The algerian dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Biological study and transformation to flour

This study investigates the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of date kernel oil and aqueous extracts derived from date powder, while also exploring the transformation of dried dates into flour. Biochemical analysis of the Deglet Nour variety revealed its composition, including 44.23% total sugars (determined by the cuprimetric method), 2.76% proteins (quantified by the Kjeldahl method), 3.12 mg/100g phosphorus, 0.42 mg/100g iron (measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry), and 2.72% dietary fibers. The results demonstrated that date kernel oil exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, with inhibition zones of 9 mm and 12 mm. Similarly, the aqueous extract of date kernel powder showed moderate antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, with an inhibition zone of 10 mm. The oil achieved an inhibition percentage of 89% at a concentration of approximately 500 μg/mL, compared to 85% for ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene at the same concentration. The oil’s IC50 value was determined to be 35.22 μg/mL. Furthermore, the successful production of flour from dried dates was demonstrated.