Secondary Metabolites of Date Palm

Abstract

Higher plants such as date palm accumulate a wide range of different chemicals in their tissue. These can conveniently be divided into two types of compounds: products of primary plant metabolism such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which guarantee the primary functions of growth and development; and products of secondary metabolism such as phenolics. Phenolic compounds are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. These organic compounds are not directly involved in primary metabolic processes of growth and development but are important constituents of resistance/tolerance to stress. These include lignins and other phenolics, which strengthen mechanically the cell walls while tannins, flavonoids, and some simple phenolics serve as defenses against herbivores, pathogens, ultraviolet radiation and other abiotic stress. In addition, some phenolics have allelopathic activity and may adversely influence the growth of neighboring plants. Other compounds such phytosterols, and alpha-tocopherols are also important in many growth and development processes. All these metabolites have been attributed to have nutritional and health-benefit value in the human diet. This chapter provides an overview on the work carried out on secondary metabolites in date palm, with special emphasis on the metabolic pathways involved, the regulation, potential functions, and health and nutritional benefits.