rBet v 1a-BanLecwt induce upregulation of IL-10 and IFN-γ gene expression in Caco-2/THP-1 co-culture and secretion of IL-10 and IFN-γ/IL-4 levels in PBMCs of birch pollen allergic donors.

Novel allergen immunotherapy (AIT) approaches necessitate the use of more effective and safe therapeutics, which can be accomplished by employing novel adjuvants for improved innate immune cell activation, as well as hypoallergenic allergen forms. In this study, we investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a chimera rBet v 1a-BanLecwt (rBv1a-BLwt; Cwt) composed of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a and banana lectin (BanLecwt; BLwt) and two novel chimeras, rBv1l-BLH84T (rBet v 1l-BanLecH84T; C1) and rBLH84T-Bv1l (rBanLecH84T-Bet v 1l; C2), both composed of BLH84T and hypoallergenic birch pollen allergen Bv1l in the co-culture model Caco-2/THP-1, and PBMCs from donors with birch pollen allergy. The chimeric molecules rBv1l-BLH84T (C1) and rBLH84T-Bv1l (C2) were created in silico and then produced in E. coli using recombinant DNA technology. Real-time PCR analysis of gene expression following compound treatment in the co-culture model revealed that all three chimeras have the potential to induce the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 gene expression in Caco-2 cells and IFN-γ gene expression in THP-1 cells. Sandwich ELISA revealed that Cwt increased IL-10 secretion and IFN-/IL-4 levels in PBMCs from birch pollen allergic donors, whereas C1 and C2 were less effective. The findings suggest that Cwt should be analyzed further due to its potential benefit in AIT.

Inhibition of Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid-Induced Acute Pulmonary Inflammation and NF-κB Activation in Mice by a Banana Plant Extract.

NF-κB activation is pivotal for the excess inflammation causing the critical condition and mortality of respiratory viral infection patients. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of a banana plant extract (BPE) on suppressing NF-κB activity and acute lung inflammatory responses in mice induced by a synthetic double-stranded RNA viral mimetic, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)). The inflammatory responses were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and HE stains and ELISA. The NF-κB activities were detected by immunohistochemistry in vivo and immunofluorescence and Western blot in vitro. Results showed that BPE significantly decreased influx of immune cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and total WBC), markedly suppressed the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-6, RANTES, IFN-γ, MCP-1, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, and IL-17), and restored the diminished anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of poly (I:C)-stimulated mice. Accordingly, HE staining revealed that BPE treatment alleviated poly (I:C)-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and histopathologic changes in mice lungs. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis showed that BPE reduced the pulmonary IL-6, CD11b (macrophage marker), and nuclear NF-κB p65 staining intensities, whilst restored that of IL-10 in poly (I:C)-stimulated mice. In vitro, BPE antagonized poly(I:C)-induced elevation of IL-6, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, NF-κB p65 signaling, and transient activation of p38 MAPK in human lung epithelial-like A549 cells. Taken together, BPE ameliorated viral mimic poly(I:C)-induced acute pulmonary inflammation in mice, evidenced by reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and regulation of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanism of action might closely associate with NF-κB signaling inhibition.

Synthesis of Pectin and Eggshell Biowaste-Mediated Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), Their Physicochemical Characterizations, and Use as Antibacterial Material.

The current study reports the synthesis of sustainable nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) using a wet chemical precipitation approach. The materials used in the green synthesis of nHAp were obtained from environmental biowastes such as HAp from eggshells and pectin from banana peels. The physicochemical characterization of obtained nHAp was carried out using different techniques. For instance, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and FTIR spectroscopy were used to study the crystallinity and synthesis of nHAp respectively. In addition, the morphology and elemental composition of nHAP were studied using FESEM equipped with EDX. HRTEM showed the internal structure of nHAP and calculated its grain size which was 64 nm. Furthermore, the prepared nHAp was explored for its antibacterial and antibiofilm activity which has received less attention previously. The obtained results showed the potential of pectin-bound nHAp as an antibacterial agent for various biomedical and healthcare applications.

New plant-based fermented beverage made of baru nut enriched with probiotics and green banana: composition, physicochemical and sensory properties.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of potential functional ingredients-green banana starch, green banana pulp flour or whole green banana flour-on the composition, physicochemical and sensory properties of plant-based fermented beverages made of baru nuts. The incorporation of green banana-derived ingredients, especially the whole flour, increased protein (2.44-2.81 g/100 g), fibre (1.53-2.32 g/100 g), resistant starch (0.15-0.33 g/100 g) and ash (0.36-0.61 g/100 g) content in fermented beverages. The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were higher in beverages added with pulp or whole flour. The main polyphenols identified were catechin (0.75-4.97 mg/100 g), gallic acid (0.29-0.52 mg/100 g) and ferulic acid (0.17-0.64 mg/100 g). All beverages showed to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids (68%) as omega-3, omega-6, and conjugated linoleic acid. The incorporation of green banana in beverages enhanced the probiotic bacteria growth indicating the potential prebiotic effect of the unripe fruit. The sensory acceptance of fermented beverages was also improved after adding green banana. Overall, whole green banana flour stood out as the main factor that increased the nutritional value of baru nut fermented beverage. Green banana was used for the first time as a potential prebiotic ingredient in a plant-based beverage. This novel product represents a potential symbiotic non-dairy alternative that could offer health benefits to consumers. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05781-5.

Formulation of fortified instant weaning food from Musa paradisiaca (banana) and Eleusine coracana.

Weaning food is a soft, easily digestible type of food other than breast milk for infants aged 6 to 24 months. The present study was conducted to develop cereal-fruit-based complementary foods for infants and evaluate the nutritional quality of such types of foods. Few researchers have focused on formulating weaning foods from locally available, nutritious, and rich ingredients without nutrient loss to reduce malnutrition and infant morbidity rates. In this study, the formulated infant food was prepared from Musa paradisiaca (Nendran banana) and Eleusine coracana (ragi). Formulated weaning food was analyzed using various standard methods, demonstrating that it could provide adequate nutrients to growing infants for their proper growth and development. The shelf life of the weaning food was also studied for a period of 3 months at ambient conditions in two different packaging materials: aluminum and plastic (low-density polyethylene or LDPE), with the aluminum foil pouch exhibiting the best shelf life. This ready-to-serve food, which is formulated and fortified with natural ingredients containing essential macronutrients and micronutrients, could be regarded as highly effective supplementary food for infants. Furthermore, this development has the potential to introduce an affordable weaning product specifically targeted at low socioeconomic groups.

Antifungal Potential of Melaleuca alternifolia against Fungal Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4.

Fusarium wilt of bananas caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) poses the most serious threat to banana production globally. The disease has been managed using chemical fungicides, yet the control levels are still unsatisfactory. This study investigated the antifungal activities of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil (TTO) and hydrosol (TTH) against Foc TR4 and their bioactive components. The potential of TTO and TTH in inhibiting the growth of Foc TR4 was evaluated in vitro using agar well diffusion and spore germination assays. Compared to the chemical fungicide, TTO effectively suppressed the mycelial growth of Foc TR4 at 69%. Both the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of TTO and TTH were established at 0.2 µg/µL and 50% v/v, respectively, suggesting the fungicidal nature of the plant extracts. The disease control efficacies were also demonstrated by a (p ≤ 0.05) delayed Fusarium wilt symptom development in the susceptible banana plants with reduced LSI dan RDI scores from 70% to around 20-30%. A GC/MS analysis of TTO identified terpinen-4-ol, eucalyptol, and α-terpineol as the major components. In contrast, an LC/MS analysis of TTH identified different compounds, including dihydro-jasmonic acid and methyl ester. Our findings indicate the potential of tea tree extracts as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides to control Foc TR4.

A Review on Herbal Drugs Used in the Treatment of Peptic Ulcer.

BACKGROUND: An ulcer is a condition characterized by inflammation, irritation, or erosion in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum. Hence, peptic ulcer is the ulcer of both the stomach and the duodenum. 10% of the world's population is affected by chronic peptic ulcers. The formation of peptic ulcers depends on gastric juice pH and the decrease in mucosal defenses. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection are the two significant factors disrupting mucosal resistance to injury. Indian herbal plants are exceptional for their ethnic, ethnobotanical, and ethno-pharmaceutical use. In this review, attempts have been made to gain information regarding some plants that may be used to treat or prevent peptic ulcers. The ultimate goal of peptic ulcer disease treatment is to reduce pain, cure ulcers, and prevent recurrence. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to gain knowledge about several common medicinal plants employed in Ayurveda or contemporary science for the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcers and some natural and simple approaches to cure ulcers using readily available herbs. METHODS: The literature search was carried out using search engines, like Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Springer, etc. Results: The extensive literature search showed natural herbs to have potential anti-ulcer activity, including cabbage, bananas, liquorice, fenugreek, garlic, Terminalia chebula, Acacia arabica, Aegle marmelos, Aloe vera, Allium sativum, Plantago ispagula, Mimosa pudica, Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica, and Galega purpurea. CONCLUSION: This study concluded several medicinal plants to effectively prevent or cure peptic ulcers caused by a variety of factors, including H. pylori, aspirin, indomethacin, alcohol, and others.

Supplementation of banana peel powder for the development of functional broiler nuggets.

Banana peel powder is considered one of the most nutritive and effective waste product to be utilized as a functional additive in the food industry. This study aimed to determine the impact of banana peel powder at concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6% on the nutritional composition, physicochemical parameters, antioxidant potential, cooking properties, microbial count, and organoleptic properties of functional nuggets during storage at refrigeration temperature for 21 days. Results showed a significant increase in nutritional content including ash and crude fiber ranging from 2.52 ± 0.017% to 6.45 ± 0.01% and 0.51 ± 0.01% to 2.13 ± 0.01%, respectively, whereas a significant decrease was observed in crude protein and crude fat ranging from 13.71 ± 0.02% to 8.92 ± 0.02% and 9.25 ± 0.02% to 4.51 ± 0.01%, respectively. The incorporation of banana peel powder significantly improved the Water Holding Capacity from 5.17% to 8.37%, cooking yield from 83.20 ± 0.20% to 87.73 ± 0.16% and cooking loss from 20.19 ± 0.290% to 13.98 ± 0.15%. Antioxidant potential was significantly improved as TPC of functional nuggets increased ranging from 3.73 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g to 8.53 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g while a decrease in TBARS (0.18 ± 0.02 mg malonaldehyde/kg to 0.14 ± 0.02 mg malonaldehyde/kg) was observed. Furthermore, functional broiler nuggets depicted a significantly reduced total plate count (3.06-4.20 × 105 CFU/g) than control, which is likely due to high amounts of phenolic compounds in BPP. Broiler nuggets supplemented with 2% BPP (T1) received the greatest sensory scores in terms of flavour, tenderness, and juiciness. Results of current study revealed the potential of BPP to be utilized as an effective natural source of fibre supplementation in food products along with enhanced antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.

Nutraceutical Difference between Two Popular Thai Namwa Cultivars Used for Sun Dried Banana Products.

Musa (ABB group) "Kluai Namwa" bananas (Musa sp.) are widely grown throughout Thailand. Mali Ong is the most popular Kluai Namwa variety used as raw material for sun-dried banana production, especially in the Bangkratum District, Phitsanulok, Thailand. The sun-dried banana product made from Nanwa Mali Ong is well recognized as the best dried banana product of the country, with optimal taste compared to one made from other Kluai Namwa varieties. However, the production of Mali Ong has fluctuated substantially in recent years, leading to shortages. Consequently, farmers have turned to using other Kluai Namwa varieties including Nuanchan. This study investigated the nutraceutical contents of two popular Namwa varieties, Mali Ong and Nuanchan, at different ripening stages. Nutraceuticals in the dried banana products made from these two Kluai Namwa varieties and four commercial dried banana products were compared. Results indicated that the content of moisture, total sugar, and total soluble solids (TSS) (°Brix) increased, while total solids and texture values decreased during the ripening stage for both Kluai Namwa varieties. Rutin was the major flavonoid found in both Namwa Mali Ong and Nuanchan varieties ranging 136.00−204.89 mg/kg and 129.15−260.38 mg/kg, respectively. Rutin, naringenin, quercetin and catechin were abundant in both Namwa varieties. All flavonoids increased with ripening except for rutin, gallocatechin and gallocatechin gallate. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in flavonoid contents between both varieties. Tannic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid were the main phenolic acids found in Mali Ong and Nuanchan varieties, ranging from 274.61−339.56 mg/kg and 293.13−372.66 mg/kg, respectively. Phenolic contents of both varieties decreased, increased and then decreased again during the development stage. Dopamine contents increased from 79.26 to 111.77 mg/kg and 60.38 to 125.07 mg/kg for Mali Ong and Nuanchan, respectively, but the amounts were not significantly different (p < 0.5) between the two Namwa varieties at each ripening stage. Inulin as fructooligosaccharide (FOS) increased with ripening steps. Production stages of sun-dried banana products showed no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two Namwa varieties. Therefore, when one variety is scarce, the other could be used as a replacement in terms of total flavonoids, phenolic acid, dopamine and FOS. In both Namwa varieties, sugar contents decreased after the drying process. Sugar contents of the dried products were 48.47 and 47.21 g/100 g. The drying process caused a reduction in total flavonoid contents and phenolic acid at 63−66% and 64−70%, respectively. No significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for total flavonoid and phenolic contents between the dried banana products made from the two Namwa varieties (178.21 vs. 182.53 mg/kg and 96.06 vs. 102.19 mg/kg, respectively). Products made from Nuanchan varieties (24.52 mg/kg) contained significantly higher dopamine than that from Mali Ong (38.52 mg/kg). The data also suggest that the banana maturity stage for production of the sun dried products was also optimum in terms of high nutraceutical level.

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Cotton Balls Incorporated With Musa paradisiaca and Chitosan: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotics are one of the great advances in medicine. But overusing them has led to resistant bacteria (bacteria that are harder to treat). The current study foresees better non-toxic antimicrobial substances (conventional antibiotics) that insist to consider medicinal plants and animal-derived products, which have better antibiotics without any side effects. The goal of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of cotton balls incorporated with Musa paradisiaca and chitosan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Musa paradisiaca, chitosan, and gentamicin-reinforced cotton balls were considered in three groups namely Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, which tested against the strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Actinomyces israelii, Streptococcus mutans, andBacteroides fragilis. For the present study, pre-sterilized cotton balls were taken and then soaked with Banana peel extract and soluble chitosan solution at different concentrations of 500 µg/ml, 250 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, and 50 µg/ml under aseptic conditions and were dried at 50° overnight. The same incorporation method was followed for a 10mg/ml concentration of gentamicin, which was used as a positive control group. RESULTS: In this current study, the banana peel extract, soluble chitosan, and gentamicin exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms. In the well diffusion method, at the concentration of 500 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml, chitosan and banana peel extract were comparatively better than the positive control group (gentamicin) at a higher concentration of 10 mg/ml. CONCLUSION: From the results of the present study, a lower concentration of the testing group (soluble chitosan and banana peel extract) exhibited a better effect when compared to a higher concentration of gentamicin. Hence, chitosan and banana peel extract impregnated cotton could be preferred for routine clinical scenarios like wounds, extractions sockets, and during any short intraoperative surgical procedures periodontal surgery, where it can provide maximal antimicrobial effects without the side effects of antibiotics.

Biocontrol Potential of Endophytic Streptomyces malaysiensis 8ZJF-21 From Medicinal Plant Against Banana Fusarium Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4.

Banana (Musa spp.) is an important fruit crop cultivated in most tropical countries. Banana Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) is the most destructive fungal disease. Biocontrol using endophytic microorganisms is considered as a safety and sustainable strategy. Actinomycetes have a potential for the production of diverse metabolites. Isolation of endophytic actinomycetes with high efficiency and broad-spectrum antagonism is key for exploring biocontrol agents. Our previous study showed that a total of 144 endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from different tissues of medicinal plants in Hainan, China. Especially, strain 8ZJF-21 exhibited a broad-spectrum antifungal activity. Its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics were consistent with the genus Streptomyces. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that strain 8ZJF-21 formed a distinct clade with Streptomyces malaysiensis. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) was 98.49% above the threshold of novel species. The pot experiment revealed that endophytic Streptomyces malaysiensis 8ZJF-21 could improve the plant resistance to Foc TR4 by enhancing the expression levels of defense-related and antioxidant enzyme genes. It also promoted the plant growth by producing several extracellular enzymes and metabolites. Antifungal mechanism assays showed that S. malaysiensis 8ZJF-21 extract inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of Foc TR4 in vitro. Pathogenic cells occurred cytoplasmic heterogeneity, disappeared organelles, and ruptured ultrastructure. Sequencing and annotation of genome suggested that S. malaysiensis 8ZJF-21 had a potential of producing novel metabolites. Nineteen volatile organic compounds were obtained from the extract by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Hence, endophytic Streptomyces strains will become essential biocontrol agents of modern agricultural practice.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals the potential mechanism of hot water treatment alleviated-chilling injury in banana fruit.

Banana fruit is prone to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage, resulting in quality deterioration and commodity reduction. The hot water treatment (HWT), dipping banana fruit in hot water (52 °C) for 3 min, reduced CI symptom at 7 °C storage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of HWT on the alleviation of CI of postharvest banana fruit. It was found that HWT treatment obviously inhibited the increases in CI index, relative electrolytic leakage, and the contents of malonaldehyde (MDA) and O2•-, while enhanced proline accumulation. Further transcriptome analysis in the pericarp of banana fruit was evaluated during storage. The results showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the comparison between control and HWT group were mainly enriched in photosynthesis, chlorophyll metabolism, lipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and brassinosteroid and carotenoid biosynthesis. Moreover, transcriptome expression profiles and RT-qPCR analyses exhibited that the corresponding genes involved in these metabolism pathways and heat shock proteins (HSPs) were upregulated by HWT during cold storage. In general, our findings clearly reveal the potential pathways by which HWT alleviates CI in banana fruit, enriching the theoretical basis for the application of hot water to reduce CI in fruits.

Development and characterization of sodium alginate/tea tree essential oil nanoemulsion active film containing TiO2 nanoparticles for banana packaging.

To improve the postharvest quality and reduce the anthracnose of bananas, the sodium alginate (SA)/tea tree essential oil nanoemulsion (TEON) based bilayer films incorporated with different contents of TiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated in this work. The developed TEON presented satisfactory DPPH scavenging activity (65.5 ± 1.8%) and antifungal capability (90.5 ± 5.8%). The microscopy images of the cross-section of the films indicated that the bilayer films with well-cross-linked were developed successfully. Notably, the addition of a certain content of TiO2 to SA greatly improved the UV blocking and water vapor and oxygen barrier properties of the developed film. However, the barrier property of the film was decreased when the TiO2 content further increased to 4.0 mg/100 mg of SA. The retention of TEO under visible and UV light in the bilayer film was respectively prolonged to 24 days and 32 h when the addition of TiO2 content was 2.0 mg/100 mg of SA. Finally, the postharvest quality and anthracnose of banana fruits were significantly improved by SA-TiO2 + SA-TEON film-forming solution treatments. Results from the present work might open up new insights into the approaches of postharvest quality improvement of bananas.

Potential Biological Control of Endophytic Streptomyces sp. 5-4 Against Fusarium Wilt of Banana Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4.

Fusarium wilt of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) is one of the most disastrous fungal diseases. Biological control is a promising strategy for controlling Fusarium wilt of banana. To explore endophytic actinomycetes as biocontrol resources against Foc TR4, antagonistic strains were isolated from different tissues of medicinal plants. Here, a total of 144 actinomycetes were isolated and belonged to Nonomuraea, Kitasatospora, and Streptomyces. Forty-three isolates exhibited antifungal activities against Foc TR4. The strain labeled with 5-4 isolated from roots of Piper austrosinense had a broad-spectrum antifungal activity by the production of chitinase and ß-1,3-glucanase and was identified as Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. hygroscopicus 5-4. Furthermore, disease index of banana wilt was significantly reduced by application of strain 5-4 in comparison with application of Foc TR4 alone. Exogenous application of strain 5-4 increased the expression levels of defense genes such as (PAL), peroxidase (POD), pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1), hydrolytic enzymes (ß-1,3-glucanase), lysin motif receptor kinase 1 (LYK-1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MPK-1). The antifungal mechanism assay demonstrated that extracts of strain 5-4 inhibited spore gemination and hyphal growth of Foc TR4, and caused abnormally swollen, deformity, and rupture of Foc TR4 hypha. Thus, S. hygroscopicus subsp. hygroscopicus 5-4 could be used as a potential biological agent for controlling Fusarium wilt of banana.

Effect of Banana (Musa sp.) Peels Extract in Nanoemulsion Dosage Forms for the Improvement of Memory: In Vitro & In Vivo Studies.

BACKGROUND: Banana (Musa sp.) is a plant rich in phytochemical compounds, especially antioxidants, which are hypothesized to inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme associated with Alzheimer's Disease. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to study nanoemulsion preparations of Kepok banana (KEP-NE) and Tanduk banana (TAN-NE) peel extracts for their activities as antioxidants, acetylcholinesterase as well as tyrosinase inhibitors, and as agents to improve short-term memory. METHODS: Nanoemulsion was prepared using a combination of high shear homogenization and ultrasonication. The antioxidant activity test was carried out using DPPH and ABTS methods. Meanwhile, memory improvement was studied in a mouse model with memory impairment induced by alloxan (120 mg/kg b.w) using the Y-maze apparatus. ELISA performed determination of acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition. RESULTS: Characterization of the nanoemulsion was performed to include particle size, antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase inhibition. The particle size and polydispersity index (PI) of KEP-NE and TAN-NE were 84.2 nm (PI: 0.280) and 94.1 nm (PI: 0.282), respectively. The antioxidant activity of DPPH showed that the respective IC50 values of KEP-NE and TAN-NE were 0.64 µg/mL and 1.97 µg/mL. At the same time, the values with the ABTS method were 1.10 µg/mL and 1.72 µg/mL, respectively. The IC50 of KEP-NE on acetylcholinesterase inhibition was 108.80 µg/mL, and that on tyrosinase inhibition was 251.47 µg/mL. The study of short-term memory in the Y-maze revealed that the groups Kepok peel extracts 100 and 300 mg/kg b.w and KEP-NE 100 and 300 mg/kg b.w significantly (P < 0.05) improved short-term memory. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the nanoemulsion dosage form of Kepok banana peel extract has antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition and tyrosinase inhibition activities and could potentially be an adjunct alternative treatment for memory disorders. Modifying the smaller drug particle size contributes to the delivery system. The nanoemulsion can increase pharmacological activity.

The effect of banana blossom on growth performance, immune response, disease resistance, and anti-hypothermal stress of Macrobrachium rosenbergii.

Banana (Musa acuminata) blossom contains high nutritional value and bioactive compounds. In this study, Macrobrachium rosenbergii were fed with diets containing banana blossom powder (BBP) at 10 and 20 g kg-1, hot-banana blossom (BBH) extract at 10 and 20 g kg-1, and the basal diet for 56 days. The growth performance, physiological response and immune parameters were evaluated. The results showed that a significantly higher percentage weight gain (PWG) and percentage length gain (PLG) in prawns fed with BBH diet. The feed efficiency (FE) significantly increased in prawns fed BBP. The prawn fed both BBH and BBP diet showed higher survival rate than control group. The prawn fed with BBH showed a significant increase in total haemocyte count (THC) and different haemocyte count (DHC), whereas phenoloxidase (PO) activity and respiratory bursts (RBs) significant increase in prawns fed both BBP and BBH diet. Furthermore, M. rosenbergii fed with both BBP and BBH diets showed significantly higher phagocytic activity and clearance efficiency against Lactococcus garvieae infection. At the end of the 56 days of feeding trial, the susceptibility of prawns to L. garvieae infection and hypothermal (18 °C) stress were evaluated. The results showed that prawns fed BBH diets had a significantly higher survival rate against L. garvieae than those of fed with the basal diet. Anti-hypothermal stress was observed in prawns fed both BBP and BBH diets showing no significant difference in haemolymph glucose in prawns subjected to 18 °C and 28 °C, whereas the norepinephrine level in haemolymph of prawns fed with BBH diets subjected to 18 °C was significantly lower than in prawns subjected to 28 °C. In summary, we recommend addition of hot-banana blossom extract to the diet of M. rosenbergii at 20 g kg-1 to promote growth performance, improve physiological function, enhance immunity, increase anti-hypothermal stress, and to increase resistance against L. gavieae.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of pectin from banana peel waste as a potential source for pectin production.

BACKGROUND: Large quantities of banana peels are discarded as waste or used as cattle feed or fertilisers. Moreover, the use of banana peel waste is considered to be a valuable polysaccharide like pectin that is valued by both pharmaceutical and food industries. It is well known that pectin is a high-value functional food ingredient widely used due to its special functional properties. METHODS: Pectin was extracted from banana peel waste using ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and the extraction was optimised by response surface methodology. The independent variables such as extraction temperature, sonication time and pH of a solution were used in the range of 35–45°C, 10–20 min, and 1–3, respectively. RESULTS: The overall optimal conditions of multiple responses were achieved at an extraction temperature of 33.12°C, sonication time of 17.12 min and pH of 3.68. Under these conditions, the predicted value of pectin yield, the degree of esterification and galacturonic acid content, were 2.62%, 88.26% and 87%, respectively. The experimental values were well correlated with the predicted values and revealed a satisfactory validation through real-time experiments, which was accomplished at optimised conditions. The physico-chemical properties of extracted pectin using optimal conditions were comparable to commercial pectin. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained revealed that pectin was effectively extracted from the banana peel waste using UAE, which confirmed that it has potential as a source for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Further studies should be conducted to improve the quality of pectin and explore the bioactivity potential of pectin such as antimicrobial, prebiotic and antioxidant properties.

Banana green peels extract protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat-fed mice through modulation of lipid metabolism and inflammation.

We investigate the effect of the banana green peels extract (BPE) as a preventive treatment against NAFLD in high-fat diet fed mice. Mice received daily doses of 100 or 250 mg/kg of BPE for 12 weeks along with the high-fat diet. BPE reduced weight gain (p < .0001), adipose tissue hypertrophy (p < .0001), and improved glucose homeostasis (p < .0001). Plasma levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids, aspartate and alanine transaminase, leptin, and resistin were decreased in BPE treated mice (p < .05). BPE effects on lipid metabolism were associated with decreased gene expression of lipogenic enzymes and increased expression of enzymes related to fatty acid and cholesterol degradation (p < .05). Plasma and liver bile acid (BA) profiles were modulated by BPE, with positive correlations between specific BA and UCP-1, CPT-1 and PGC-1ß expression in brown adipose tissue (p < .05). BPE reduced hepatic steatosis and inflammation, possibly due to reduced p65 NF-κB nuclear translocation (p < .05) and modulation of oxidative stress (p < .05). These data indicate that BPE is a source of phytochemical compounds with promising effects toward the prevention of metabolic disorders associated with obesity.

Natural abundance analysis of the role played by 15 N as indicator for the certification of organic-system deriving food.

BACKGROUND: The natural abundance of stable isotope 15 N (δ15 N) in production systems has emerged as an alternative to distinguish organic products from conventional ones. This study evaluated the use of δ15 N values recorded for nitrogen fertilizers, soil and plant tissue in order to set the differences between organic and conventional agricultural production systems applied to rice, potatoes, apple and banana crops. RESULTS: Values of δ15 N recorded for N sources ranged from +5.58‰ to +18.27‰ and from -3.55‰ to +3.19‰ in organic and synthetic fertilizers, respectively. Values recorded for δ15 N in food from organic rice, potatoes and banana farms were higher than values recorded for δ15 N in conventional farms; the same was observed for values recorded for δ15 N in leaves from the four crops. CONCLUSION: Results have allowed for differentiation between production systems due to values of δ15 N recorded in leaves of all crops and food, for rice, potatoes and banana trees. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Co-pyrolysis of petroleum coke and banana leaves biomass: Kinetics, reaction mechanism, and thermodynamic analysis.

Insights into thermal degradation behaviour, kinetics, reaction mechanism, possible synergism, and thermodynamic analysis of co-pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials are crucial for efficient design of co-pyrolysis reactor systems. Present study deals with comprehensive kinetics and thermodynamic investigation of co-pyrolysis of petroleum coke (PC) and banana leaves biomass (BLB) for realizing the co-pyrolysis potential. Thermogravimetric non-isothermal studies have been performed at 10, 20, and 30 °C/min heating rates. Synergistic effect between PC and BLB was determined by Devolatilization index (Di) and mass loss method. Kinetic parameters were estimated using seven model-free methods. Standard activation energy for PC + BLB blend from FWO, KAS, Starink, and Vyazovkin methods was ≈165 kJ/mol and that from Friedman and Vyazovkin advanced isoconversional methods was ≈171 kJ/mol. The frequency factor calculated for the blend from Kissinger method was found to be in the range of 106-1016s-1. Devolatilization index (Di) showed synergistic effect of blending. The data pertaining to co-pyrolysis was found to fit well with R2 (second order) and D3 (three dimensional) from Z(α) master plot. Thermodynamic parameters, viz. ΔH ≈ 163 kJ/mol and ΔG ≈ 151 kJ/mol were calculated to determine the feasibility and reactivity of the co-pyrolysis process. The results are expected to be useful in the design of petcoke and banana leaves biomass co-pyrolysis systems.