera L. (date) seeds using HPLC-mass spectrometry and its bioaccessibility using simulated in-vitro digestion/Caco-2 culture model

The polyphenolic content in date seeds, a promising functional ingredient for food, was characterised in three forms viz., date seed powder (DSP), date seed pita bread (DSB) and date seed extract (DSE). Bioaccessibility of the polyphenols from the samples was assessed by in-vitro digestion coupled with transport using Caco-2 cells. HPLC-ESI-UV/MS/MS-(IT) analysis recorded the presence of phenolic acids, flavanols, flavonols and flavones. Flavan-3-ols was the most significant group with the highest concentration in DSP, 47.91 ± 0.13 g/kg, after depolymerisation. Phenolic acids such as protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid and caffeoylshikimic acid were recovered from DSP and DSE after in-vitro digestion. In comparison, the recovery was significantly lower in the bread sample. Similarly, transport of protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeoylshikimic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid hexoside and diosmin through Caco-2 monolayer was observed in DSP and DSE, while protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid were the only polyphenols transported from digested DSB.

Single step green synthesis of Au/ZnO/rGO nanocomposites for visible light photocatalytic application

A simple and eco-friendly approach for the formation of ZnO/rGO and Au/ZnO/rGO heterojunctions has been achieved using Date Seed Extract (DSE). A simultaneous formation of ZnO nanoparticles and reduction of graphene oxide (GO) takes place in the presence of DSE. In the presence of Au (III) ions, the deposition of Au nanoparticles has been achieved to form Au/ZnO/rGO Nanocomposite. The as synthesized nanocomposites have been characterized using different techniques. The TEM and XRD investigations clearly describe the well dispersed smaller and more uniform Au nanoparticles (15–20 nm) on Wurtzite ZnO (30–40 nm) as compared to bigger and less uniform nanomaterials prepared without DSE. The photocatalytic activity of the as synthesized nanocomposite has been evaluated for the photocatalytic oxidation of Methyl Orange (MO) under solar light irradiation. It was found that the photocatalytic oxidation of MO was greatly enhanced when using Au/ZnO/rGO compared to ZnO/rGO. Photocatalytic modification can be readily assigned to the visible light sensitization of ZnO induced by the surface plasmon absorption of the embedded Au nanoparticles. In addition, the synergetic effect between ZnO/rGO and Au nanoparticles enhances the charge carrier separation and the electron transfer properties. Moreover, lower photocatalytic activity for MO oxidation were obtained when using the nanomaterials prepared by chemical method. The results reveal the role of DSE for modifying the properties of the synthesized nanomaterials.