Total phenolic, flavonoid content and metabolite profiling of methanol extract of date (Phoenix dactylifera) seeds by LCQTOF-MS

Abstract

Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) has been used in traditional medicine to treat illnesses. Extracts of P. dactylifera are reported to possess valuable pharmacological attributes. Date seeds are part of the palm trees that have not been widely used, based on previous studies that date seeds contain secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, sterols, terpenoids and anthocyanin. The aim of this study was to identify the total phenolic and flavonoids content from methanol extract of date seeds and characterize their metabolite profiles using the LC-QTOF-MS instrument. Date seeds were extracted using methanol 96% by maceration method so that thick extracts were obtained which were then analysed for the total phenolic and flavonoids content using UV-Vis spectrophotometer instruments, while the profiles of secondary metabolites used LC-QTOF-MS instruments. The results of the analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid of methanol extract of date seeds were 11.11 ± 0.71 g GAE/100 g and 2.15 ± 0.28 g QE/100 g, LC-QTOF-MS, it was concluded that the majority of date seed methanol extract contained phenolic acids compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids and sterols.