Date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.): nutrition, phytochemistry, and translational gaps in reported bioactivities — a critical narrative review

and human evidence remains limited. In addition, large differences in cultivar, ripening stage, processing conditions, and analytical methods make direct comparison between studies difficult. By clearly distinguishing between levels of evidence, this review highlights important limitations and research gaps in the current literature. Future studies should focus on standardized cultivar description, improved chemical profiling, realistic intake levels, and biologically meaningful outcomes. Addressing these issues will help clarify the functional significance of date palm fruits and support their evaluation within plant science and food research frameworks.