Phytochemical content and Antioxidant properties of Ghars date palm Phoenix dactylifera L.) harvested at different stages of maturity

In the present study, the phytochemical composition (Total phenolic, total flavonoid and total tannins contents) and antioxidant properties of Algerian date fruit (Ghars) at four distinct maturity stages; Khellal, Besser, Rutab and Tamr were investigated. The antioxidant activity evaluated by using two different assays (2, 2’- azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical and Ferric reducing power assay (FRP)). Results showed that the contained of total phenolic compounds were very important at Khellal stage with a concentration of 980.54±22.31(mg GAE/g EW), total flavonoids contents of 7.91±0.02 (mg QE/g EW) and total tannins contents with 683.76±25.26 (mg CE/100g DW). Then these phytochemicals compounds decreased with progress in maturity, followed by a decrease in the antioxidant activity. Our data suggest that date fruit is a good source of natural antioxidants and may be used in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics products.