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Date fruit extracts are rich in bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. This study evaluated the polyphenol content and in vitro health-related properties (including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and glycemic modulation) of five Saudi Arabian date varieties/products (Ajwa, Khalas, Sukkary, dried Sukkary, and dried Seffery). Flesh extracts were obtained through drying, grinding, solvent-based, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, followed by vacuum concentration. The extracts were characterized for total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, and inhibitory activity against key metabolic enzymes, including α-glucosidase, DPP4, pancreatic lipase, and cholesterol esterase. Ajwa exhibited the highest total phenolic content (8584 mg/kg DM) and strongest antioxidant capacity (29.0 mg DPPH, 95.7 mg ABTS, and 18.3 µmol Trolox per g DM), followed by dried Seffery. Khalas showed the highest lipase inhibition (29.83%), while Khalas and Sukkary had the strongest cholesterol esterase inhibition (35.60% and 34.46%, respectively), supporting lipid metabolism regulation. Dried Seffery, Khalas, and Sukkary demonstrated potent α-glucosidase inhibition (70.57%, 70.12%, and 69.79%, respectively), while Ajwa and dried Sukkary exhibited significant DPP4 inhibition (40.65 and 36.04%, respectively). To assess in situ glycemic modulation, date extracts were incorporated into muffins as 50% sugar replacers, resulting in an estimated GI reduction of up to 36%. This support using date fruit extracts as functional ingredients that offer antioxidant properties and promote metabolic health and glycemic control.
Kafantari et al. (Tue,) studied this question.