Chemical characterisation and the anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antibacterial properties of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

<p> </p> <h3>Ethnopharmacological relevance</h3> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/date-fruit" target="_blank">Date</a> fruit, <em>Phoenix dactylifera</em> L. has traditionally been used as a medicine in many cultures for the treatment of a range of ailments such as stomach and intestinal disorders, fever, oedema, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/bronchitis" target="_blank">bronchitis</a> and wound healing.</p> <h3>Aim of the review</h3> <p>The present review aims to summarise the traditional use and application of <em>P. dactylifera</em> date fruit in different ethnomedical systems, additionally the botany and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/phytochemistry" target="_blank">phytochemistry</a> are identified. Critical evaluation of <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vitro</em> studies examining date fruit in relation to anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antimicrobial activities are outlined.</p> <h3>Key findings</h3> <p>The ethnomedical use of <em>P. dactylifera</em> in the treatment of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/inflammatory-disease" target="_blank">inflammatory disease</a> has been previously identified and reported. Furthermore, date fruit and date fruit co-products such as date syrup are rich sources of polyphenols, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/anthocyanin" target="_blank">anthocyanins</a>, sterols and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/carotenoid" target="_blank">carotenoids</a><em>. In vitro</em> studies have demonstrated that date fruit exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activity. The recent interest in the identification of the numerous health benefits of dates using <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> studies have confirmed that date fruit and date syrup have beneficial health effects that can be attributed to the presence of natural bioactive compounds.</p> <h3>Conclusions</h3> <p>Date fruit and date syrup have therapeutic properties, which have the potential to be beneficial to health. However, more investigations are needed to quantify and validate these effects.</p>