Phoenix dactylifera:traditional uses,chemical constituents,nutritional benefit and therapeutic effects

Phoenix dactylifera(Fam:Arecaceae)is originated from the Mesopotamia.The date fruit,was eaten fresh,in various processed forms and dried.The fruits were used traditionally as general tonic,for the treatment of liver diseases,memory disturbances,fever,inflammation,paralysis,loss of consciousness,nervous disorders and consumed by pregnant women before and after delivery.However,all parts of the plant were used for some purpose.Dates fruits were considered a complete diet and a very important item of food,with plenty of vitamins and minerals.It contained a wide range of secondary metabolites.It possessed many pharmacological effects included anticancer,antidiabetic,anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,antiparasitic,antioxidant,anti-toxin,cardiovascular,hypolipidemic,gastrointestinal,immunomodullatory,neural,hepato and reno-protective,reproductive and wound healing effects.This review highlighted the chemical constituents,nutritional and pharmacological effects of Phoenix dactylifera.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Influence of different cultivars of Phoenix dactylifera L-date fruits on blood clotting and wound healing

Objective: To investigate different types of dates and medical properties of influencing blood clotting and wound healing in an animal model. Methods: Three different cultivars of dates(Ajwa, Khalas, and Fardh) were examined in-vivo, for blood clotting and wound healing using CD1 mice of both sexes. Study of toxicity to animals was performed accordingly prior to further investigations. The ethanolic extracts were given orally to animals as a constituent in their daily water. Blood samples were obtained from the mice inferior vena cava to carry out the prothrombin time(PT) assay using the manual method and confirmed using a semi-automated machine. The bleeding time(BT) assay was performed using the cutting technique. In the wound healing analysis, a small cut(5-10 mm) in the skin overlying the thigh was conducted in all mice under anesthesia. The diameter of the cut and healing status were measured on a daily basis throughout the time of the experiment using a roller. Results: Ajwa was able to elevate both PT and BT(P<0.05), significantly in a time-dependent manner followed by Khalas date(P<0.05). The results of PT and BT of Fardh date were found to be very close to those of the control group(P<0.05). Despite its activity as an anticoagulant, Khalas date showed a potential property to enhance wound healing in contrast to other dates and the control groups in this study. Conclusions: Omani Khalas date fruit has both antithrombotic as well as wound healing properties. The results open a new gate with these fruits for exploring the potential component(s) that may play an important role in antithrombotic as well as wound healing process.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>Pollen on Dopamine System of Nucleus Accumbens in Male Rats

Background: Dopamine has been known to facilitate male sexual function. Methods: The effect of aqueous extract (140 mg/kg) of Phoenix dactylifera date palm pollen on sexual behavior and determining of dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens was studied in male rats using in vivo microdialysis. Results: Releasing of dopamine increased significantly in the nucleus accumbens when a receptive female was introduced behind a screen (p 0.001). During copulation, dopamine increased markedly in control and treated rats. Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Pollen enhanced the orientation of males towards females by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behavior. Improving of sexual behavior and dopamine release was higher in treated rats in comparison with control (p 0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate a neurochemical basis for interaction between dopaminergic agents and male sexual behavior. Therefore, Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Pollen seems to act as a dopamine agonist and to cure male infertility. It can be used as an aphrodisiac that leads to further increases in dopamine release.

Aphrodisiac Activity of Aqueous Extract of <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>Pollen in Male Rats

Aim of study: Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Phoenix dactylifera in which the pollen grain has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. However, the validity has not been scientifically tested. Dopamine is known to facilitate male sexual function. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on the sexual behavior of male rats and to measure of serum Estradiol and Testostrone. Also, dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbence (NAc) was studied in male rats using in vivo microdialysis. Methods and Materials: sixty male rats were randomized into 6 groups (A-F). Group A received 0.2 ml of Normal Saline mixed with Dimethyl Sulphate (DMSO), while groups B-F were injected same volume containing 35 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 105 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg and 350 mg/kg of DPP extract, respectively. Sexual behavioral parameters including mounting, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and latencies were recorded in male rats one hour after injection of extract by mating with a receptive female (1:1). The male serum testosterone and estradiol concentrations were also determined. Results: All doses stimulated male sexual behavior. Extract significantly increased mount, ejaculation, intromission frequencies and ejaculation latency in comparison to controlled ones (p 0.001). Mount and intromission latencies significantly reduced (p 0.001). Maximum effect was observed in dose 140 mg/kg. This extract was found to enhance Testestrone, Estradiol and the orientation of males toward female ones by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behavior. Conclusions: Data from this study identified that the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen grain enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The improved sexual appetitive behaviour in male rats may be attributed, to the alkaloids, saponins, and or flavonoids since these phytochemicals has engorgement, androgen enhancing. Also, our findings support the traditional use of this plant as acclaimed aphrodisiac and for the treatment of pre-ejaculation and impotency.

In vitro inhibitory effects on a-glucosidase and a-amylase level and antioxidant potential of seeds of Phoenix dactylifera L.

Objective:To evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity,total phenolic contents(TPCs) and in vitro antidiabetic activity of various pits extracts obtained from five Omani date cultivars.Methods:Sun-dried mature fruits of five Omani date varieties,namely,Fardh,Naghal,Khalas,Khinazi and Khasab were purchased from the local market in Muscat,Oman in the month of September 2014.Four seed extracts viz.water,ethanol,methanol and acetone were prepared for each date variety and their antioxidant activities were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,hydrogen peroxide scavenging method and reducing power assay method,respectively.In vitro antidiabetic activity of the date pit extracts was evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effect on a-glucosidase and aamylase level.TPCs were also quantified colorimetrically.Results:The results indicated that TPC of date seeds was solvent dependent.Acetone,ethanol and methanol were found to be significantly better solvents than water in extracting phenolic compounds from the date seeds.Pit extracts exhibited moderate to good in vitro antioxidant activity and increased reducing power.Among all date pit extracts,water extract exhibited significant in vitro antidiabetic activity in comparison to standard drug,acarbose.Conclusions:The present study confirms that disposed waste of Omani dates is a rich source of dietary antioxidant because of its high TPC.The pits due to their inhibitory effects on a-glucosidase and a-amylase level could be used as a monotherapy along with an appropriate diabetic diet and exercise or might be in conjunction with antidiabetic therapy to manage and prevent progression of diabetes.

Biochemical and Molecular Effects of <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>and <i>Ziziphus spina-christi</i>Extracts on <i>Candida albicans</i>

Our overall knowledge of the medicinal uses of plants suggests that natural compounds could be useful in the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections in tropical regions. Furthermore, the possibilities of treatment using plant extracts may be even broader than is already known when one considers plants that have not been extensively studied in this context, such as the regional species Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi. This study compared the antimicrobial activity of Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi extracts in terms of their biochemical and molecular effects on Candida albicans (ATCC CA 10231). These effects included altered levels of intracellular sterols, changes in the permeability of the cell membrane, and changes in the TEF1: QRTTEF1, CaERG1: ERG1, CdERG12: CdERG1, and ERG25: ERG25 genes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify morphological characteristics, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analyses were conducted. In treated samples, the SEM and EDAX analyses showed cell cavities and shrinkage of the cell wall, and the number of cells was reduced to only a few abnormal cells as compared with that in the untreated samples. Yttrium was detected in the cells treated with Z. spina-christi, and high levels of osmium were detected in the cells treated with P. dactylifera. Compared with control cells, cells exposed to the concentration 150 μl/ml of Z. spina-christi extract had an average sterol concentration that was nearly 3 times higher, while the concentration was 5.5 times higher for cells treated with the 150 μl/ml of P. dactylifera extract. The ethanol extracts affected the permeability of C. albicans cell membrane. Gene sequencing showed gaps and mismatches in the ERG1, ERG12, and ERG25 genes after treatment with P. dactylifera and Z. spina-christi extracts compared with that in the controls. The results were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01). We conclude that the ethanol extracts of P. dactylifera and Z. spina-christi have antimicrobial activity through several mechanisms in the yeast cell.

Effect of water extract of dates palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on semen characteristics and oxidative status in serum of male New Zealand rabbits under heat stress

Objective: To estimate the effects of the water extract of dates palm (Phoenix dactylifera) (DWE) on sperm quality parameters, testosterone level and serum antioxidants activities of New Zealand rabbits under heat stress. Methods: A total of 30 bucks of New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups as follows: Group 1 was treated as control group and fed on balanced commercial ration. Groups 2 and 3 were treated with 10 and 20 mL of dates extract substituting water in the early morning before watering and fed on balanced commercial ration. This schedule was performed daily for 5 days/week, for an experimental period of 5 weeks. Fertility parameters such as reaction time, potential of hydrogen ion (pH), mass motility, individual progressive motility %, percentage of live sperm and abnormal sperm (%) were measured. Blood serum testosterone level, serum glutathione reduced, nitric oxide, ascorbic acid and malondialdehyde were also determined. Results: The daily oral administration of 10 mL DWE significantly increased the pH, the mass motility and individual progressive motility % compared to the control group. Although, the consumption of 20 mL DWE significantly (P<0.0001) increased the live sperm% and decreased the abnormal sperm % compared to the other two treatments. The administration of date extracts (10 and 20 mL) had significantly (P<0.0001) decreased nitric oxide and glutathione reduced levels compared to the control. On the other hand, it increased significantly the lipid peroxidation, ascorbic acid and testosterone level compared to the control. Conclusions:The aqueous extract of date palm (10-20 mL) could enhance the rabbit bucks fertility and its health performance.

Effect of Sodium Chloride and Proline on Embryo Formation and Germination through in vitro Micropropagation of Date Palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） cv. Barhee [11]

The effect of NaCI and proline on somatic embryos formation and germination of date palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） cv. Barhee was studied. Quarters of shoot tips were cultured on MS solid growth media supplied with different concentrations of salt （NaCI） （0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3%, respectively） and proline （25, 50 and 75 mg L1） either individually or in combination. Results showed that the addition of NaC1 （starting at 1%） caused a significant increase in the cylindrical embryos formation time, while their lengths and fresh weights were decreased at salt concentrations （0.5% and 2%）. No significant effect was noticed on the formation time by using proline except at concentration of 25 mg L^-1 which caused an increase in their lengths and fresh weights. The interaction between all salt concentrations and proline （25 mg LL） caused a significant increase in the formation time as well as in their lengths and fresh weights. The addition of NaC1 to the media caused a significant effect on the germination time and a reduction on the percentages of somatic embryo germination starting at 2% and the following ones. A reduction in the lengths of radicals and the plumules of the formed embryos was noticed at 1.5% NaCI. Proline addition reduced the initial time and increased the germination percentages as well as the lengths of radicals and plumules. The interaction between salt and proline treatments caused a significant reduction in the initiation time and an increase in the germination percentages and lengths of radicals and plumules.

Modeling of Date Palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） Vegetative Aerial Architecture, Example of Two Tunisian Cultivars

The present study was carried out to verify the statistical relationships between the characteristic parameters in terms of vegetative aerial architecture of the date palms for simulating realistic 3D models. The vegetal material was composed of two Tunisian varieties of Phoenix dactylifera L., ＂Barhi＂ and ＂Rochdi＂. The observations are taken place in Gabes and on one pair of palms per main stem and offshoot for each cultivar. The analysis of the characteristic dimensions of the pinnae and rachis allowed the determination of a minimum sample. The geometrical analysis confirmed the existence of a strong correlation between rotation angles and radial angles. The architectural analysis of the two Tunisian cultivars revealed that the distribution of characteristic parameter values of pinnae was the outcome ofa regionalized variable along the rachis. This statistical study of relationships between the characteristic parameters in terms of vegetative aerial architecture of the two varieties allows executing a new measurement protocol for computing and simulating realistic 3D models.

Architecter Study of the Young Date Palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） Root System

The architectural analysis of the young date palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） root system （its form and its structure）, is necessary to describe its principal functions of absorption and anchoring. In this study the authors present an analysis of the root branching process. It allows them to understand the distribution of inter-lateral root length on the radicle and to account the development of the root system in the soil. Root architecture was studied from samples sprouted naturally in the oases of Chott el Ferikh （Gabes） and other plants grown in polyethylene bags under the shadow. This analysis has showed five categories of roots belonging to four different topological orders in the youthful phasis.

椰枣多糖缓解功能性便秘的作用研究

目的在动物水平探究椰枣多糖的通便活性。方法采用洛哌丁胺诱导的功能性便秘小鼠模型评价椰枣多糖。将小鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型对照组、阳性对照组和低、中、高剂量椰枣多糖组;连续处理7d后,通过排便实验和小肠运动实验来评价椰枣多糖的通便效果;采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,qPCR)检测结肠组织中水通道蛋白相关基因的表达。结果排便实验结果表明,椰枣多糖能够显著缩短便秘小鼠首粒排黑便时间,明显增加6 h内的粪便粒数、粪便湿重以及粪便含水率;小肠运动实验结果表明,椰枣多糖显著增加便秘小鼠小肠墨汁推进率,且呈现出一定的剂量依赖性;qPCR结果表明,椰枣多糖显著下调AQP3的基因表达、上调AQP9的基因表达。结论椰枣多糖能够显著改善洛哌丁胺引起的小鼠便秘症状,且通便效果温和、无不良副作用,可能通过调节水通道蛋白基因的表达从而增加便秘小鼠粪便含水量。

Fungal diversity in adult date palm(Phoenix dactylifera L.) revealed by culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches

Endophytic flora plays a vital role in the colonization and survival of host plants, especially in harsh environments, such as arid regions. This flora may, however, contain pathogenic species responsible for various troublesome host diseases. The present study is aimed at investigating the diversity of both cultivable and non-cultivable endophytic fungal floras in the internal tissues(roots and leaves) of Tunisian date palm trees(Phoenix dactylifera). Accordingly, 13 isolates from both root and leaf samples, exhibiting distinct colony morphology, were selected from potato dextrose agar(PDA) medium and identified by a sequence match search wherein their 18S–28S internal transcribed spacer(ITS) sequences were compared to those available in public databases. These findings revealed that the cultivable root and leaf isolates fell into two groups, namely Nectriaceae and Pleosporaceae. Additionally, total DNA from palm roots and leaves was further extracted and ITS fragments were amplified. Restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP) analysis of the ITS from 200 fungal clones(leaves: 100; roots: 100) using HaeIII restriction enzyme revealed 13 distinct patterns that were further sequenced and led to the identification of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Davidiella(Cladosporium teleomorph), Pythium, Curvularia, and uncharacterized fungal endophytes. Both approaches confirmed that while the roots were predominantly colonized by Fusaria(members of the Nectriaceae family), the leaves were essentially colonized by Alternaria(members of the Pleosporaceae family). Overall, the findings of the present study constitute, to the authors' knowledge, the first extensive report on the diversity of endophytic fungal flora associated with date palm trees(P. dactylifera).

Ability of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera to effectively alleviate paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental Wister albino rats

Objective:To investigate the preventive,protective and ameliorative activity of the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera L.(P.dactylifera)against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity.Methods:A total of 50 male albino rats were used for the study and 2 g/kg body weight of paracetamol and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of P.dactylifera were administered orally for the study.They were divided into 5 groups,namely group A(vehicle control),group B(paracetamol control),group C(preventive),group D(ameliorative)and group E(protective),with 10 rats in each group.Group B was administered with paracetamol for 7 days;group C was administered with the extract for 7 days before administering with paracetamol for 7 days;group D was administered with paracetamol for 7 days,then the extract for 7 days;while group E was administered with paracetamol and the extract simultaneously for 7days.Results:The study revealed that the extracts of date palms contained active chemical compounds such as anthocyanins,phenolics,sterols,carotenoids and flavonoids.The levels of antioxidant enzymes activity such as superoxide dismutase,catalase,peroxidase were found to be reduced while malondialdehyde level was significantly increased in the paracetamol-treated group.This trend was reversed in groups where the extract was administered,as the antioxidant enzymes level in the liver was raised.Conclusions:This study has shown that the aqueous extract of P.dactylifera can mitigate the hepatotoxicity effect of paracetamol with a better ameliorating effect than protective or preventive.

不同品种椰枣种子形态及其发芽和幼苗生长特征

为了认识不同品种椰枣种子的形态特征及其与发芽特征和生长能力的关系,从而为引种栽培提供指导.本文以热带亚热带地区重要的经济作物椰枣5个品种的种子为材料,对其形态大小以及发芽和幼苗生长特征进行了研究.结果表明,不同品种种子的形态和大小差异显著,Ajwa的种子呈胖圆形,单粒种子明显重于其余4个品种.Khalas和Khodry的种子最早萌发,其中Khalas种子的发芽率最高,为93.3%.Ajwa的种苗健壮,幼苗生长迅速,单日高生长达到0.5 cm,观察期内始终高于其他4个品种.实验还表明种子的大小和萌发特征没有显著的相关关系,但与高生长显著正相关.考虑到大种子产生的幼苗健壮且生长迅速,适应能力较强,所以在同等情况下,建议优先选择具有较大种子的品种作为引种栽培对象.

元谋干热河谷区椰枣不同器官及土壤中矿质元素特征分析

对元谋干热河谷区椰枣不同器官(根、气生根、茎、叶柄、叶片)及土壤中共30种矿质元素含量进行测定分析,探讨了各矿质元素在椰枣不同器官中的分布及富集规律。结果表明:不同器官中各元素含量差异较大,总体表现为K>Ca>S>Mg>P>Na>Al>Fe>Sr>Mn>Zn>Cr>B>Cu>Ba≈V≈Co≈Ti>Ni>As,而Mo、Si、Pb、Cd、Li、Sn、Ga、Sb、Bi、Be均未检出;S、Na、Sr、Cr、Ba主要在根中积累;K、P、Cu主要在气生根中积累;Ca、Fe、B、Al、Ti、V主要在茎中积累;Mg、Mn、Zn主要在叶片中积累;椰枣不同器官中矿质元素平均含量Mg与K间,Fe与S、Al间,Sr与S间,Cr与S、Fe、Sr间均存在显著或极显著正相关,而Mg与Ca间,Cr与Zn间均呈显著负相关;不同器官中各元素的平均富集系数排序为Ca>S>Sr>P>K>Mg>Na>Cu>Zn>Cr>Co>B>Al>Mn>Ni>Ba>Fe>As>Ti≈Pb≈Sb≈Sn≈Li≈Ga,其中大量元素的富集系数总体上都大于1,微量元素的富集系数均小于1,有毒有害元素的富集系数大部分为0。

云南干热河谷地区椰枣种质资源调查研究

采用文献、基础资料收集、走访、现场观测椰枣形态特征及椰枣生存状况等调查方法,对云南干热河谷地区生态环境和椰枣种质资源生长状况进行调查。结果发现,云南干热河谷地区椰枣整体长势良好。结合椰枣主产区和云南干热河谷地区的生态特点,对椰枣树的抗性及其营养价值进行分析。结果表明,云南干热河谷的地理和气候条件适宜椰枣的生长和生产。

Trace Metal Pollution From Traffic in Denizli-Turkey During Dry Season

Objective To determine the metal contents of date palm （Pheonix dactylifera） samples in dry season from Denizli-Turkey for investigation of heavy metal-polluted traffic. Method The levels of iron, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and manganese ions in the leaves of thirty five date palm （Pheonix dactylifera） samples collected from various levels of traffic in the streets of Denizli-Turkey were determined by graphite furnace or flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The wet, dry, and microwave digestion procedures for the date palm （Pheonix dactylifera） leaves were compared. The accuracy of the digestion procedures was checked using a standard reference material （IAEA-336 Lichen, SRM）. Results Microwave digestion procedure for the leaves was preferred because it was more proper with respect to both time and recovery than dry and wet digestion. The levels of the heavy metal ions investigated were the highest on the samples from high traffic level. Also correlations between metal levels and traffic volume for all the metals were investigated. Conclusion In the light of our findings, the date palm （Phoenix dactylifera） leaves are suitable as a biomonitor for atmospheric heavy metal-polluted traffic. Significant correlations can be obtained between traffic levels and heavy metal concentrations.

Technological Valorization of Algerian Dates Downgraded from <i>Deglet Nour</i>Variety to Semi-Candied Dates in Dates Syrup

The objective of this study is the valorization of downgraded dates from a high Algerian date variety Deglet Nour, locally called “h’chef”. The work starts with the implementation of a food formulation of semi-candied dates in syrup extracted from dates. This formulation was based on dehydration-impregnation by immersion (D.I.I.). The downgraded dates were cleaned, cut, blanched, and then immersed in date syrups with increasing differential concentrations in Brix degrees: 65°, 70° and 75°. The chosen date/syrup immersion ratio is 1:2 (w/w). The obtained semi-candied dates were the subject of physicochemical and sensory analyses. The characterization of the downgraded dates before immersion showed high sugar content with a rate 52.67 g% g of dry matter and low water content (14%) which favors their use in semi-candied products. The physico-chemical analyses results of the three semi-candied dates products show an increase in their final sugar content, i.e. from 53.55% to 60.78% and in ashes between 1.76 p.cent and 1.94 p.cent. On the other hand, sensory analysis results confirm that the semi-candied dates with a syrup of 75° Brix present the most appreciated and preferable organoleptic characteristics than the other variables. Finally, following appertisation, the stability test reveals good microbiological quality (100°C for 20 minutes) of the three (3) semi-candied formulations of dates. Thus, the valorization of the “h’chef” as sorting gap Deglet Nour date allowed its transformation into semi-candied dates, stable, appreciable on the organoleptic side. This new formulation could constitute a value-added product if eventually manufactured on an industrial scale, mainly in southern Algeria.

Date Palm Tree’s Defense Mechanisms from Viral Infection and Solar Ultraviolet Radiation

A comprehensive review of scientific literature has uncovered no reported cases of date palm trees infected by a virus and no viral infections have been reported by farmers. In spite of the hot and humid environment they inhabit, the abundance of viral infestations in the soil, other plants and organisms surrounding the trees and the frequency of importation and transplantation of these trees into the region. Such conditions should cause the date palms to also be infected. Notably, other palm trees do not exhibit the same level of innate viral immunity that is found in date palms. The date palm tree’s innate viral immunity is a virgin area in botanical research. The biological segment in date palm tree DNA that enables survival under genotoxic radiation also deserves further investigation. This field of study may enable the breeding of other economically important plants to improve desert ecology and economy, land management, agriculture and horticulture.