Date Seed Extract
Also known as: Date seed extract, Date kernel extract, Date seed powder, DSP, Phoenix dactylifera seed extract
Overview
Date seed extract, derived from the seeds of the date palm fruit, is a polyphenol-rich dietary supplement. Often a byproduct of date processing, it is valued for its high content of polyphenols and dietary fiber. It is primarily utilized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with emerging research suggesting potential benefits for exercise performance and metabolic health. While research is still developing, initial studies, including randomized controlled trials, indicate its efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. It is available in various forms, including powder and aqueous extracts, with its bioactivity influenced by extraction methods and date cultivar.
Benefits
Date seed extract offers several evidence-based benefits. Its primary effect is significant antioxidant activity, demonstrated by reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA) and increases in antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in human and animal studies. For instance, a 2023 RCT showed DSP reduced oxidative stress markers and improved SOD/GPx in healthy adults. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, with a 2020 study showing reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TGF-β, COX-1, COX-2) in middle-aged women. Furthermore, DSP supplementation has been shown to improve aerobic and anaerobic performance in healthy adults undergoing high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Secondary benefits include potential antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and preliminary evidence suggesting improvements in glycemic control and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. These benefits are particularly relevant for physically active individuals, middle-aged women, and potentially T2DM patients. Most benefits are observed after approximately two weeks of supplementation.
How it works
Date seed extract primarily exerts its effects through its rich polyphenol content. These polyphenols act as potent antioxidants by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Its anti-inflammatory actions are mediated by the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TGF-β, and enzymes such as COX-1 and COX-2. Additionally, polyphenols may contribute to antimicrobial effects by disrupting bacterial cell walls and inhibiting microbial growth. The absorption and bioavailability of the active compounds are influenced by the specific extraction method and the polyphenol composition, which can vary depending on the date cultivar used.
Side effects
Date seed extract appears to have a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events reported in human randomized controlled trials involving healthy adults and middle-aged women. Common side effects are not well-documented, but studies using doses around 2.5 g/day have not reported significant adverse effects (defined as >5% incidence). There are no known drug interactions or contraindications identified in the current literature. Preliminary studies in special populations, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, have also indicated good tolerability. While short-term safety is supported by existing research, long-term safety data is still limited and requires further investigation. Individuals with known allergies to date palm products should exercise caution, although no specific allergic reactions to date seed extract have been reported.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of date seed extract observed in human trials is approximately 2.5 grams per day of date seed powder or an equivalent extract. This dosage, when taken daily for at least two weeks, has demonstrated benefits in terms of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and improvements in exercise performance. While higher doses have been used in animal studies, human data for higher dosages are limited, and an optimal dosage range for all applications is still being established. The maximum safe dose has not yet been determined, but no adverse effects have been reported at the studied dosages. Timing of supplementation typically involves daily intake. The form of the extract, whether powdered date seed or aqueous extracts, can influence efficacy, as the extraction solvent affects polyphenol content. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with meals, though specific cofactors for absorption have not been identified.
FAQs
Is date seed extract safe for long-term use?
Current research supports the short-term safety of date seed extract; however, more studies are needed to confirm its long-term safety profile.
Can it replace conventional antioxidants?
Date seed extract may complement existing antioxidant therapies but is not intended to replace them.
Does it improve athletic performance?
Yes, a well-designed randomized controlled trial showed modest improvements in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) performance after two weeks of supplementation.
Are there any known allergies?
No specific allergies to date seed extract have been reported, but individuals with date palm allergies should be cautious.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-date-seed-phoenix-dactylifera-supplementation-on-exerciseinduced-oxidative-stress-and-aerobic-and-anaerobic-performance-following-highintensity-interval-training-sessions-a-randomised-doubleblind-placebocontrolled-trial/85498E6968895239A1C499BE6F7FC981 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of date seed powder (DSP) on oxidative stress and exercise performance in 36 healthy adults. It found that 2 weeks of DSP supplementation significantly reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA) and increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx), while also improving both aerobic and anaerobic performance during HIIT. The study suggests DSP as a beneficial supplement for active individuals.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7414074/ – This quasi-experimental study explored the anti-inflammatory effects of steeped date seed in 22 middle-aged healthy women over 14 days. It demonstrated that consumption of steeped date seed significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TGF-β) and enzymes (COX-1, COX-2), indicating a notable anti-inflammatory effect. The findings suggest potential benefits for managing inflammation in this demographic.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1043548/full – This systematic review analyzed 11 studies on the antibacterial activity of date kernel extracts. It concluded that date kernel extracts possess antibacterial properties, primarily attributed to their polyphenol content. However, the review highlighted significant heterogeneity in extraction methods across studies, limiting definitive conclusions and emphasizing the need for standardization in future research.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41387-024-00287-1 – This preliminary randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of date seed powder (DSP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study indicated that DSP supplementation led to improvements in both glycemic indices and oxidative stress markers in T2DM patients. While specific details on sample size and duration were not provided in the summary, it suggests a promising role for DSP in managing T2DM-related complications.
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