HESHAM S. GHAZZAWY, Nashi Alqahtani, Mohammad Fikry, Hossam Darrag, nabil awad
In arid and semi-arid areas, Phoenix dactylifera L. is a perennial monocot of significant agro-ecological and socioeconomic value. Its ability to withstand drought, salinity, and high temperatures is demonstrated by its spreading cultivation throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and new production zones, highlighting its strategic importance in the context of climate change. This paper summarizes what is now known about the date palm’s worldwide distribution, phytochemical makeup, and sustainable functional uses. High concentrations of glucose and fructose, dietary fiber, carotenoids, tocopherols, important minerals (especially K and Mg), and a structurally varied phenolic profile that includes proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids are characteristics of date fruits. Significant cultivar-dependent heterogeneity in bioactive compounds is revealed by metabolomic and chromatographic investigations. Through the modification of oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling pathways, and enzymes that break down carbohydrates, experimental investigations show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective properties. In addition to the edible pulp, seeds and other by-products are important biomass that is rich in lignocellulosic and polyphenols and can be used in biodegradable materials, functional meals, nutraceuticals, and bioenergy applications. Circular bioeconomy waste valorization tactics are supported by developments in green extraction technology and biorefinery techniques. There are still issues with clinical validation, standardization, and scalable processing despite encouraging data. To fully utilize date palm resources for environmental sustainability, food security, and bio-based industrial innovation, integrative research frameworks are necessary.