COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTI-DIABETIC, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF DATE SEED OIL (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L) AND METFORMIN IN DIABETIC RATS: FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR DRUG DISCOVERY AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Abstract

Aim of  the study: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a date seed oil (DSO) extract, compared to the oral antidiabetic agent metformin, on glycemic control, redox status, and inflammation in an experimental model of fructose-induced diabetes (65%) in Wistar rats.

Material and methods: The DSO extract was obtained by oil extraction from date seed powder (Phoenix dactylifera L.) using the Soxhlet method. The study focused on assessing the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of DSO, including phenolic compounds and free radical scavenging activity. In vivo experiments were conducted on diabetic rats, both before and after gavage treatment with the DSO extract. Various factors, including hypoglycemic activity, serum insulin levels, the HOMA-IR index (a marker of insulin resistance), antioxidant activity, and inflammation markers, were assessed by measuring the relevant parameters.

Result: Phytochemical analysis of DSO extracts showed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins, along with significant anti-free radical activity. Treatment of diabetic rats by gavage with DSO extract improved glycaemic control and reduced insulin resistance, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in the HOMA-IR index and the recovery of serum insulin levels. Oral administration of DSO extract also reduced prooxidants and increased antioxidants, thereby restoring redox status and attenuating inflammation by regulating the production of inflammatory markers.

Conclusion: DSO extract exerted both a similar effect and a more potent action than metformin in reducing glycaemia, improving antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammatory markers in diabetic rats.