Date (Phoenix dactylifera var. Khalas) Seed Extracts Rich in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities: Potential Preventive Effects Against Atherosclerosis and Lipid Oxidation in Model Systems

Date seed extracts (DSE) derived from ethanol, methanol, and water were analyzed for their content of bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties, and their potential roles in preventing atherosclerosis and lipid oxidation in model systems. The ethanolic extract (EtE) was found to contain the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds, including total phenolics, total flavonoids, lycopene, terpenoids, tannins, kaempferol, and phytates. In contrast, the methanolic extract (MeE) contained total carotenoids and polysaccharides, while the aquatic extract (AqE) was noted for compounds such as lutein, total anthocyanins, triterpenoids, saponin, oxalate, and caffeine. Additionally, all DSE exhibited significant antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities. In the DPPT assay, the IC50 values for AqE, EtE, and MeE were determined to be 17.63 ± 0.24, 12.10 ± 0.20, and 14.09 ± 0.13 μg/mL, respectively, in comparison to the BHT standard, which was 9.25 ± 0.19 μg/mL. Consequently, the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of the DSE and the standard was ranked as follows: standard (BHT) > EtE > MeE > AqE. Both 50 and 100 ppm concentrations of all DSE demonstrated the capability to inhibit lipid oxidation in both β-carotene linoleate and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation model systems (Anti-atherosclerotic effect). Therefore, it can be inferred that DSE may serve as a viable alternative source of natural antioxidants. Furthermore, DSE may serve as a potential drug in the prevention