Inhibitory Action of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Leaf Extract on Pancreatic Lipase and α-Amylase Activities

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) remain the main cause of mortality globally. High cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and high blood glucose (diabetes) are among the factors that increase the risk for CVDs. Application of inhibitors for the digestive enzymes accountable for the macronutrient hydrolysis, such as carbohydrates and fats, is one of the prevalent approaches in the development of medications against CVDs. The present study was performed to examine, <i>in vitro</i>, the lipase and amylase inhibitory potential of phenolic rich extract of leaves of four date palm cultivars. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In the current study, the research investigated the potentiality of phytochemicals extracted from leaves of four date palm cultivars (Rawthan, Rabeaa, Barny and Ajwa), collected from Al-Madinah Governorate as lipase and amylase inhibitors and as antioxidants. Moreover, the total contents of flavonoids and phenolics were assessed. <b>Results:</b> The results revealed that all the tested cultivars showed promising lipase and amylase inhibition and antioxidants capacities. However, Rawthan and Ajwa were the most powerful cultivars. <b>Conclusion:</b> Therefore, the results presented herein suggest as the earliest report, the potential use of date palm leaves as a potential source for lipase and amylase inhibitors as an approach to decrease the risk for CVDs.