Researchers tested whether a powder made from date seeds could help people with type 2 diabetes feel better emotionally and sleep more soundly. In an 8-week study with 43 patients, those who took date seed powder daily showed improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality compared to those taking a placebo. The powder also appeared to reduce stress-related chemicals in the body and improve inflammation markers. While these results are promising, the study was small, so more research is needed before doctors might recommend this as a standard treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating date seed powder could reduce anxiety, depression, and sleep problems in people with type 2 diabetes, and how it affects stress chemicals in the body.
  • Who participated: 43 adults with type 2 diabetes were split into two equal groups. One group took 5 grams of date seed powder daily (about a teaspoon), while the other took a fake pill that looked the same. The study lasted 8 weeks.
  • Key finding: People taking date seed powder reported feeling less anxious and depressed, slept better, and had lower levels of stress hormones in their blood compared to the placebo group. The improvements were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to be due to chance.
  • What it means for you: Date seed powder might be a natural way to help manage mood and sleep problems that often come with diabetes. However, this was a small study, so talk to your doctor before trying it. It should not replace standard diabetes or mental health treatments.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the most reliable types of medical research. Researchers randomly assigned 43 people with type 2 diabetes into two groups: one received 5 grams of date seed powder mixed into their daily diet, while the other received an identical-looking placebo (fake powder) for 8 weeks. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting the real powder until the study ended, which helps prevent bias.

Before and after the 8-week period, researchers measured several things: how depressed, anxious, and stressed participants felt using standard questionnaires; how well they slept; their blood sugar levels; and various chemicals in their blood related to stress, inflammation, and mood. The researchers used statistical tests to compare the two groups and determine if any differences were real or just due to chance.

This approach is strong because it controls for the placebo effect—the tendency to feel better just because you’re taking something. By comparing the date seed powder group to a placebo group, researchers could see if the powder itself was actually responsible for improvements.

Using a randomized controlled trial design is important because it helps prove that date seed powder actually causes the improvements, rather than just being associated with them. The placebo control is especially valuable because mood and sleep can improve just from the expectation of treatment. This study design gives us more confidence in the results than observational studies would.

Strengths: The study used a randomized design with a placebo control, which is the gold standard for testing treatments. Researchers measured multiple relevant outcomes including mood, sleep, and blood markers. Weaknesses: The sample size was small (only 43 people), which means results might not apply to larger populations. The study lasted only 8 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue long-term. The study didn’t track whether participants stuck with taking the powder consistently. Results from small studies sometimes don’t hold up when tested in larger groups.

What the Results Show

People taking date seed powder showed meaningful improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress compared to the placebo group. On the standard depression and anxiety scale used, the date seed group improved significantly more than those taking placebo. Sleep quality also improved noticeably in the date seed group—participants reported falling asleep more easily, sleeping more soundly, and feeling more rested.

In terms of body chemistry, the date seed powder group had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that stays elevated when people are chronically stressed. They also had lower levels of endotoxin, a substance that triggers inflammation in the body. Additionally, the powder appeared to improve the balance of immune chemicals—increasing anti-inflammatory substances (like interleukin-10) while reducing pro-inflammatory ones.

The powder also affected tryptophan metabolism, which is important for mood. Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood and sleep. The date seed group had higher tryptophan levels and a better ratio of tryptophan to kynurenine (another chemical the body makes from tryptophan), suggesting the powder may help the body use tryptophan more efficiently for mood regulation.

Some measurements didn’t show differences between groups. Fasting blood sugar levels, C-reactive protein (another inflammation marker), and certain stress hormones (ACTH) didn’t change differently between the groups. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a chemical important for brain health and mood, also didn’t differ significantly. These non-findings suggest that while date seed powder helps with mood and sleep, it may not directly improve blood sugar control—so people with diabetes would still need their regular diabetes medications.

This research builds on growing evidence that functional foods—foods with health benefits beyond basic nutrition—may help manage diabetes complications. Previous studies have shown that date seeds contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study is among the first to specifically test whether date seed powder affects the gut-brain connection in diabetes patients. The findings align with emerging research showing that inflammation and gut health significantly influence mood and sleep in people with chronic diseases like diabetes.

The study was small with only 43 participants, which limits how much we can generalize the findings to all people with diabetes. The 8-week duration is relatively short—we don’t know if benefits continue, increase, or fade over months or years. The study didn’t measure whether participants actually stuck with taking the powder consistently. There’s no information about whether the powder works equally well for different ages, genders, or types of diabetes. The study also didn’t compare date seed powder to other treatments for anxiety and depression, so we can’t say if it’s better or worse than other options.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, date seed powder appears promising for reducing anxiety, depression, and sleep problems in people with type 2 diabetes (moderate confidence level). If you’re interested in trying it, discuss it with your doctor first, especially if you take medications for mood or sleep. A reasonable starting point would be 5 grams daily (about a teaspoon), the amount used in this study. However, this should complement—not replace—standard treatments for depression, anxiety, or diabetes. More research in larger groups is needed before making strong recommendations.

This research is most relevant to people with type 2 diabetes who also struggle with anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. It may also interest people looking for natural approaches to manage mood alongside their diabetes care. People taking psychiatric medications should consult their doctor before adding supplements. This research is less relevant to people without diabetes or those with type 1 diabetes, as the study only included type 2 diabetes patients.

In this study, improvements in mood and sleep appeared within 8 weeks. However, individual results vary—some people might notice changes sooner, while others might take longer. Sleep quality improvements often appear before mood changes. Don’t expect overnight results; give it at least 4 weeks before deciding if it’s working for you. If you don’t notice improvements after 8-12 weeks, it may not be effective for you personally.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily mood using a simple 1-10 scale each evening, plus sleep quality (hours slept and how rested you feel). Log date seed powder intake to ensure consistency. Monitor these metrics weekly to see trends over 4-8 weeks.
  • Set a daily reminder to take 5 grams of date seed powder at the same time each day (such as with breakfast). Mix it into yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, or water. Consistency is key—missing doses makes it harder to see if it actually works.
  • Create a simple weekly chart tracking: (1) mood/anxiety level, (2) sleep hours and quality, (3) powder intake consistency, and (4) overall stress level. Compare weeks 1-2 to weeks 7-8 to see if there’s improvement. Share results with your doctor at your next visit.

This research suggests date seed powder may help with mood and sleep in people with type 2 diabetes, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Do not stop taking any medications for diabetes, depression, or anxiety without consulting your doctor. If you have severe depression, anxiety, or sleep problems, seek professional mental health care. People taking blood thinners, diabetes medications, or psychiatric drugs should consult their healthcare provider before adding supplements, as interactions are possible. This study was small and short-term; larger, longer studies are needed to confirm these findings. Always discuss new supplements with your doctor, especially if you have other health conditions or take multiple medications.