experimental study of the effect of eating dates [tamre] on fracture healing in rats

ABSTRACT

An experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of eating dates [Tamre] on fracture healing. This experiment was prompted by the frequent questioning by patients and relatives regarding the myth that eating Tamre has an unfavourable effect on fracture healing. Seventy-eight animals, male Wistar-type rats, with an average weight of 500 g were divided randomly into three groups Group C [control] received a normal diet; experimental Group I had 50% of their diets substituted by dates; and, Group II had 25% of their diets substituted by dates [Tamre-Khidri type]. Under anaesthesia, the right tibia was fractured in all groups and the fractures were fixed using intramedullary Kirchner's wires. At regular intervals, one rat of each group was sacrificed and the healing was tested radiologically and mechanically. The overall results shewed no significant difference between Group C [control] and Group II, whereas in Group I, there was a higher incidence of delayed union and non-union. It was concluded that eating dates [Tamre] has no unfavourable effect on fracture healing unless it is the main source of food