Phytochemical Properties of Fully Ripe Date Powder of Selective Omani Date (Barni, Fard, Khalas and Madloki) Cultivars

Dates are an excellent source of polyphenols which makes them a valuable avenue for pharmacological properties. However, there are underutilized date fruits in Oman. In this study, four commonly grown Omani date cultivars, namely Barni, Fard, Khalas and Madloki at Tamar stages, were investigated for their total phenolic contents, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, vitamin C, β-carotene, tannins and saponins. The acidic-aqueous and alcoholic extracts were obtained from the dried powder of date varieties. Total phenolic contents were determined spectrophotometrically by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, β-carotene and vitamin C, were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Tannins and saponins were analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that there were differences among date cultivars in terms of total phenolic and flavonoids compounds. Madloki date powder exhibited the highest concentration of vitamin C and total phenolic compounds. Fard date powder had the highest concentration of flavonoid compounds, though it showed a lower concentration of β-carotene. A comparatively higher concentration of quercetin was observed in Madloki dates. The study results provide evidence that the investigated Omani date fruits possess potential nutraceutical properties.