Phoenix Dactilifera Research Articles

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method for optimization of dates seed (Phoenix dactilifera) extraction

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) is a palm-type plant that belongs to the Phoenix genus, which widely grows in the Middle East and South Africa. The use of date seeds was still limited. Dates seeds contain high amounts of nutrient and bioactive compounds, such as fiber, phenols, and antioxidants. The microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method could increase the extract yields in a shorter time and reduces the solvent volume. This research aimed to evaluate the optimal extraction time and material: solvent (w/v) ratio. The response surface methodology (RSM) with the Central Composite Design (CCD) experimental design with two factors of extraction time (5 - 7 minutes) and the material: solvent ratio (1:10 - 1:50 (w/v)) was employed in this study. The responses were antioxidant activity (IC50), total flavonoid, and density. The results show that the optimum solution was an extraction time of 5.451 minutes and the ratio of material: solvent of 1:10 (w/v). This treatment produced dates seed extract with antioxidant activity IC50 of 28.406 ppm, total flavonoid of 2544.951 mg QE/g, and density of 0.886 g/mL. The verification of the center point was antioxidant activity IC50 of 27.849 ppm (98.04%), total flavonoids of 2573.723 mg QE/g (98.87%), and density of 0.8889 g/mL (99.67%), respectively.

DATE PALM PHOENIX DACTILIFERA L. SEED OIL: VARIETY EFFECTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS, FATTY ACID COMPOSITION, STEROL AND TOCOL CONTENTS

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) grows in the world's arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the majority of Middle Eastern countries. It has played an important role in the survival of many ancient civilizations. It is regarded as a valuable nutrient, but it also plays an important role in the economies of date-producing countries. Date palm seeds are commonly described as waste after consuming their pulp by industries or individuals. However, date pits contain a valuable source of edible oil characterized by a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and quality parameters of Date Seed Oil (DSO) extracted from ten native date palm seed (Phoenix Dactilifera L.) varieties and compare them to the literature results. The choice of the seed variety was based on popularity and quality. The lipid extraction was carried out by a soxhlet apparatus using a standard solvent with a seed isolated from a matured date. The yield ranged from 2.94% to 8.06% depending on the variety. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to determine the composition of the fatty acids, sterols, and tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) in the extracted oil. Our results indicate that DSO is rich in poly and unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA+MUFA = 48.89% to 60.77%) with oleic acid (C18:1) as the predominant fatty acid (from 52.60% to 42.13%). On other hand, eight sterols were identified and the mean content ranged from 346.97 to 816.60 mg/100g of oil. Also, a high amount has been recorded in tocols ranging from 1937.14 µg/g to 3844.06 µg/g. Indeed, the predominant tocols in DSO were alpha-tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherols. Likewise, the quality parameters indicate that DSO has excellent thermal and oxidative stability and is generally safe to consume. In fact, the peroxide value (PV) recorded a mean of 3.96 to 6.33 meq O2/kg. The iodine value of DSO samples goes from 48.84 to 60.59 g I2/100 g oil. The saponification value (SV) changed between 214.85 and 225.59 mg KOH/g of oil. However, the coefficients of extinction K232 and K270 were lower than the specified limitations. According to the findings, date seed has the potential to be used as a renewable resource while also adding value to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and agricultural products.

A REVIEW ON NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L. AND ITS PHARMACOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS

Phoenix dactilifera L. (ajwa dates) is a soft dry fruit mainly cultivated in Medina al Munawara. Dating back to 5000 B.C., It was also a part of Tibwe – Nabwi (The Prophet (PBUH)'s the way of using plants and naturals as medicine), and ajwa was dominant in this field. It was used to cure different diseases and was also used for protection against evil. The use of date fruit taught by the Prophet is now being supported with strong scientific evidence and is trending research worldwide. The amount of macro and micronutrients, phytochemicals, and a considerable number of bioactive components make Ajwa effective against diabetes, PCOS, various types of cancers, liver, and heart diseases, against different toxicities, fertility, and infertility in both men and women, altering hormonal activities in the brain and is still further researched for various other benefits. The article gives a general description of Ajwa Dates, focusing on their nutrient composition and functions on the human body. Objective: Due to limited research, this article can be used to study the nutrient composition of Ajwa in comparison to various dates, along with its functions as it is already considered a potential nutraceutical agent. Ajwa is considered a dominant fruit, further pointing out more of its previously unknown functionalities, making it a potential agent in preventing disease, thus impacting various food and health markets worldwide. Methodology: 150-200 articles were selected. Out of these articles, 70-80 were short-listed. The exact mechanisms on how these dates work on the body were also excluded. Data on the composition and importance of the data is included. The research was studied thoroughly, and data was collected and plagiarized from 77 articles for this review.

Anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity test from Nabeez Ajwa Dates (Phoenix dactilifera L.) water

Nabeez dates water is one of the fruits that is used as infused water. Dates contain flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and beta D-glucans which have anticancer and anti-tumor activity. Ajwa Dates have a higher phenol content than Sukkari Dates and Khalas Dates. Cancer is the number 5 deadliest disease in Indonesia and number 2 in the world after cardiovascular disease. The use of natural ingredients is an alternative for the treatment of this disease. One of the natural ingredients can be used is ajwa dates. The method of testing for anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity uses the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method with shrimp larvae of Artemia salina leach as animals for testing. The results showed that the water of ajwa nabeez dates immersion for 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours has the potential as anti-tumor and anti-cancer because it has an LC50 value of 676.39 ppm; 720.84 ppm; and 903.20 ppm. Phytochemical test results have shown positive samples containing tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. The test results of FTIR spectophotometry resulted in the appearance of wave numbers indicating the presence of functional groups -OH, C-H, C = O, C-C (sp3), and C-O.©2020 JNSMR UIN Walisongo. All rights reserved.

The prophylactic effect of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit extract on testicular toxicity induced by formaldehyde: An experimental study.

BackgroundFormaldehyde (FA) is one of the most widely used materials in industries and in sciences. Prolonged contact with FA might have harmful effects on fertility due to the increase in the reactive oxygen species level. On the other hand, date palm (Phoenix Dactilifera L.) fruit extract (DPFE) contains a high concentration of natural antioxidants that could scavenge free radicals. Objective: The aim was to investigate the prophylactic effects of DPFE, with strong antioxidant properties, on FA-induced testicular toxicity in male mice.Materials and MethodsThirty-two adult NMRI male mice with a weight range of 25-35 gr (9-10 wk old) were randomly divided into four groups: control group (distilled water, orally for 35 days), FA group (FA; 0.25 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 20 days), treatment group (Date (DT) + FA; DPFE, 4 mg/kg for 35 days followed by FA administration, 0.25 mg/kg, i.p., for 20 days), date fruit extract group (DT; DPFE, 4 mg/kg, orally for 35 days). After this, blood was collected and left epididymis and testis tissues were isolated to evaluate the sperm parameters and histological examination, respectively.ResultsThe FA administration increased the sperm morphological anomalies and reduced the sperm count, viability and motility, and also testosterone compared to the control group (p 0.001). In addition, histological studies of the testes showed that FA causes changes in the testis seminiferous tubules such as destruction of germinal epithelium and vacuolization of the tubules. The DPFE consumption before FA administration could partially ameliorate the reduced testosterone, sperm, and testicular parameters due to FA.ConclusionThe DPFE use might have discount effects on FA-induced testicular toxicity.

Pengaruh pemberian jus kurma (Dactilifera phoenix) pada ibu bersalin kala I terhadap durasi persalinan di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Langsa Baro

Background: Labor is a physiological process experienced by women through a series of natural processes starting from uterine contractions to be able to give birth to the fetus. Research shows that during normal delivery mothers are still allowed to eat and drink because there is no strong evidence that causes aspiration. Nutrition during labor as an energy source can be obtained from dates (Phoenix Dactilifera). Research shows dates have good nutritional value for carbohydrate-rich bodies and have been shown to influence the progress of labor and increase labor, and reduce postpartum hemorrhage.Objective: to prove whether there is an effect of the administration of date palm juice (Dactilifera Phoenix) to first-time mothers on the duration of labor in the Langsa Baro Health Center.Method: This research is a quasi experiment with a nonequivalent posttest only control group design approach. This research was conducted in the Work Area of the Langsa Baro Health Center from July 11 to September 22 2017 with the place of delivery in the Polindes. The number of samples for each group was 15 people in the intervention group and 15 people in the control group. To avoid drop outs, the number of samples is added by 10% (2 people) so that each group is 17 people. Data analysis Data normality test uses the Shapiro-Wilk test and Parametric Test uses the Independent T-Test for normal distribution data to look for differences in the average of the control group with treatment.Results: The results of the study with the data normality test with the Shapiro-Wilk test showed that the duration of labor in the two groups had a p-value of 0.247 (p> 0.05) meaning that the data were normally distributed. And the Independent T-Test shows the difference in the average duration of labor in the two groups. In the control group the average duration of labor was 12.09 while in the treatment group it was 11.23, showing no significant difference in the mean values in the two groups with p-value = 0.011. This shows that statistically the administration of date palm juice cannot accelerate the duration of labor.Conclusion: There were differences in the average duration of labor in the control and treatment groups. In the control group the average duration of labor was 12.09 hours and the treatment group was 11.23 hours. And the date palm juice did not significantly speed up the duration of labor (p-value = 0.011).

Date Palm Status and Perspective in Mexico

The Date palm (Phoenix dactilifera L.) was introduced to Mexico during the Spanish colonization, but its commercial production did not develop until the second half of the past century. A literature and field research, including a trip to the oases missions and main commercial production areas, allowed us to identify the actual status for this crop in Mexico. While the date culture in the old oases is fading, in the commercial production zones it is in active development. San Luis Rio Colorado and Mexicali Valley region, comprise 97% of the commercial crop production area of the country. The main cultivar is Medjool with 94% of the growing area; actual yields are around 7.9 ton/ha. Ongoing government support and motivated growers training will lead to the application of better crop practices. It is expected to increase yields around 10 ton/ha in the next 5 years. Commercial date production is focused on exports, the internal market is growing, as well as the transformation of the product. Knowledge of the actual trends of the crop will allow to understand their historic importance and its future potential as a commodity and food. Production practices, competitive advantages and research results are presented.

A Sub- acute Toxicity Study to Assess The effects of Methanol Extract of Date Palm Fruit on Kidney Functions in Adult Wistar Rats

Background: Phoenix dactilifera has been used as medicinal remedy for swollen limbs, aching legs, cough, sneezing and acceleration of hair growth. Although studies have suggested the beneficial aspects this agent to human health, it is not yet clear of the dosage that may become detrimental. Methods: Twenty adult albino rats divided into four groups of five rats each were used in this experiment. Methanol extract of Phoenix dactilifera was orally administered at doses of 4 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg to groups 2, 3 and 4 respectively while group 1(control) received distilled water. After 8 hours, blood was collected from the animals for the assessment of Packed cell volume (PCV), serum urea, creatinine, glucose, potassium, chloride and sodium. The data generated were expressed as Mean±Standard Error of mean (SEM). The means were compared with Student’s t-test with p- value of 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: In all parameters analyzed, kidney function was improved only at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg which was attributed to the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of PD. A higher dose of 16 mg/kg, significantly increased the K+ (36.0±4.5/22.6±2.3mEq/L) and serum urea (32.0±3.8/25.2±1.4mg/dl) concentrations when compared with the control but other parameters measured were unchanged. These revealed that high doses of PD might impair normal renal functions. Conclusions: It was therefore concluded that Methanol extract of Phoenix dactilifera fruit improved kidney functions at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg and that at 16 mg/kg, PD might be deleterious to the kidney by impairing urea and potassium excretion.

A sub-acute toxicity study to assess the effects of methanol extract of date palm fruit on kidney functions in adult Wistar rats

Background: Phoenix dactilifera (PD) has been used as a medicinal remedy for swollen limbs, aching legs, cough, sneezing, and acceleration of hair growth. Although studies have suggested the beneficial aspects of this agent to human health, it is not yet clear of the dosage that may become detrimental. Methods: Twenty adult albino rats divided into four groups of five rats each were used in this experiment. Methanol extract of PD was orally administered at doses of 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg to groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively, while group 1 (control) received distilled water. After 8 hours, blood was collected from the animals for the assessment of packed cell volume, serum urea, creatinine, glucose, potassium, chloride, and sodium. The data generated were expressed as the mean ± standard error of mean. The means were compared with Student’s t-test and analysis of variance with a p-value of 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: In all parameters analyzed, kidney function was improved only at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg, which was attributed to the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of PD. A higher dose of 16 mg/kg significantly increased the K+ (36.0 ± 4.5/22.6 ± 2.3 mEq/l) and serum urea (32.0 ± 3.8 mg/dl/25.2 ± 1.4 mg/dl) concentrations when compared with the control but other parameters measured were unchanged. These revealed that high doses of PD might impair normal renal functions. Conclusions: It was, therefore, concluded that methanol extract of PD fruit improved kidney functions at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg and that at 16 mg/kg, PD might be deleterious to the kidney by impairing urea and potassium excretion.

Combination of Sodium Hydroxide and Lime as a Pretreatment for Conversion of Date Palm Leaves into a Promising Ruminant Feed: An Optimization Approach

A three-factor, three-level optimization design was implemented at moderate temperatures (average = 40 °C) to investigate the impact of the three independent variables, namely both sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and lime (Ca(OH)2) loadings, and a residence reaction time, on the response variable, in vitro cumulative gas production at 24 h from date palm (Phoenix dactilifera L.) leaves. Statistical analysis revealed significant influence (p < 0.0001) of the three independent variables as well as an interaction effect (p = 0.0120) of sodium hydroxide loading and lime loading on the response variable. Under the optimal pretreatment conditions (sodium hydroxide loading of 0.06 g NaOH/g dry biomass, lime loading of 0.09 g Ca(OH)2/g dry biomass, and residence time of 71.4 h), the amount of cumulative gas production after 24 h was 101.4 mL gas/g organic matter, versus 104.6 mL gas/g organic matter for the predicted value. Scanning electron microscope studies showed formation of apertures and cracks on the surface of the substrate pretreated under the optimal conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed the saponifying and delignifying effect of combined alkaline pretreatment on date palm leaves. The results of present study hold a promise of a low-cost on-farm pretreatment method to reduce the recalcitrance of date palm leaves for ruminant feeding, particularly suitable for tropical climates.

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of biomass derived from pruning Phoenix canariensis hort. ex Chabaud. and Phoenix dactilifera L

The lack of information about quantitative and qualitative characteristics of residual biomass from ornamental species means that these materials are often left out of biomass and bioenergy projects. Biomass derived from annual pruning operations of Phoenix canariensis hort. ex Chabaud. and Phoenix dactilifera L. was quantified and indirect biomass prediction equations for trees of both species were developed. Direct analysis of the gross calorific value (GCV), determination of elemental composition and moisture content were also performed. This allowed further development of indirect GCV prediction models, which are economically attractive and less time consuming in comparison to direct analysis. Mean quantity of dry biomass and mean moisture content per tree were 24.67 kg and 74.82% for Phoenix canariensis hort. ex Chabaud. and 36.13 kg and 71.03% for Phoenix dactilifera L., respectively. Best biomass and GCV prediction models were obtained when several explicative variables were taken into account (R2 = 53, R2 = 65) (R2 = 74, R2 = 93). The comparison of both species indicated that the Phoenix canariensis hort. ex Chabaud. fronds are longer (mean 3.86 m) and heavier (mean 3.35 kg) than those of Phoenix dactilifera L.. Oposite, the quantity of cut fronds per palm is higher in case of Phoenix dactilifera L. (mean 46.75 fronds).

An analysis of the effects of Phoenix dactilifera crude extract on the GI Tract of Adult Albino Rats

Phoenix dactilifera (P. dactilifera) has previously been used in the treatment of various ailments; therefore, a study aimed at histologically determining the anti-diarrheal effects of this plant on rats was necessitated. Thirty six (36) Wistar rats of both sexes (150-240g) were randomly assigned to six groups each of six animals and housed in separate cages. Group VI received only water, V received 10µg/g of Castor oil, while those in I-III were pre-treated with P. dactilifera (4µg/g, 8µg/g and 16µg/g) respectively orally before 10µg/g oil. The standard drug Loperamide was administered to group IV (5µg/g, orally). Following treatment with castor oil, the animals were placed in separate cages over clean white sheets and were inspected four hours for the presence of diarrheal droppings. The rats were thereafter sacrificed and the GIT were harvested and fixed. Standard histological techniques were employed and the resultant slides were analyzed with the aid of a light microscope. P. dactilifera significantly caused delay in passing stool, reduced mean stool weight, and decreased defecation frequency. Histologically, P. dactilifera comparably to Loperamide ameliorated oedema observed in the wall of the gut especially in the small intestine and also caused congestion of blood vessels with activation of the immune system through aggregations of lymphocytes. This agent returned the histoarchitecture of the GIT to normal and furthermore, induced variable levels of immune responses, through acute inflammation and activation of lymphoid aggregates. The protection was dose dependent. Therefore the result of this study revealed a histological basis for the anti-diarrheal curative effects for P. dactilfera.

An analysis of the effects of Phoenix dactilifera crude extract on the GI Tract of Adult Albino Rats

An analysis of the effects of Phoenix dactilifera crude extract on the GI Tract of Adult Albino Rats

Multivariate Study and Analysis of the Production of Citric Acid from Dates by Surface Method

The production of citric acid from dates of the date palm Phoenix dactilifera was studied using a full factorial design with two design variables; Aspergillus niger strain, and starter juice treatment. Analyses of data have shown that mould type and the interaction between Aspergillus niger strain + juice treatment had significant effect (P ≥ 0.05) on the final total acidity. It was also found that all design variables and the interaction between them had significant effect (P ≥ 0.05) on the final pH and Total Soluble Solids. The highest total acidity expressed as citric acid was achieved with a commercial strain of Aspergillus niger, and filtered and centrifuged date juice.

The phytosociological analysis of saline area of Tehsil Ferozewala, District Sheikhupura (Punjab), Pakistan

This study is a broad ecological survey, and classification of the vegetation of Agro Farm plantations of a Tehsil Ferozewala (District Sheikhupura) Punjab, Pakistan. The vegetation survey description and classification was according to Zurich-Montpellier School of thought is based on over 300 Releve Method. In all twelve associations i.e. Suaedetum fruticosae , Kochietum indicum Diplachnetum fuscae , Desmostochyetum bipinnatae , maurorae , Polypogaetum monspeliensae , Erythraeo-Polypogaetum monspeliensae , Veteviarietum cylindrieae , Scirpetum maritimae and Typhetum angustitae are recognized and each association is further sub-divided into sub-associations and classified into its respective class, order and alliances according to central European Phyto-sociological methods. Several relationships of the plant community types have been worked out during this study. The soil characteristics of each vegetation type are discussed in relation to soil texture; pH, Conductivity, Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Chlorides and Sulphate as well as ecological affinities of each association are also described. By reintegrating these trees and shrubs back into agriculture landscape to reverse salinity such as Atriplex amnicla , Tamarix aphylla , Phoenix dactilifera , Prosopis spp. Susbenia bispinasa , Sesbenia sesbena , Casorina, Grewia asiatie, Psidium guava etc. The incorporation of these plants (grasses, shrubs and trees) into agriculture land system of the Punjab has potential to increase crop, fiber, wood and animal production and degradation of land will also be halted.

Use of Plants to Monitor Contamination of Air by SO2 in and around Refinery

The generation of SO2 from a refinery may affect the surrounding environment. Moreover, SO2 and its by-products are phytotoxic as berg. This study aims to investigate plant responses to SO2. The work has been designed with emphasis on using the plants directly in monitoring the contamination of the atmospheric air by SO2. An assessment was made of the impacts of long-term SO2 emissions from an oil refinery on plants located in nearby areas that are likely to be exposed to emission fallout. Three different plant species (Prosopis cineraria, Azadirachta indica, and Phoenix dactilifera) common to the environment of the Arabian Gulf were selected at different distances and directions from the refinery. The analysis of the sulphate contents of these plants were used as bioindicators for monitoring SO2 concentration levels in and around the refinery. The results of this study showed that the three different plant species responsed differently to SO2 in terms of their sulphate contents. Generally, all three species were found to be sensitive to SO2 exposure. Furthermore, the concentration of sulphate was found to be much higher closer to the refinery. On the basis of this study, it can be stated that even though SO2 levels were lower than the permissible limit values, the sulphate contents accumulated in the plants were likely to cause plant injury especially in the vicinity of the source. This suggests that the present environmental guidelines for SO2 may not protect sensitive plant species.

High performance liquid and thin-layer chromatographic determination of phenolic acids in palm ( Phoenix dactilifera) products

Phenolic acids have been determined in the Tunisian currant palm tree products, dates and legmi (a fermented sap extract). Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography has been used and results confirmed for the more concentrated compounds by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel. Gallic acid, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, vanillic, caffeic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids have been identified and the origin of these compounds is discussed. The analysed palm tree products are rich in phenolic acids and are characterized by a high concentration in one particular phenolic acid: ferulic acid for dates, gallic acid for legmi.