Phytochemical profile, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic and anti-obesity activities of fruits and pits from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) grown in south of Tunisia

The aim of the present study is to determine polyphenolic composition and related biological activities of four Tunisian date palm varieties (Deglet Nour, Ruchdi, Ftimi, Kentichi). The highest total phenolic content values were obtained in methanol extracts of date pits. The potent antiradical activity was recorded in the methanol pits extracts which varied in the following order: Kentichi > Ruchdi > Ftimi > Deglet Nour. The antibacterial activity test demonstrated that date palm methanol extracts of both fruits and pits were effective in inhibiting growth of bacteria. In addition, our study demonstrated for the first time the potent inhibitory effect of pits from various date palm, especially Kentichi variety, against key enzymes related to diabetes and obesity. Hence, date palm pits can be considered as a potent natural source for high added value products which can be applied in agro-food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as alternative to undesirable synthetic additives.