The anti-cancer activity of polysaccharide prepared from Libyan dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

A glucan of cellular origin has been isolated from Libyan dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and the structure of the purified glucan was characterized using derivatisation methods including methylation, periodate oxidation, and acetolysis. Glucans were found to exhibit potent antitumor activity; this activity could be correlated to their (1→3)-β-d-glucan linkages. This is the first report on studies of antitumor active compounds occurring in dates.