Comparative study on the chemical profile, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of three varieties of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seeds

Abstract Back ground Phoenix dactylifera L. seeds, the primary byproducts of date consumption, are recognised for their intriguing pharmacological potential. Methods This research aimed to investigate the metabolite profile of three Egyptian date seeds (Ajwa, Zaghloul, and Sukkari) using hydroalcoholic extracts and determine their antidiabetic activity through in vitro and in vivo studies. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were conducted via UPLC-ESI–MS/MS. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPPIV), α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory enzyme activities were assessed in vitro, followed by in vivo evaluation of their pharmacological mechanisms in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Results A total of 21 metabolites were tentatively identified across all three types of date seeds, with 18 compounds detected in both Ajwa and Zaghloul varieties, and 19 in Sukkari. TPC ranged between 65.66 ± 3.25–169.15 ± 5.22 mg GAE/100 gm DW, and TFC varied between 28.45 ± 1.88–112.69 ± 6.35 mg RE/100 gm DW. Antioxidant activity on DPPH showed an IC 50 of 42.02 ± 3.11–78.41 ± 8.25 µg/ml. Sukkari exhibited the strongest inhibition in vitro against DPPIV and α-amylase (IC 50 : 3.66 and 3.64 µg/ml, respectively), while Zaghloul showed the best activity against α-glucosidase (IC 50 : 139.58 µg/ml). Moreover, all extracts improved diabetic and hyperlipidemic profiles by suppressing oxidative status (MDA) and restoring antioxidant activities (SOD and CAT). Conclusion Phoenix dactylifera seeds, particularly Sukkari, could be developed as a potent source of polyphenols for antioxidant and antidiabetic therapies and dietary supplements, given their high phenolic and flavonoid content and notable health benefits.