Phytochemical, minerals and free radical scavenging profiles of Phoenix dactilyfera L. seed extract

ObjectivesPhoenix dactilyfera L (date palm) seeds are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments. These seeds have been shown to lower the risk of cancer and some cardiovascular conditions as well as to improve the functionality and integrity of the immune system. On the basis of established associations between the composition of plants and their therapeutic or biological effects, this study sought to investigate the phytochemical, mineral, and antioxidant profiles of the date palm seed.MethodsThe phytochemical and mineral compositions as well as the free radical scavenging capacity of the date palm seed were evaluated using standard protocols.ResultsThe alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins contents (mg/100 g dry weight) were 102.27 Atropine equivalents (ATE), 2471.23 Quercetin equivalents (QE), 334.93 Alizarin equivalents (ALE), 124.41, 19.47, and 133.20, respectively. The sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc contents (mg/100 g dry weight) were 0.67, 78.12, 18.20, 0.48, 0.82, 19.32, and 0.25, respectively. The scavenging activities (EC50) of the seed against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-generated free radicals were 10.21 mg/mL and 1.67 mg/mL respectively.ConclusionsThis study concluded that the date palm seed is rich in flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic antioxidants that are apparently responsible for the appreciable free radical scavenging effects. The polyphenolic compounds present in the investigated date seed may account for its therapeutic relevance in traditional medicines.