PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS OF DEGLET NOOR AND KHALAL BARHI DATES

ABSTRACT Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important fruit widely consumed for its nutritional and medicinal value. Dates are known to contain essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to human health. However, variations may exist among different cultivars in their phytochemical and nutritional composition. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the phytochemical constituents, proximate composition, vitamin content (A, C, and E), and mineral composition of two date varieties, Deglet Noor and Khalal Barhi. AOAC were employed for the analyses. Proximate parameters were determined using AOAC methods, phytochemical screening was carried out using established qualitative procedures, vitamins were analyzed spectrophotometrically, and mineral elements were determined using appropriate analytical techniques. All analyses were performed in triplicate and results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student’s t-test at p < 0.05. The results revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, steroids, and terpenoids in both varieties. Proximate analysis showed that DN contained 18.00% moisture, 7.81% protein, 7.50% fat, 6.00% fibre, 4.00% ash, and 56.69% carbohydrate, while KB showed 19.00% moisture, 7.50% protein, 7.00% fat, 6.50% fibre, 4.50% ash, and 55.50% carbohydrate. Both varieties also contained amounts of potassium (650.4–670.8 mg/100g), calcium (45.2–47.1 mg/100g), magnesium (38.5–40.3 mg/100g), iron (1.8–1.9 mg/100g), and zinc (0.6–0.7 mg/100g), as well as vitamins A, C, and E. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05) in most parameters between the two varieties. In conclusion, both Deglet Noor and Khalal Barhi date varieties are nutritionally rich and contain valuable phytochemicals and minerals, making them suitable for dietary consumption and potential health promotion.