The Health-Related Biological Effects of Date Palm Pollen (DPP) along with Physical Activity: A Narrative Mini-Review

Abstract

Date Palm Pollen (DDP), which is found in the male date tree, actually fertilizes the female date tree, which is necessary for the growth of date fruit. It is consisting of sugarcane, protein, calcium, vitamins (B, C and E) and minerals. It has long been used in traditional medicine as a medicinal plant with fertility effects and increased libido. The information obtained from the studies shows that this pollen, due to its antioxidant and gonadotropin-stimulating compounds, can increase fertility and sexual potency in both women and men with two main mechanisms. The first mechanism is this effect on the stimulation of gonadotrophic hormones and the second is a reduction of oxidative stress in the testicular tissue and consequently a protective effect on the testicular tissue. Due to the presence of antioxidant compounds, the consumption of this pollen also applies its health-enhancing effects to other tissues such as the liver, intestines, and heart. As same as DDP, regular Physical Activity (PA) stimulates gonadotrophic hormones and also beneficially affects antioxidant status and redox balance. In recent years, researchers have paid attention to this pollen as an important factor to strengthen the health-enhancing effects of PA, and researchers have investigated the simultaneous effect of this pollen and PA. Despite the few studies done, it seems that this pollen can enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of regular PAs. Nevertheless, it seems necessary to further studies in this area.

Keywords

• fertility
• inflammation
• oxidative stress