Biochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seeds: A Review

Abstract

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential agricultural crop in most Middle Eastern countries, and its fruit, known as dates, is consumed by millions of people. Date seeds, a by-product of the date fruit processing industry, are a waste product used as food for domestic farm animals. Date seeds contain abundant sources of carbohydrates, oil, dietary fiber, and protein; they also contain bioactive phenolic compounds that may possess potential biological properties. In addition, its rich chemical composition makes date seeds suitable for use in food product formulation, cosmetics, and medicinal supplements. This review aims to provide a discourse on the nutritional value of date seeds. The latest data on the cytotoxicity of date seed compounds against cancer cell lines, its ability to combat diabetes, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial effect, and anti-inflammatory activity will be provided, considering its potential to be a nutritional therapeutic agent for chronic diseases. Application of date seeds in the form of powder and oil will also be discussed.

Keywords: Phoenix dactylifera; anti-inflammatory; anticancer; antidiabetic; antimicrobial; antioxidant; date seed.

Figure 1

A schematic representation of the biological activities of date seeds. The highly valuable constituents of date seeds contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.