Composition characterisation and thermal transition of date pits powders

Thermal and structural characteristics of date-pits as digested by Trichoderma reesei

The objective of this study was to develop functional date-pits by mold digestion for the potential use in food products. Whole date-pits (WDP) and defatted date-pits (DDP) were digested by mold Trichoderma reesei at 20 °C. T. reesei consumed date-pits as nutrients for their growth, and DDP showed higher growth of molds as compared to the WDP. The mold digested WDP and DDP samples showed an increased water solubility and hygroscopicity as compared to the samples prepared by autoclaved. This indicated that the mold digestion transformed date-pits to hydrophilic characteristics. Thermal analysis indicated a structural change at -3.2 °C for the untreated WDP and it was followed by a glass transition shift (i.e. onset: 138 °C and a specific heat change: 295 J/kg oC), and an endothermic peak at 196 °C with enthalpy of 68 J/g for the solids melting-decomposition. Similar characteristics were also observed for treated samples with the two glass transitions. The total specific heat changes for WDP, autoclaved-WDP, and digested-WDP were observed as 295, 367, and 328 J/kg oC, respectively. The total specific heat changes for DDP, autoclaved-DDP, and digested-DDP were observed as 778, 1329, and 1877 J/kg oC, respectively. This indicated that mold digestion transformed more amorphous fraction in the DDP. The energy absorption intensities of the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra for the selected functional groups decreased by the mold digestion.

Evaluation of the Phenolic Composition and Biological Activities of Six Aqueous Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seed Extracts Originating from Different Countries: A Comparative Analysis

Date seeds, which are the main by-products of date fruit consumption, were shown to possess promising biological activities and health benefits with minimal human use. The present investigation analyzed and compared the phenolic content of six date seed varieties from four different origins (Khudari, Sakai, and Safawi from Saudi Arabia, Majdool from Jordan, Zahdi from Iraq, and Kabkab from Iran). The aqueous extracts were examined for possible antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-tumor potential. Date seed oil was extracted, and fatty acid profiles were compared. The results revealed that date seeds are a rich source of polyphenols, which have been linked to biological activities. Furthermore, the phenolic content seemed highly dependent on the variety, where Kabkab had the highest TPC value (271.2 mg GAE/g DM) while Majdool had the lowest value (63.2 mg GAE/g DM). Antioxidant activities of all varieties were highly correlated with the total phenolic content. The antibacterial investigation demonstrated that the Sakai variety possessed the dominant activity, whereas Majdool showed no activity. The results further indicated the sensitivity of both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, with a stronger effect against B. cereus, while no effect was observed against Gram-negative strains (Salmonella Typhi and Escherichia coli). All varieties were able to decrease colon and lung cancer cell viability, especially Khudari and Sakai, with stronger effects against colon cancer cells. Analysis of date seed oil showed high oleic acid content, especially in Sakai. The findings suggest that date seeds are promising candidates for future pharmaceutical applications as nutraceuticals to help combat certain illnesses, as well as functional foods and natural additives that boost the nutritional value of food products, increase their shelf lives, and improve the overall health of consumers.

Managing Encapsulated Oil Extract of Date Seed Waste for High Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Assayed via Hybrid Photo-Mediated/Spectrofluorimetric Probing

This work addresses two research topics: the first concerns the specific/sensitive trapping of hydroxyl radicals (^•OH), and the second concerns the efficacy of encapsulating natural antioxidants, potentially lengthening their preservation activity. For context, nano-titania was solar-irradiated to produce ^•OH, which was spectrofluorimetrically assessed, based on the selective aromatic hydroxylation of the non-fluorescent sodium terephthalate to 2-hydroxyterephthalate fluorophore. Fluorescence intensity is proportional to generated ^•OH. Thus, a simple/rapid indirect method was utilized to assess ^•OH precisely. Accordingly, novel photoluminescent system is outlined in order to assess the scavenging potentiality of ^•OH in date seed oil (DSO) in both its pure and encapsulated formulations (ECP-DSO), i.e., when fresh and 5 months after extraction and encapsulation, respectively. With the addition of 80 μg/mL DSO or ECP-DSO, the efficacy of ^•OH scavenging amounted to 25.12 and 63.39%, which increased to 68.65 and 92.72% when 200 μg/mL DSO or ECP-DSO, respectively, was added. Moreover, the IC50 of DSO and ECP-DSO is 136.6 and 62.1 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, DSO and ECP-DSO decreased the kinetics for producing ^•OH by ≈20 and 40%, respectively, relative to ^•OH generated in the absence of antioxidant. This demonstrates the benefits of encapsulation on the preservation activity of natural antioxidants, even after five months after extraction, in terms of its interesting activity when compared to synthetic antioxidants. The developed fluorimetric ^•OH probing upgrades antioxidant medicines, thus paving the way for theoretical/practical insights on mechanistic hydroxyl radical-damaging biology.

Thermal and Viscoelastic Responses of Selected Lignocellulosic Wastes: Similarities and Differences

Woody lignocellulosic biomasses comprise the non-edible parts of fruit trees. In recent years, the exploitation of this biomass has been widening in order to mitigate environmental issues. At the same time, this waste could be transformed into a value-added product (active carbon by pyrolysis, isolation of nanocellulose, oils or proteins). For either valorization path, a complete thermo-mechanical characterization is required. A detailed thermo-mechanical study (TGA, DSC, DMA) was performed on two types of lignocellulosic wastes, with and without kernels: on one side, the walnut shells (WS) and the pistachio shells (PsS) and, in the second category, the apricot seeds (AS), the date seeds (DS), and the plum seeds (PS). The results of the sample-controlled thermal analyses (HiRes TGA) evidenced a better resolution of the degradation steps of WS. Kinetic studies conducted also by conventional TGA (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa) and modulated TGA (MTGA) allowed us to make comparative reasonings concerning the degradation of the investigated biomasses. The DMA results revealed the effect of water traces and oil kernels on relaxation and supported the atypical DSC endotherm emphasized in the freezing temperature domain.

Applications of date pits in foods to enhance their functionality and quality: A review

Summary of the abstract

Chemical Profile of the Pits Oil from the Tunisian 'Alig' Cultivar of Phoenix dactylifera L.: In Vivo Wound Healing Potential Evaluation of a Cream Formulated from the Extracted Oil and Insights from Molecular Docking and SAR Analysis

Since ancient times the oil from date palm pits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been used to heal wounds. In order to prove this traditional usage of the pits, this oil was extracted from the pits of the Tunisian cultivar 'Alig' and its physico-chemical properties and the chemical composition were evaluated. The fatty acid profile, evidenced by GC, allowed to classify this oil as an oleic-myristic acid oil with a clear abundance of oleic acid (53.66 %). ¹ H and ¹³ C-NMR as well as FT-IR analyses confirmed the presence of fatty acids in triglyceride forms. Furthermore, in vivo wound healing activity of a cream formulated from the extracted oil was performed, for the first time, using a rat model and was compared to placebo cream and a commercial formulation, MEBO®. This study showed that the test cream promoted the healing of pressure ulcers better than the placebo cream and the MEBO® ointment. The results showed that this vegetable oil is able to improve the healing of infected wounds in rats, thus supporting its traditional use. The contribution of the main oleic, linoleic and myristic acids that can be derived from enzymatic hydrolysis to the healing activity of the whole pits oil was predicted by in silico study and the calculated pharmacokinetics parameters.

Extraction and Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Seed Using Supercritical and Subcritical CO2 Techniques

Date (Phoenix dactylifera) seed is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and the use of innovative green and low temperature antioxidant recovery techniques (using CO2 as solvent) such as supercritical fluid (SFE) and subcritical (SubCO2) extractions can improve their yields and quality in the extracts. SFE, SubCO2 and Soxhlet techniques were employed to enrich antioxidants in extracts from Sukari (SKSE), Ambara (AMSE), Majdool (MJSE) and Sagai (SGSE) date seeds. Extract yields were evaluated and modelled for SFE extract using response surface methodology. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) phenolics (143.48−274.98 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (78.35−141.78 mg QE/100 g), anthocyanins (0.39−1.00 mg/100 g), and carotenoid (1.42−1.91 mg BCE/100 g) contents were detected in extracts obtained using SFE and SubCO2 methods. The evaluation of in vitro antioxidant properties showed that SFE and SubCO2 seed extracts demonstrated promising antioxidant (13.42−23.83 µg AAE/mL), antiradical (228.76−109.69 µg/mL DPPH IC50), ferric reducing antioxidant power (1.43−2.10 mmol TE/100 g) and ABTS cation scavenging (375.74-717.45 µmol TE/100 g) properties that were significantly higher than Soxhlet extracts. Both SFE and SubCO2 techniques can be effectively utilized as innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives to obtain high quality antioxidant rich extracts from date seed. These extracts may have potential functional and nutraceutical applications.

Assessment of Biochemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Algerian Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seed Oil

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) trees are largely cultivated across the Algerian oases; they are principal sources of remuneration and the economic basis for residents of these areas. Date palm fruits are rich sources of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers, with many potential health benefits, yet there are few studies on the chemical composition and biological properties of date palm seed oil. In this study, we present an in-depth characterization of the biochemical composition and antioxidant properties of date palm seed oil (DPSO) produced in Algeria. DPSOs of eight Algerian cultivars, Arechti, Degla-Baida, Deglet-Nour, Ghars, Haloua, Itima, Mech-Degla, and Tentbouchet, were investigated to determine their biochemical compositions and antioxidant properties. The results highlight the potential of DPSO as an alternative food and a natural resource, thanks to several important compounds having high antioxidant capacity. In particular, fatty acids and triacylglycerol (TAGs) analyses showed that oleic (42.74–50.19%), lauric (18.40–22.2%), and myristic (8.83–10.17%) were the major fatty acids, while 1-myristoyl 2-oleoyl 3-linoleoyl glycerol, 1-linolenoyl 2-oleoyl 3-linoleoyl glycerol, 1-2-linolenoyl 3-linoleoyl glycerol, and 1-linolenoyl 2-myristoyl 3-linoleoyl glycerol were the major TAGs. Biophenols and tocopherols analyses revealed the presence of important compounds, such as catechin (22.04–24.92 mg/kg), vanillin (10.67–23.98 mg/kg), and α-tocopherol (443.59 mg/kg), at high remarkable levels. Therefore, a comparison with the literature data concerning other seed oils, including olive oil, confirms that DPSO can be considered a high-quality oil, from a biochemical and biological point of view.

Application of Dynamic Temperature-Humidity Chamber for Measuring Moisture Sorption Isotherms of Biomaterials as Compared to the Conventional Isopiestic Method

Measurement of water activity and moisture sorption isotherms of foods and biomaterials are important to determine the state of water. In this work, a dynamic temperature-humidity (DTH) controlled chamber was used to measure water sorption isotherm and compared with the conventional isopiestic method. Temperature and relative humidity of DTH chamber can be controlled in the range of -15 to 100°C and 0 to 98%, respectively; thus, measurement of water activity at any point can be measured within the above ranges. The DTH chamber method showed high reproducibility as compared with the conventional isopiestic method when measured isotherms of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulase were compared at 30°C. Finally, isotherm data of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulase were generated in the temperature range of 10-90°C using DTH chamber, and these were modelled by BET and GAB equations. The model parameters were correlated with the temperature.

Synthesis and SWOT analysis of date palm frond ash-Portland cement composites

Environmental threats posed by the cement manufacturing industry and agro-industrial waste discharge have shifted the direction of research towards building sustainable construction without compromising the technical merits of the developed binders. Date palm trees are one of the highest numbers of trees in the world whose generated wastes can be beneficially recycled and reused by the concrete industry. In this study, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and date palm frond ash (DPFA)-based binders were synthesized by varying ratio of DPFA/(OPC + DPFA) between the range of 0 to 0.3 at an interval of 0.1. Both base materials were characterized by physical, chemical, and thermal techniques. The developed binders were assessed by flow, setting time, and compressive strength up to 360 days of curing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to complement the strength results. It is postulated that the DPFA/(OPC + DPFA) ratio of up to 0.2 outperforms the DPFA-free binder in terms of the overall performance. The properties of binders were negatively affected by the total precursor composition ratio of CaO/SiO₂ and Al₂O₃/SiO₂ below 2.06 and 0.18, respectively. The optimum synergy of OPC-DPFA resulted in superior microstructural density attributed to the uniform skeletal framework of gel products. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis of the use of DPFA in cementitious materials showed that there is a high potential for its use in terms of sustainability and economic benefits. However, various weaknesses and threats associated with the use of DPFA as a cementitious material need to be resolved.

Putative abrogation impacts of Ajwa seeds on oxidative damage, liver dysfunction and associated complications in rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride

BACKGROUND

Industrial toxicants such as Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) are known to disrupt the oxidative-antioxidative balance, which generates excessive amounts of free radicals leading to chronic or acute liver damage. Natural antioxidants, including Ajwa, play an important role in protecting against hepatotoxicity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study investigated the prophylactic impacts of ajwa seeds aqueous extract (ASE) against hepatic oxidative injury in rats induced by CCl₄. Eighty male Wistar albino rats were equally assigned to eight groups: one group receive no treatment, four groups were received CCl₄-olive oil mixture [1:1(v/v)] (0.2 ml/100 g body weight (bw), intraperitoneally) two times/week for 4 weeks/rat alone or with 200 mg Vit. C/kg bw or 5 ml ASE/rat or both, and three groups received olive oil, Vit. C, or ASE. Vitamin C and ASE were orally administrated two weeks before CCl₄ injection and 4 weeks concomitant with CCl₄. Lipid peroxidation, lipogenesis-related genes, hepatic histopathology, Bax immunostaining and DNA fragmentation were assessed. ASE protected hepatic damage by suppressing oxidative stress and elevating activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. ASE also regulated hepatic dyslipidemia, hepatic lipid accumulation and expression of SREBP-1 and FAS genes in CCl₄-treated rats. ASE decreased apoptosis through inhibition of CCl₄ induced Bax activation in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION

These observations provide evidence for the hepatoprotective potential of ASE via inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and oxidative stress, suggesting being used as a natural product in attenuating CCl₄ induced oxidative damage, hepatotoxicity and associated dysfunction.

Date Fruit and Seed in Nutricosmetics

Many recent studies in the field of cosmetics have focused on organically sourced substances. Products made from organic materials are safe, high quality, cruelty-free, and more effective than those made from synthetic materials. Many organic compounds are known to be physiologically active in humans and have an extended storage capacity and long-lasting environmental effects. Agro-industrial waste has recently increased substantially, and the disposal of date palm waste, often performed in primitive ways such as burning, is harmful to the environment. Fruit processing industries generate over 10% of the total date seed waste daily, which could be converted into useful food products. Date fruit and seed are rich in sugar, vitamins, fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that significantly promote human and animal health. This waste is rich in bioactive compounds and essential oils used in many kinds of food, medicine, and cosmetics. Most active cosmetic ingredients come from natural sources such as fruit, fish, and dairy, and recent research shows that date extract and seed oil help to reduce melanin, eczema, acne, and dry patches, while increasing skin moisture and elasticity. This review details the bioactive compounds and nutraceutical properties of date fruit and seed, and their use as cosmetic ingredients.

Poly(vinyl chloride) Composites with Raspberry Pomace Filler

This study examined, the effect of chemically extracted raspberry pomace on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, flammability, chemical structure and processing of poly(vinyl chloride). It was observed that the pomace in this study was used to extract naphtha, thereby permitting the removal of bio-oil as a factor preventing the obtaining of homogeneous composites. Furthermore, adding 20% raspberry pomace filler after extraction extended the thermal stability time for the composites by about 30%. It was observed that composite density, impact strength, and tensile strength values decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of filler in the PVC matrix. At the same time, their modulus of elasticity and Shore hardness increased. All tested composites were characterized by a good burning resistance with a flammability rating of V0 according to the UL94 test. Adding 20 to 40% of a natural filler to the PVC matrix made it possible to obtain composites for the production of flame resistant elements that emitted less hydrogen chloride under fire conditions while ensuring good rigidity.

Effects of date seeds administration on anxiety and depressive symptoms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: biochemical and behavioral evidences

OBJECTIVES

Several epidemiological data indicate that chronic hyperglycemia is associated with behavioral changes such as anxiety and depressive symptoms. Date seeds, one of the most potent products with potential antioxidant activities and possess many benefits against hyperglycemia and its complication. The aim of the current study was to explore the potential effect of date seeds extract on biochemical and behavioral changes (anxiety and depression) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into four groups as follows: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with the lyophilized aqueous extract of the date seed (2,000 mg/kg) (LAE-DS) and diabetics treated with insulin (4 UI/day). Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). After 24 days treatment period, anxiety and depressive behaviors were evaluated using four behavioral tests. After sacrifice, blood samples were collected to evaluate lipid parameters. In addition, rat organs (kidney, liver and brain) were dissected out in order to estimate lipid peroxidation levels as oxidative stress marker.

RESULTS

Oral administration of the lyophilized aqueous extract of date seeds and insulin injection for 30 days significantly decreased blood glucose levels in STZ-diabetic rats and protected them against undesirable changes in lipid parameters, including cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and atherosclerosis index. Compared to untreated diabetic rat, a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation levels in kidney, liver and brain (Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) were observed after treatment with insulin or LAE-DS in diabetic rats. Furthermore, insulin and LAE-DS administration prevented anxiety-related behaviors in STZ-diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, it would be possible to combine this extract with insulin and use it as an antioxidant supplement for type 1 diabetic patients.

Effect of Inclusion of Degraded and Non-Degraded Date Pits in Broilers' Diet on their Intestinal Microbiota and Growth Performance

Simple Summary

In developing countries, most of the feedstuffs for animal nutrition are imported. Therefore, great attention has been focused on the use of agro-industrial by-products as feedstuffs to improve the feeding value of animal nutrition. These improvements can be induced by different means, including feed additive supplements, such as enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids. Other factors can also induce enhancement such as grinding, autoclaving, pelleting, and solid-state degradation by cellulolytic fungi. These methods aim to enhance the digestion of complex carbohydrates and decrease anti-nutritional constituents. In this study, the impact of non-degraded date pits (NDDP) and degraded date pits (DDP) using the cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma reesei in broiler’s diets on the gut bacterial growth and growth performance was investigated. It was found that when DDP are present at a rate of 10% of the broilers’ diet, it boosted gut health by increasing prebiotic production, thus serving as a growth promoter in broilers’ nutrition.

Abstract

The current study aims to assess the effect of non-degraded date pits (NDDP) and degraded date pits (DDP) in broilers’ diets on gut microbiota and growth performance. The degradation of date pits (DP) occurred via the cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma reesei by a solid-state degradation procedure. One-day-old Brazilian broilers were allocated into six dietary groups: (1) maize–soy diet, (2) maize–soy diet with oxytetracycline (20%, 50 g 100 kg⁻¹), (3) maize–soy diet with 5% NDDP, (4) maize–soy diet with 10% NDDP, (5) maize–soy diet with 5% DDP, and (6) maize–soy diet with 10% DDP. At the end of the trial, the total count of bacteria was significantly (p < 0.05) less in broilers fed 10% DDP diet (treatment 6) compared with the control group (treatment 1). In addition, DDP and oxytetracycline control diets have a similar diminishing effect on total bacterial counts and the populations of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella spp., and Escherichia coli. Over 35 days of trial, weight gains were similar among the six dietary groups. Our results showed that DDP and control diets have a similar effect on growth performance. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was poorer in broilers fed NDDP diets than other treatments. The European Production Efficiency Index (EPEI) was greater with 5% and 10% DDP than those fed NDDP at the same levels, with no significant variance from the control and antibiotic-supplemented diet (treatment 2). Overall, it can be suggested that maintaining 10% of DDP can partly replace dietary maize while also serves as a gut health enhancer and thus a growth promoter in the diet for broilers.

Valorization of Date Pits as an Effective Biosorbent for Remazol Brilliant Blue Adsorption from Aqueous Solution

In this work, the adsorption of Remazol Brilliant Blue (RBB) over raw date pits (RDPs) as an inexpensive adsorbent has been examined. In addition, all parameters such as the adsorbent mass, solution pH, RDP particle size, RBB initial concentration, and temperature on the adsorption of RBB influencing the adsorption procedure were studied to provide fundamental information of the adsorption equilibrium. The characterization of RDP material is investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Based on the calculation, the kinetic rate of the adsorption was well modeled by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm. Surface functional groups of RDP have substantially been influenced by the adsorption characteristics of RBB. The capacity of the adsorption has achieved 105 mg/g and a removal efficiency of 90.4% at 1.5 g/L RDP mass, 40 mg/L initial dye concentration, pH 2, temperature of 328 K, 40 µm particle size, and contact time of 50 min. The capacity of the adsorption could reach 198 mg/g by increasing the ionic strength of RBB solution. Desorption tests showed that RDP adsorbent has the disadvantage of losing efficiency while reusing for many cycles. However, it still abundant and inexpensive. Therefore, RDP can be used as a potential low-cost bioabsorbent for the elimination of RBB from wastewater.

Functional food and nutra-pharmaceutical perspectives of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit

Date palm counts among the oldest fruit crops of the world and is mainly cultivated for its highly nutritious fruits consumed as a staple food in many countries, especially in the Gulf region. Dates are enriched with numerous therapeutic bioactives and functional compounds such as phenolics, flavonols, carotenoids, minerals, and vitamins that not only provide an appreciable amount of energy required for the human body but also act as an effective therapeutic agent against several diseases. This review aimed to provide a deep insight into the nutritional as well as phytochemicals profile of date fruit and its seeds in order to explore their biological (anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory properties), functional food, and nutra-pharmaceutical attributes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review provides updated information regarding the date fruits and seeds phytochemicals composition together with highlighting dates potential as a natural therapeutic agent against several diseases. The study also urges the importance of consuming dates as a great package to live a healthy life due to the functional food and nutraceutical properties of this valuable fruit. The study also provides information first time as recommending dates to cope with the hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiency faced by the third world inhabitants. Hence, the review may further help the industry and researchers to explore the potential of dates for future medicinal and nutra-pharmaceutical applications.

Date Seeds: A Promising Source of Oil with Functional Properties

The cultivation of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is the main activity and source of livelihood for people from arid and semiarid regions of the world. Date production is increasing every year. In addition, pitted date exportation is rising and great amounts of date seeds are produced. This biomass represents a problem for manufacturing companies. At the moment, date seeds are normally discarded or used as animal feed ingredients. However, this co-product can be used for many other applications due to its valuable chemical composition. Oil is one of the most interesting components of the date seed. In fact, date seeds contain 5-13% oil. Date seed oil contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with lauric and oleic as the main ones, respectively. Tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds are also present in significant amounts. These phytochemicals confer added value to date seed oil, which could be used for many applications, such as food product formulations, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This review provides up-to-date data on the different extraction techniques and the chemical composition of date seed oils. The applications of date seed oil have also been reviewed.

Consequences of hydrogenated vegetable fat substitution with Ajwa seed oil on physicochemical and nutritional aspects of functional cookies

The core objectives of the current study were to explore and compare the proximate and nutritive composition of both types of cookies prepared either with Ajwa seed oil (ASO) or hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) and comparative analysis of the antioxidantal potential of both cookies and to reconnoiter the storage effects on the quality parameters of the cookies over a period of 60 days. Outcomes revealed that the cookies prepared with the ASO were superior (p < .05) in fat% and energy as compared to the cookies with HVF. Due to the presence of functional moieties, ASO cookies were found with better palatability, increased shelf life with enhanced physical properties and better functionality. Therefore, the findings of the current study revealed that ASO could be used as an alternative fat source for the preparation of novel functional cookies instead of conventional vegetable fats.

Effect of Trichoderma reesei Degraded Date Pits Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immunoglobulin Levels, and Intestinal Barrier Functions of Broiler Chickens

BACKGROUND

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a dominant fruit crop in most Arabian countries. Date pits, as a major byproduct which remained after consumption of date flesh, proved to be a valuable source of energy.

OBJECTIVES

The impact of degraded date pits (DDP) on growth performance, intestinal bacterial population, and expression profiles of intestinal genes in broilers was determined. Recent patents have been established on DDP from the European patent office (EP2586318B1), Hong Kong patent registry office (HK1184642) and by the United States patent and trademark office (US8968729B2 and US10265368B2).

METHODS

Solid-state degradation system (SSD) was used for the preparation of DDP using Trichoderma reesei. One-day-old Brazilian broiler chicks "Cobb 500" were randomly divided into six treatments with six replicates, which consisted of a normal diet containing only corn-soy (control), diet containing corn-soy + (20%, 50g/100Kg oxytetracycline), diet containing corn-soy + 10% (DDP), diet containing corn-soy + 0.2% mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), diet containing corn-soy + 0.1% mannose, and diet containing corn-soy + 0.2% mannose.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broilers among the treatments. The bacterial count was significantly decreased in 10% DDP diet-fed broilers, 0.2% MOS and antibiotic diet-fed broilers. Immunoglobulin levels in serum and intestinal contents and expression pattern of genes in jejunum were upregulated in 10% DDP and 0.2% MOS diet-fed broilers.

CONCLUSION

DDP can be used as an energy source for replacing part of corn, mannan oligosaccharide and also recommended as a potential alternative to antimicrobials in broilers diet.

Bioactive compounds from date fruit and seed as potential nutraceutical and functional food ingredients

Date palm is an important fruit bearing tree grown widely in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The date fruit and its by-products, such as seeds, have both nutritional and medicinal value. However, date fruit and seeds have not been fully considered as potential functional food ingredients to develop foods with promising health benefits. Based on the available information in the literature, fruit and seed of date palm are rich in phytochemicals, such as phenolics, anthocyanin, carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols and dietary fiber. In addition, they were reported to possess several beneficial health properties explored under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Further research in this area would provide valuable information for the potential utilization of date fruit and seed as functional food ingredients. This review presents a comprehensive information about the bioactive compounds and nutraceutical properties of different varieties of date fruit and seed, as well as the potential for using them as functional food ingredients.

Desert Palm Date Seeds as a Biodiesel Feedstock: Extraction, Characterization, and Engine Testing

The development of alternative fuels is increasingly important in order to maintain ongoing global economic and technological progress in the face of fossil fuel depletion and increasing environmental damage. Desert palm date seeds have clear potential as feedstock for biodiesel production given their high oil content and availability as food waste that requires no further cultivation. In this study we investigated the optimum production processes and conditions for date seed oil biodiesel, including characterizing the intermediate product and correcting its composition to meet international fuel standards. Four biodiesel blends were prepared (B5, B10, B15, and B20) and tested in a compression ignition engine at engine speeds from 1600 to 3600 rpm (200 rpm increments) and three engine loads (50%, 75%, and 100%). The highest oil yield and biodiesel conversion achieved were 10.74 wt.% and 92%, respectively. The biodiesel properties conformed well with the standards; the values for brake power, brake thermal efficiency, and brake specific fuel consumption were comparable with petrol diesel, though the latter was slightly superior. All blends produced lower levels of CO2, CO, and HC but higher levels of NOx emissions. These results demonstrate the fundamental suitability of date seeds as biodiesel feedstock, deserving of further research.

Recycling of Date Pits Into a Green Adsorbent for Removal of Heavy Metals: A Fractional Factorial Design-Based Approach

Date pits (DPs) have been recycled into a low-cost adsorbent for removing of selected heavy metals (HMs) from artificially contaminated aqueous solutions. Adsorption of targeted HMs, both by raw date pits (RDP) and burnt date pits (BDP) was tested. Results showed that BDP is more efficient as an adsorbent and mostly adsorbing Cu(II). A novel approach; fractional factorial design (2^k−p – FrFD) was used to build the experimental pattern of this study. The effects of four factors on the maximum percentage (%) of removal (Y) were considered; pH, adsorbent dose (AD), heavy metal concentration (HMC), and contact time (CT). Statistically significant variables were detected using Pareto chart of standardized effects, normal and half-normal plots together with analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95.0 confidence intervals (CI). Optimizing (maximizing) the percentage (%) removal of Cu(II) by BDP, was performed using optimization plots. Results showed that the factors: pH and adsorbent dose (AD) affect the response positively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface morphology of both adsorbents while fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to get an idea on the functional groups on the surface and hence the adsorption mechanism. Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the prepared adsorbents before and after adsorption of Cu(II). Equilibrium studies show that the adsorption behavior differs according to the equilibrium concentration. In general, it follows Langmuir isotherm up to 155 ppm, then Freundlich isotherm. Free energy of adsorption (ΔG_ad) is −28.07 kJ/mole, when equilibrium concentration is below 155 ppm, so the adsorption process is spontaneous, while (ΔG_ad) equals +17.89 kJ/mole above 155 ppm, implying that the process is non-spontaneous. Furthermore, the adsorption process is a mixture of physisorption and chemisorption processes, which could be endothermic or exothermic reactions. The adsorption kinetics were described using a second order model.

Antioxidative and Quality Properties of Full-Fat Date Seeds Brew as Influenced by the Roasting Conditions

Full-fat roasted date seeds are considered an excellent source of antioxidants which can treat many diseases. The specific objectives were to investigate the effect of roasting temperature and time on the hardness of whole seeds, moisture content of the roasted date seeds powder, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolic contents, extraction yield, pH, browning index and sensory properties of the brew prepared from the full-fat roasted date seeds and to construct descriptive models that could describe this effect. Date seeds were roasted at three temperatures (160, 180 and 200 °C) for different period of times (10, 20 and 30 min) using a natural conventional oven; then grinded and next brewed. Hardness of whole seeds, moisture content of the seeds powder, DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic contents, extraction yield, pH and browning index and sensory properties of the brew were significantly affected by the roasting conditions. The statistical results indicated that the proposed model could adequately describe the measured properties. Strong correlations have been found among the properties of the brew as well. The producers of the date seeds brew can utilize these results for controlling the roasting process.

Effect of the Roasting Conditions on the Physicochemical, Quality and Sensory Attributes of Coffee-Like Powder and Brew from Defatted Palm Date Seeds

Developing a bioactive brew is a novel track for revalorization of palm date byproducts. The effect of roasting temperature (160, 180 and 200 °C ) and roasting time (10, 20 and 30 min) on the hardness of the roasted date seeds, moisture content of the defatted roasted date seed powder (DRDSP), bulk density of the DRDSP, color parameters of DRDSP, quality attributes (extraction yield, pH and browning index), the chemical properties (antioxidants and total phenolic content) and the sensory attributes (color, aroma, taste and overall preference) of the brew prepared from DRDSP was studied. The physicochemical, quality, and sensory attributes were found to be significantly influenced by the roasting temperature and time. Additionally, the models proposed could satisfactorily describe the changes in the different properties during the roasting process. The optimum conditions of the roasting process obtained using the superimposed contour plot were 199.9 °C and 21.5 min. In the longer term, the results of this study would be beneficial for the manufacturers of the date seeds powder and brew.

Specific Mechanical Energy and Thermal Degradation of Poly(lactic acid) and Poly(caprolactone)/Date Pits Composites

The compatibility of date pits (DP) with polylactic acid (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL) is investigated. Composites were prepared by compounding PLA or PCL with date pits at 10, 20, 30, and 40% wt/wt and extruded. Wheat vital gluten (VG) was also used as a filler and in combination with DP. The specific mechanical energy (SME) was calculated and the composites thermal properties were tested using DSC (peak temperature, enthalpic relaxation, and glass transition) and TGA (degradation temperature and mechanism and degradation kinetics). Because DP is hard filler, the SME of PCL-DP composites increased as the amount of filler increased. At 40% fill, the SME decreased due to the lubricating effect of oil found naturally in DP. As illustrated by lower SME, PLA composites exhibited softer texture because PLA is harder than DP. The DSC melting peak temperature of both polymers has increased at higher DP; however, PLA exhibited enthalpic relation between 66 and 68°C. The TGA profile of the composites displayed two distinct peaks versus one peak for the pure polymer. The degradation kinetics showed multistep process for the composites and one-step process for the pure polymer. The utilization of date pits as a hard filler in developing biodegradable plastics is good for the environment and a value added for the date industry.

Identification and evaluation of antibacterial agents present in lipophilic fractions isolated from sub-products of Phoenix dactilyfera

In this study, the dried powder of seeds and pollen of Phoenix dactylifera was extracted using Soxhlet extractor and biochemical composition of lipophilic extracts was analysed by GCMS. Then, we have tested the antibacterial effect of fatty acids and volatile compounds found in these sub-products. The results revealed that the main fatty acids found in Deglet Nour seeds is are oleic acid (42.06%) followed by capric acid (24.16%), Takerbucht seeds extract contains mostly oleic acid (40.59%) and palmitic acid (20.19%), while Bent Kbala seed extract is rich in cis-vaccenic acid (52.09%) followed by capric acid (16.71%). Pollen extract have shown for the first time the richness in 14-methyl palmitic acid (33.31%), linoleic acid (31.16%) and linolenic acid (25.78%). Some of these elements seem to have a significant effect against some pathogenic bacteria.

Transfer factors for natural radioactivity into date palm pits

Palm pits are used in various human and animal feed products. In this study, the natural radioactivity levels from soil and date palm pits of 9 samples collected from major date palm farms in three different regions (Buraidah, Al-Zulfi and Al-Majmaah) of Saudi Arabia were determined by using the high purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometer. The mean activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K in soil samples were 12.8 ± 2.2, 10.2 ± 2.1, 0.28 ± 0.10 and 329 ± 87 Bg kg^-1, respectively. Similarly the mean activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in date palm pits were 5.6 ± 1.2, 2.8 ± 0.4 and 181 ± 17 Bq kg^-1, respectively, whereas ¹³⁷Cs could not be detected. The geometric mean of TF values (geometric standard deviation in parentheses) of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were 0.33 (2.1), 0.22 (1.8) and 0.51 (2.0), respectively.

Physico-chemical Characteristics and Oxidative Stability of Date-Pits Oil during Storage at Different Temperatures

In this study, oxidative stability of date-pits (i. e. Khalas variety) was investigated during storage as a function of temperature. The stability of date-pits oil was determined by measuring acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (PAV), tocopherol and oxidative stability index. Initial characteristics of oil were assessed by measuring its physico-chemical and melting characteristics, fatty acids composition and aflatoxin. Storage of date-pits caused highest reduction in linoleic acid (C18:2, ω6) followed by oleic acid (C18:1, ω9). AV, PV and PAV of the fresh oil were 1.41 mg KOH/g oil, 3.30 meq/kg oil and 0.60, respectively. These values increased linearly at slower rate in the case of 30 °C storage, while sharp rise was observed after 40 days in cases of 100 and 150 °C storage (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that date pits oil had a good oxidative and thermal stability and could thus be used to develop value-added food ingredients.

Effect of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seed extract on stability of olive oil

In this study, the antioxidant effect of date (Phoenix dactylifera L., Arecaceae) seed extracts at different concentrations (0.5 %, 1.0 % and 1.5 %) on the oxidative stability of olive oil at 60 °C was determined. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was used as positive control in the experiment. All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity compared to BHA up to 21 days. When antioxidant effect of extract concentrations were compared with BHA, the effect of 0.5 % extract concentration was more remarkable for olive oil up to 21 days. After 14 days of assay, all of seed extracts was effective at 60 °C in comparison with control. On the other hand, an important increase was observed in both the peroxide and free fatty acidity values during the experiment period. It concluded that date seed extract could be used as a oxidative inhibitor agent in oil and oil products.

A review of phytochemistry, metabolite changes, and medicinal uses of the common food mung bean and its sprouts (Vigna radiata)

The seeds and sprouts of mung bean (Vigna radiata), a common food, contain abundant nutrients with biological activities. This review provides insight into the nutritional value of mung beans and its sprouts, discussing chemical constituents that have been isolated in the past few decades, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Moreover, we also summarize dynamic changes in metabolites during the sprouting process and related biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, lipid metabolism accommodation, antihypertensive, and antitumor effects, etc., with the goal of providing scientific evidence for better application of this commonly used food as a medicine.