Abstract

Phenolic compounds, mainly dates, are known for their potent antioxidant properties, which protect cells from harm and help prevent various age-related ailments. Dates are rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoid components, which may have antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. They contain significant amounts of lutein, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, and neoxanthin carotenoids. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. Arecaceae) fruits are a staple food in many regions of the world and have been used in traditional medicines to treat cancer and infectious diseases by modulating the immune system. Dates are known to have neuroprotective properties, with studies showing that date extracts reduce oxidative stress and upregulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Sirt-1 (silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog-1), and LC3 (Light Chain 3) expression while downregulating caspase-3 and improve autistic-like behaviors in rats induced by Valproic acid.

Additionally, dates have been researched to have antibacterial properties against six strains of human pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli. Dates also have immunomodulatory effects, stimulating the cellular immune system in mice by increasing IFN-γ (Interferon-gamma) mRNA expression. They also have antihyperlipidemic properties, with dates positively affecting serum triacylglycerol and oxidative stress without adverse effects on blood sugar levels or lipid/lipoprotein patterns. Dates have been found to have protective effects against hepatotoxicity, nephroprotection and anticancer activity. They have been found to alleviate liver damage, lower plasma creatinine and urea concentrations and inhibit tumor cell growth, like commonly used anticancer medications. In conclusion, Date fruit offers numerous medicinal properties, including antioxidant and immune-modulatory benefits, and its bioavailability and metabolism should be investigated for potential value-added food products and supplements.

Keywords:Dates; Antioxidant; Health benefits; Phytochemicals; Oxidative stress