Abstract
Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L) contains many macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants which has been related to beneficial health properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of date fruit extract (DFE) against Al-induced toxicity in rat model. Male albino rats were divided into four groups of 8 rats : A control group, did not receive any treatment, the DFE group received date water extract (DFE) (500 mg kg(-1) b. w) orally per day, the Al group: rats were supplemented with aluminum chloride (AlCl3) added to the drinking water at a concentration of 53.5 mg/ l and the DFE-Al group, rats received DFE along with AlCl3. The experimental duration lasted for six weeks. The data obtained indicate that Al administration results in inducing hematological alterations decline in the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb), RBC, Hct%, PCV, MCH, MCV and MCHC accompanied by a significant increase in WBC counts. Significant elevations in the serum inflammatory markers as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and the nuclear transcription factor (NF-kappa B) were observed in AlCl3-treated rats. The results demonstrated, also, that Al promotes lipid peroxidation and decreases the level of antioxidants: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents in serum. However, treatment of AlCl3 group with DFE resulted in significant amelioration in the mentioned parameters as compared with AlCl3 group. According to the results obtained in the present study, it could be concluded that date fruits have beneficial health properties through immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.