# Kharjura

> Kharjura (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Arecaceae (Palmae) family. Recognized by FAO and WHO as a nutritionally important fruit crop.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Phoenix dactylifera L.
- **Family:** Arecaceae (Palmae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Recognized by FAO and WHO as a nutritionally important fruit crop. Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia as Kharjura. Widely used in Unani medicine (Khurma). No dedicated WHO medicinal monograph.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kharjura |
| Latin/Botanical | *Phoenix dactylifera L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Beta-D-glucan
- Phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, p-coumaric)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), [luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/))
- [Carotenoids](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carotenoids) (beta-carotene, [lutein](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#lutein))
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) ([proanthocyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proanthocyanidins))
- [Sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols) (beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/))
- [Selenium](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#selenium)
- [Potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium)
- Dietary fiber
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/)

## How does it work?

- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity via polyphenol-mediated (proanthocyanidins, flavonoids) free radical scavenging and Nrf2 pathway activation
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effects through phenolic acid-mediated reduction of liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST) and attenuation of oxidative stress
- Anti-inflammatory action via flavonoid-mediated ([apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), luteolin) inhibition of NF-kB signaling and COX-2 expression
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) effects through antioxidant protection against neuronal oxidative damage and modulation of acetylcholinesterase activity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Aphrodisiac](/glossary/pharmacology/#aphrodisiac) and fertility enhancement (Vajikara) validated through spermatogenic studies with date palm pollen in animal models
- [Expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) and antitussive use validated through demulcent and bronchodilatory effects in preclinical models
- Nutritive tonic (Balya) use supported by rich mineral, vitamin and caloric profile documentation
- [Laxative](/reference/laxative/) use validated through high dietary fiber content and bulk-forming mechanism studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Qadir A, Shakeel F, Ali A and others 2020. [Phytotherapeutic potential and pharmaceutical impact of Phoenix dactylifera (date palm): current research and future prospects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32180616/). *Journal of food science and technology*. PMID [32180616](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32180616/) · [doi:10.1007/s13197-019-04096-8](https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-019-04096-8)  
  Comprehensive review confirmed [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/), anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), antioxidant, anti-proliferative, antifungal and antibacterial activities with identification of key polyphenolic and saponin fractions.
- Mahomoodally MF, Khadaroo SK, Hosenally M and others 2024. [Nutritional, medicinal and functional properties of different parts of the date palm and its fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) - A systematic review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37070182/). *Critical reviews in food science and nutrition*. PMID [37070182](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37070182/) · [doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2191285](https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2023.2191285)  
  Date palm pollen extract demonstrated significant fertility-enhancing effects in male rats with increased sperm count, motility and testosterone levels, validating traditional aphrodisiac use.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Dates are a widely consumed food with an excellent safety profile; high sugar content warrants moderation in diabetic patients
- Date seed extracts and pollen have shown no significant toxicity in preclinical studies; however, high caloric density should be considered in metabolic conditions

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Fruit powder (Churna), Avaleha (confection/paste), Swarasa (juice/syrup), Paka (jam), Capsule, Energy bar formulations

**Standard Dosage:** 2-4 fruits daily (10-20 g); 10-20 g Avaleha; 20-30 mL date syrup; 3-5 g powder with milk

**Bioavailability:** Natural sugars ([glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose), [fructose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#fructose), [sucrose](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sucrose) — 60-80% dry weight) are rapidly absorbed. Phenolic acids and flavonoids show moderate bioavailability. Iron and potassium are well-absorbed, especially when consumed with vitamin C-rich foods. Fiber content (6-8%) moderates glycemic response despite high sugar content (GI ~42-55 depending on variety). Tannin-mineral interaction may reduce mineral bioavailability; soaking/processing reduces tannins.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning with milk for nutritive and energy purposes; before or between meals as healthy snack; Avaleha after meals for digestive benefit

**Standardized Extract:** Date extract standardized to minimum 70% total sugars, 2% dietary fiber, and 1% total phenolics (as gallic acid equivalents); date seed extract to minimum 5% total [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols)

**Shelf Life:** 12 months for whole dried dates; 18 months for date powder; 24 months for date syrup; 24 months for capsules; 6 months for Avaleha

**Storage:** Whole dates at 15-25°C in airtight containers or vacuum-packed. Refrigeration (4-8°C) extends shelf life to 24 months. Date syrup in glass jars at room temperature. Powder in moisture-proof containers (hygroscopic nature).

**Marker Compounds:** Gallic acid, Protocatechuic acid, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), Luteolin, Beta-D-glucan

### Extraction Methods

- Mechanical pitting and pulping
- Hot water extraction for date syrup
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol) for polyphenol-rich fraction
- Enzymatic treatment (pectinase, cellulase) for juice clarification
- Spray drying for instant date powder

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for strength-building (Balya) formulations
- Milk (Dugdha) as traditional Anupana for nutritive combination
- [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (Ghee) for Vata-pacifying nutritive preparation
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for lactation support
- Amalaki for iron absorption enhancement

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kharjura/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.