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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/2020.12.01.018
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| Download:
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Request For Article
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