Abstract

DATE FRUIT (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA LINN) – A REVIEW ON NUTRITIONAL VALUES, PHYTOCHEMICALS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS

Dr. Neeta Mahesh Deshpande* and Dr. Manasi M. Deshpande

Abstract

Facing today's challenges, review is helpful in cherishing knowledge and exerting intelligent efforts in the rational practices in herbal medicine. Date is delicious fruit enjoyed by all since antiquity. It is valuable food and medicine stated by systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani medicines and secured valuable status in many formulations. In Ayurved, it is presented that date should be consumed daily. Date is a potent nutritive, aphrodisiac, tonic, laxative fruit. It is effective remedy in various diseases like fever, cancer, pittaja disorders, etc. Intensive attention is payed now a days to study it's various nutrients, phytoconstituents and pharmacological actions to understand the efficacy in treating broad spectrum of diseases. Date's assuring preventive potential is hidden in high nutritional values as well as it's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer actions. The review bring to light all the hiddent facts about the dignified place of Kharjur fruit in human life.

Keywords: date fruit, nutritional values, phytoconstituents, pharmacological actions.