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Characterization of Nutraceutical Properties of Date Palm (Phoenix dactyliferaL.) Kernels
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| Author:
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HOSNI. S, ABD GANI. S.S, HALMI. M.I.E, ZAIDAN. U.H
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| Abstract:
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Date palm kernels are the hard, odourless kernels which are inedible and generally regarded as waste materials
of the fruits. Numerous studies have been conducted and documented that the kernels are high source of
energy, antioxidants, dietary fibre and minerals. The present study examined nutritional and phytochemical
properties of the kernels, whose information is considered useful in the development of nutraceutical
products. Determinations in nutritional values and mineral nutrients of the variety Ajwa were carried out as
preliminary analyses with a view of identifying kernels’ potential use in pharmaceutical applications. Proximate
analyses were done by methods described in Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Mineral
nutrients were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) while total phenolic
content (TPC) was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant profiling showed a value of
32.41±0.89 mg GAE/g of dry weight of total phenolic content (TPC). Proximate analysis further showed that
the kernels contained 65.0±2.6% crude fiber, 6.0±0.20% crude protein, 5.00±0.20% moisture, 8.05±0.40%
crude fat and 1.20±0.05% ash. Among the mineral nutrients, potassium recorded maximum amount at
376.39±12.3mg/100g followed by phosphorus 126.46±5.04mg/100g, magnesium 78.16±2.14mg/100g, calcium
19.24±1.02mg/100g and sodium 14.91±0.58mg/100g of kernel. The kernels were evaluated for their potentials
in a-glucosidase inhibition activity with IC50 and recorded a value of 96.62% inhibition, suggesting that they are
a potent pharmaceutical ingredient proposed for treatments of some health issues. Coupled with findings from
previous studies on nutritional benefits, the Ajwa date kernels present a potentially promising candidate for
pharmaceutical applications due to their bioactive constituents, giving an impact on existing medical and health
treatments in many positive ways.
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| Keyword:
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Phoenix dactylifera, Pharmaceutical, Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Inhibition activity
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| EOI:
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| DOI:
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https://doi.org/10.31838/ijpr/2019.11.04.207
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| Download:
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Request For Article
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