Therapeutic Potential of Date Palm against Human Infertility: A Review
Shehzad M, Rasheed H, Naqvi SA, Al-Khayri JM, Lorenzo JM, Alaghbari MA, Manzoor MF, Aadil RM · Metabolites · 2021 June 21
DOI 10.3390/metabo11060408
Objective
This review brings together some of the data on the nutritional characteristics of the date palm and its different parts on fertility outcomes and critically evaluates the past and recent literature relevant to the consumption of date fruit against infertility-related problems.
Conclusions
Due to its antioxidant potential, dates are considered a functional treatment for reducing the risks of infertility. In males, the date palm has a potent effect on the reproductive parameters including hormonal levels and seminal vesicle parameters as well as sperm motility, count, and viability; whereas, in females, it shows a convincing effect on reproductive parameters including oogenesis process, strengthening of oocytes, regulation of hormones, strengthening of pregnancy, reduction of the need for labor augmentation, and postpartum hemorrhage prevention.
Critical Appraisal
Does this review establish that date palm improves pregnancy or live-birth rates?
No. It identifies preliminary reproductive effects, mainly in animal experiments, rather than establishing a treatment benefit for people with infertility. The review describes improvements in sperm measurements and reproductive hormones, but these do not necessarily translate into pregnancy or live birth. One human report used date palm pollen capsules for three months and recorded two pregnancies among participants’ partners; the review supplies neither a usable comparative pregnancy estimate nor its uncertainty. Ordinary date fruit, pollen capsules and seed extracts are also distinct preparations, so findings for one cannot establish fertility benefits for the others.
Do the reported benefits during labour demonstrate an effect on female infertility?
No. Studies of women already pregnant address childbirth outcomes, not whether treatment helps someone conceive. The review describes a trial involving 154 women expecting their first birth in which consuming seven dates daily reduced the need for labour augmentation—treatment to strengthen or accelerate labour—but did not significantly hasten spontaneous labour onset. Other reports describe changes in cervical dilation, labour duration or postpartum bleeding, with mixed findings across outcomes. These observations warrant separate assessment as maternity research; they do not demonstrate improved conception or live-birth rates among women with infertility, or establish dates as a replacement for obstetric treatment.
How securely do the review’s methods support its favourable conclusions and safety claims?
The full text supports a descriptive appraisal of a narrative review, not a reproducible systematic synthesis. Its useful features include separating male and female findings and tabulating preparations, doses and experimental models. However, it reports no reproducible search strategy, eligibility process or structured assessment of the included studies’ potential biases. Readers therefore cannot determine whether relevant unfavourable findings were missed or how much weight each result deserves. Notably, one table describes potentially reduced sperm quality and viability, despite the broadly favourable conclusion. Safety was not systematically evaluated, and inconsistent citations further limit verification of particular claims.
Assessed 19 Sept 2026.
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Insights
The date palm enhances both male and female fertility parameters through its nutritional attributes and antioxidant functionality.
The research conducted a thorough review of the role of date palm in treating infertility. The health benefits of date palm and its varied components were explored, with a focus on their effects on reproductive parameters in both sexes. The comprehensive review shed light on how the substantial nutrients and antioxidant features of date palm can be beneficial for people dealing with infertility.
In men, the study found direct links between consumption of date palm and improved hormonal levels alongside notable enhancements in seminal vesicle parameters and sperm quality. For women, this natural remedy showed a positive impact on the process of oogenesis, hormone regulation, and improving pregnancy outcomes. The focus was on the potential of date fruit as a natural enhancer of fertility, downplaying the role of any synthetic or invasive medical interventions. The study thus testifies to the innovative use of a widely available natural resource in addressing a pressing health issue.
Related insights
- In reproductive health, honey can improve infertility, protect the postmenopausal reproductive tract, prevent toxic effects, maintain sperm quality by restoring testosterone levels and treat vulvovaginal candidiasis infections.
- Consuming walnuts can enhance sperm motility and morphology, potentially improving fertility in males with infertility issues.
- Regular consumption of nuts improves sperm parameters such as motility, vitality, and morphology, potentially promoting successful reproductive outcomes in healthy males.
- The Mediterranean diet and reduced intake of trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and discretionary foods like fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages may improve fertility rates.
- Moderate consumption of beer, due to its melatonin content, can beneficially contribute to healthy diets and improve quality of life in certain physiological conditions.
- The intake of date palm enhances the sexual function in infertile couples.
- Nutraceuticals like zinc, vitamin D, l-arginine, mucuna, ashwagandha, tribulus, and ω3 fatty acids, along with lifestyle changes, can mildly improve male testosterone levels and sperm parameters.
- Among the mentioned plants, castor oil and date fruit have more evidence in cervical ripening and onset of labor.
