Male date palm flowers: Valuable nutritional food ingredients and alternative antioxidant source and antimicrobial agent

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional properties of male date palm flower (MDPF) via determining its mineral, amino acid and bioactive compounds profiles and to investigate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities in order to prove its possible use as a healthy and potential natural source in human dietary diets. Results showed that MDPF is an excellent source of minerals especially regarding its high potassium and phosphorus contents (2684.23 and 318.66 mg/100 g, respectively). Moreover, the amino acids profile of MDPF showed considerable amounts supplying the human requirements. The phytochemical compounds analysis showed high content of polyphenol and flavonoids (3829.22 mg EAG/100 g and 168.31 mg EQ/100 g, respectively) promoting high antioxidant activity. The quantitative and qualitative analysis (LC-ESI-MS) of phenolic acids and flavonoids led to the identification of 18 phenolic compounds that were dominated by quinic acid (84.52%). The MDPF extract showed a potential antioxidant activity determined by different tests, namely DPPH radicals scavenging activity, ferric reducing power assay, ferrous ion chelating capacity and β-carotene bleaching assay. The MDPF also exhibited significant antibacterial activity against some tested bacteria. In conclusion, owing to its nutritional profile and biological activities, MDPF could be considered as potential functional-ingredient for food applications.