Phytochemical constituents and nutrient evaluation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera, L.) pollen grains

Abstract

The pollen of date palm -DPP (Phoenix dactylifera L. variety El- Ghannmi Ahmar.) has been analyzed for the main phytochemical composition , nutrient and mineral composition. The phytochemical screening of chemical constituents of the plant showed that the DPP grains contains phytosterols, flavonoids, alkaloids, protein, carbohydrates, glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, coumarins, lignin, oil and fats, with absent of quinones. The quantitative contents of alkaloids, tannin, phenolic compounds and sterols were (2416±0.034, 2279.6±35.769, 115±5 and 110.1±0.87) mg/100g in DPP grains. While the moisture content of palm pollen grains was 8.041 ± 0.1%, and 91.959 ± 0.1 % for the total solids. Values 0.113±0.003 % and 5.585 ± 0.144 % were estimated for crude fiber and ash contents respectively. Crude fat content of DPP grains was 7.678 ±0.149%, 19.45%, for crude protein and 26.25±0.315 g/100g for carbohydrates ,the energy value was 291.902 Kcal/100g. The predominant minerals were potassium 73.5 mg/g, followed by magnesium 19.6 mg/g , calcium 10.8 mg/g and iron 8.5 mg/g. Comparable amounts of sodium 4.34 mg/g and copper 3.658 mg/g with equal amounts of molybdenum, nitrogen and boron (3.169, 3.11 and 3.024) mg/g respectively were found in DPP grains. Palm pollen also contain useful amount of zinc 2.799 mg/g, manganese 2.702 mg/g, selenium 2.51 mg/g, cobalt 1.986 mg/g, nickel 1.698 mg/g and cadmium 0.12 mg/g. From all the results we can conclude that the date palm pollen was as rich source of antioxidant, energy, and important minerals, so its suitability as a regular component in human diet.

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

“…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 ].…”

“…Moreover, DPP from the El-Ghannmi Ahmar cultivated in Iraq has demonstrated even higher mineral contents compared to Egyptian DPP. Specifically, the Iraqi DPP revealed elevated levels of potassium (7350 mg/100 g), magnesium (1960 mg/100 g), calcium (1080 mg/100 g), iron (8500 mg/100 g), and copper (365 mg/100 g), in comparison to Egyptian DPP [ 37 ] ( Table 5 ).…”

“…Hassan [10] El-Kholy et al [9] Basuny et al [36] Al-Samarai et al [37] Ibrahim et al [38] Regarding vitamin content, a study focused on the Egyptian El-Hayani DPP indicated the presence of substantial levels of several vitamins, including high amounts of vitamins A (7708.33 IU/100 g), E (3030.92 IU/100 g), and C (89.09 mg/10 g). Another Egyptian study, involving four DPP varieties treated similarly and collected from comparable soil and climate conditions during the same period Bishr and Yehia, [13] revealed high amounts of vitamins B2 (260 mg/g) and B12 (2316 mg/g) in El Hayani, followed by Zaghlol (B2: 193 mg/g; B12: 182 mg/g), Amhat (B2: 15 mg/g; B12: 43 mg/g), and Sewy (B2: 10 mg/g; B12: 14 mg/g).…”