Document Type : Review Articles
Authors
1
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia.
2
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia
3
Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Faculty of Science of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Bizerte, Tunisia
4
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) hold a prominent place in the agricultural, cultural, and nutritional landscape of Saudi Arabia, serving as a dietary staple with a longstanding history of traditional and medicinal use. Their rich nutritional profile, characterized by essential macronutrients, micronutrients, and a diverse array of bioactive compounds, contributes significantly to their health-promoting properties. This investigation presents a comprehensive review of current methodologies used to determine the levels of key nutrients, with particular emphasis on water-soluble B-complex vitamins and bioactive constituents such as phenolic acids and flavonoids across various Saudi date cultivars. A critical comparison of analytical techniques—namely high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectrophotometry, and mass spectrometry—is provided to assess their effectiveness in accurately quantifying these compounds. Moreover, the antioxidant potential of Saudi dates is evaluated through well-established in vitro assays, including DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, which collectively demonstrate the fruit’s strong free radical scavenging capabilities. The findings underscore the nutritional and therapeutic value of dates and support their potential role in the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases. The review concludes by identifying key gaps in the current literature, advocating for the standardization of analytical protocols, and highlighting opportunities for the development of date-based functional foods and nutraceuticals. These insights also offer practical applications in the food industry and nutrition science, particularly in guiding the formulation of dietary recommendations and the innovation of health-promoting food products.
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