Protective Effect of Phoenix dactylifera L. Seeds against Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: A Comparison with Vitamin C

Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) seeds have been mentioned in the Moroccan pharmacopoeia as efficient remedies against a wide range of diseases including hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders and countless infections. The current work was performed to assess the phenolic profile and hepatoprotective potential of two date seed varieties, locally known as Jihl and Majhoul, aqueous extracts against paracetamol- (PCM-) driven liver toxicity in 42 Wistar rats. The polyphenol profile was built by means of an HPLC analysis. Hepatic damage was provoked by exposing rats to PCM at a dose of 1.5 g/kg once a week. Besides PCM, Jihl and Majhoul date seed extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered orally in a day-to-day routine. Our findings showed that among the examined polyphenol compounds, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, and rutin were the most abundant phytochemicals. Date pits significantly ( $p<0.001$ ) stabilized the PCM-driven alterations in liver function parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, total protein, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin). Moreover, Phoenix dactylifera pits enhanced considerably ( $p<0.001$ ) the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) as well as the level of reduced glutathione (GSH). The established hepatoprotective effect may be due to the date seeds antioxidant effect and their ability to trap free radicals. The main outcomes of the present study could validate the traditional use of these date seeds to manage various health conditions.