Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Quranic perspectives, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activities

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the fruits frequently found with several terms referring to ripening of date fruits including Tamar. The Holy Qur�an has stated Date fruits in several verses (20 times) indicating the valuable values of Date fruit (DF) both in terms of their uniqueness and usefulness. The nutritional values, phytochemical compositions, and biological activities are influenced by some factors. The aim of this review was to highlight the Quranic perspectives on date fruit and to describe nutritional values, phytochemical profiles, and antioxidant effects of DF. During this study, some databases of Scopus, American Chemical Society, Science direct, Springer, Google Scholar covering abstract and full texts are downloaded and evaluated to be used as references during this review. From Quranic perspective, dates are unique fruits because Allah mentions them 20 times in 16 different chapters in the Quran indicating something valuable both in terms of their uniqueness and usefulness. DF contained large numbers of phenolics and flavonoids compounds contributing to high antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. It is recommended to consume DF as a functional food to prevent oxidative stress-related diseases. These benefits prove that DF is a good source to improve the life quality of human health. © 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.