Assessment of physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, biological activities, and nutritional value of the most two commercialized pollen types of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Morocco

Abstract

The pollen of date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) is known for its nutritional value and implications as a health-promoting component. Due to its low cost, date palm pollen crushed with its spadix is more widely commercialized and used in Morocco than pure date palm pollen free of spadix. Thus, this study aimed to assess the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters, biological activities, and nutritional value of the two pollen types: Pure date palm pollen and date palm pollen crushed with its spadix. Various physicochemical parameters were determined, including humidity, water activity ( aw), total soluble solids, ash content, and color parameters ( L*, a*, b*, C*ab, and hab). Additionally, the phenolic compound profiles were analyzed, and the in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and antidiabetic activities were assessed for both pure date palm pollen and date palm pollen crushed with its spadix. Furthermore, the nutritional value was evaluated by determining protein and carbohydrate contents, and mineral and fatty acid profiles. The results have revealed that pure date palm pollen had higher humidity, aw, L*, and hab color parameters than date palm pollen crushed with its spadix, but lower total soluble solid and ash contents. The main phenolic compounds in pure date palm pollen were ellagic acid, rutin, fisetin, and quercetin, whereas date palm pollen crushed with its spadix contained mainly catechin, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and rutin. Moreover, pure date palm pollen showed greater in vitro antioxidant activity, while date palm pollen crushed with its spadix had higher enzyme inhibitory and antidiabetic activities. PDPS was the richest source of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and saturated fatty acids, while date palm pollen crushed with its spadix was a better source of unsaturated fatty acids, which are mainly represented by linoleic acid. In conclusion, although date palm pollen crushed with its spadix is the most widely consumed type, its nutritional value is lower than that of pure date palm pollen. Thus, pure date palm pollen could potentially serve as a better source of many bioactive compounds, making it a viable supplement for various health applications.

Reproductive Enhancement through Phytochemical Characteristics and Biological Activities of Date Palm Pollen: A Comprehensive Review on Potential Mechanism Pathways

“…Conversely, an investigation carried out in the Sohag governorate on the same variety demonstrated an even higher protein content, reaching 36% [ 66 ]. Similar results were obtained in Moroccan DPP, which contains about 35% of crude proteins [ 11 ]. The highest protein content was recorded in Deglet Nour DPP collected from Sfax, Tunisia, with 38.18% [ 35 ].…”

“…DPP contains a diverse array of secondary metabolites ( Table 1 ), including phenolic compounds [ 11 ], triterpenoids, sterols, and carotenoids. These organic compounds serve functions that extend beyond plant growth and reproduction, playing roles such as pest defense, pollinator attraction, and adaptation to environmental stress [ 32 , 33 ].…”

“…Several studies have examined the carbohydrate content in DPP across different varieties and regions ( Table 4 ). The highest percentage was observed in Moroccan DPP at 26.51% [ 11 ], followed by the Ghannamy Ahmar variety grown in Iraq, which reached a percentage of 26.25% [ 37 ]. Another study reported that Iraqi Khikri and Samsami DPP contain 16.27% and 22.78% of carbohydrates, respectively [ 39 ].…”

“…Regarding fatty acids, a study carried out in Egypt on DPP from the El-Hayani variety identified 13 fatty acids, with palmitic acid (34.45%) and linoleic acid (14.24%) having the highest concentrations [ 10 ]. Additionally, oleic, linolenic, stearic, margaric, behenic, arachidonic, and lignoceric acids were also detected at high levels in Egyptian and Moroccan DPP [ 9 , 11 , 77 ]. Furthermore, palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were the major fatty acids identified in the Khikri and Samsami varieties of Iraqi DPP [ 39 ].…”

“…Date palm pollen (DPP), extracted from the date palm, accounts for approximately 1000 tons of production annually, derived from millions of palm trees cultivated in Arabian regions. DPP represents the male reproductive cells of palm flowers and serves as a natural reservoir of various bioactive compounds, including estradiol, estriol, cholesterol, estrone, saponins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, tannins, and flavonoids [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. These diverse compounds contribute to its considerable nutritional value and diverse therapeutic effects [ 9 , 12 ].…”