The effect of ajwa dates (Phoenix dactylifera L) consumption to anti-Mullerian hormone level of perimenopausal woman

Ageing in the female reproductive system is most clearly seen when entering the perimenopausal period, where there is a decrease in the number and function of oocytes and significant endocrine changes. Inflammation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be the most responsible factors for the reduction in ovarian reserve. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is used as a biomarker of ovarian reserve and clinically as a predictive biomarker of menopause. Ajwa dates contain phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to analyse the effect of consuming ajwa dates on AMH levels in perimenopausal women. This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-post control design which was conducted at Sitti Khadijah 1 Muhammadiyah Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia, from May until October 2021. It involved 44 perimenopausal subjects aged 42 - 48 years, which were divided into 2 groups randomly (28 subjects consumed ajwa dates as the intervention group, sixteen as the control group). AMH levels were assessed before and after the 8week intervention period and analysed using the ELISA method. The result showed that AMH levels in the intervention and the control groups after 8 weeks of treatment decreased by 0.37±0.36 ng/mL and 0.55±0.19 ng/mL, respectively. The decrease in AMH levels between the two groups was significantly different (p<0.05) where AMH levels in the intervention group declined less than in the control group. In conclusion, AMH levels in perimenopausal women who consumed ajwa dates decreased less than perimenopausal women who did not consume ajwa dates. The reduction of ovarian reserve in perimenopausal women can be inhibited through the intervention of exogenous antioxidants from ajwa dates which AMH levels were the indicator.