Abstract:
The aims of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracts of the date palm fruit
(Phœnix dactylifera L.) from 2 cultivars selected (Ajwa and Tazerzait). The crude polysaccharides
(Ps) and the aqueous extracts (Aq) of Ajwa and Tazerzait dates were extracted with distilled water.
The yields varied between (1.5 and 2.6%) for the crude extracts of the polysaccharides and between
(24 and 35%) for the aqueous extracts. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated in
vitro using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-
6-sulfonate) tests). The results revealed that Ps and Aq exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant
activities and that Ps was significantly important and similar to that of controls (BHT and Vitamin
C). These results should therefore provide a scientific basis for the subsequent use of polysaccharides
from dates.
