Exploring the novel ameliorative effect of date palm pollen extract in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract with elusive causes, raising global health concerns. The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), recognized in traditional medicine, presents various bioactive properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, potentially benefiting gut and vascular health. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ethanolic extracts of date palm pollen on IBD in vivo. Fifty male Wister albino rats were divided into a control group (n = 10) and colitis groups (n = 40), with colitis induced by intracolonic acetic acid administration. Following treatment with saline or date palm pollen extract (DPPE) (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) for 14 days, metrics such as body weight loss, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and NF-κB), oxidative stress indicators (GST, H₂O₂, and MDA), colon histopathology, total leukocytes count and their differentiation, and fecal blood were evaluated. Results showed that colitis induction significantly increased leukocyte counts, pro-inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress, along with notable mucosal and submucosal damage. The treatment with DPPE substantially reduced these inflammatory markers and improved colon tissue histology. This research marks the first report of date palm pollen's ability to ameliorate acetic acid-induced colitis in rats and suggests its potential use as a natural dietary supplement for enhancing intestinal health and reducing inflammation.