Phoenix dactylifera L. (Ajwa Dates): An energetic plant fruit with immense nutraceuticals value for strengthening the power of resistance

Abstract

Phoenix dactylifera L. (family Arecaceae) is a unique natural products fruit that contains a high amount of carbohydrates, alkaloids, carotenes, steroids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, vitamins, and tannins used in various forms of diseases such as bleeding, dyspnoea, cough, burning sensation, syncope, trauma, and tuberculosis. Date Fruits are utilized worldwide especially in Arab zones as a part of the essential diet for a long time. Its fruit is now utilized in several traditional systems of medicine (TSM), particularly in Ayurvedic formulations, to treat a variety of maladies. It has different pharmacological actions like antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimutagenic, anti-asthmatic, nephroprotective, gastrointestinal protective, hepatoprotective, Cerebro-protective, neuroprotective, immunostimulatory activity, and aphrodisiac activities. Its formulations are advocated for the treatment of lead-induced hepatotoxicity, chemotherapy side effects such as methylprednisolone, and male and female infertility. Phoenix dactylifera fruits and date seeds have been mentioned in various literature and early Ayurvedic writings for their phytochemical, phytopharmacological, traditional, and folklore applications.