Elucidation of techno-functional, structural and rheological characteristics of pectin extracted from the peel of different banana (Musa. spp) varieties.

Pectin is a polysaccharide mainly used in food processing industries as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer and in pharmaceuticals as an excipient, wall material and bio adhesive for improving delivery and efficiency. Raising demand for pectin, pushes to explore unconventional plant-based sources for the extraction of pectin. This work is aimed to explore the possibility of extracting pectin from the peel of banana varieties and to decipher the chemical and techno-functional properties. Among the varieties, Nendran, a plantain banana recorded higher pectin recovery (23.42 %), swelling power (23.10 gg-1), anhydrouronic acid (AUA) content (72.86 %) and emulsifying activity (46.19 %). Pectin from the banana peels exhibited the equivalent weight (g/mol) ranging from 943.40 (var. Bhimkol) to 1282.05 (var. Nendran). Morphological observations revealed that the extracted pectin has fragments with uneven sizes and inter-particle voids in the structure. Banana pectin behaved similar to commercial pectin in terms of rheological, textural and structural profiles. HPLC analysis and NMR spectra confirmed the dominance of galacturonic acid in the banana peel pectins. The study unveiled and opened up the avenues of utilizing banana peel as a complementary biomass for the extraction of pectin which could be used in different industrial applications.

Phytochemical profiling, toxicity studies, wound healing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae (Plantain) stem extract in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The stem of Musa paradisiaca (plantain) has found application in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, ulcers and wound injuries. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the phytochemical composition, toxicity profile, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of aqueous Musa paradisiaca stem extract (AMPSE) in rats. METHODS: Phytochemical analysis of methanol-MPSE was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Acute toxicity testing was carried out through oral administration of a single dose of AMPSE up to 5 g/kg. Four separate groups of rats were used for the subacute toxicity testing (n = 6). Group 1 served as a normal control and did not receive AMPSE, groups 2-4 received AMPSE daily by gavage for 28 days. In the experiments with excision and incision wounds, the rats were treated with 10 w/w AMPS extract. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of AMPSE were assessed using egg albumin-induced paw oedema and acetic acid-induced writhing methods, respectively. For the subacute, anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies, AMPSE was administered to the experimental rats at doses of 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: Bioactive compounds identified include ß-sitisterol, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, diethyl sulfate, p-hydroxynorephedrine, phenylephrine, nor-pseudoephedrine, metaraminol, pseudoephedrine and vanillic acid. No signs of toxicity and no deaths were observed in all the groups. For the groups treated with AMPSE for 28 days, a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, sodium, chloride, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed while high density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutathione and superoxide dismutase increased compared to control (p < 0.05). In wound healing experiments, AMPSE showed greater percent wound contraction and wound resistance fracture compared to the povidone-iodine (PI) treated and control groups. Treatment with 900 mg/kg AMPSE resulted in significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects compared to the control. CONCLUSION: This study shows that AMPSE is not toxic but contains biologically active compounds with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering and wound-healing effects. Treatment of rats with AMPSE has shown that AMPSE has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, lipid-lowering and wound-healing effects, supporting its therapeutic use in ethnomedicine.

Pharmaceutical Assessment of the Impact of the Method of Extraction on the Suitability of Pectin from Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Peels as a Suspending Agent in Oral Liquid Formulations.

Natural polymers such as pectin have gained increased utilization in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors because they are affordable, easily accessible, nontoxic, and chemically modifiable, with the potential to be biodegradable and biocompatible. Musa paradisiaca (plantain) peels make up 30-40% of the overall weight of the fruit. The extraction of pectin from these residues can therefore be viewed as a possible waste of wealth. This study, therefore, focused on evaluating the suspending properties of pectin obtained from Musa paradisiaca (plantain) peels (through acid and alkaline extraction) and presented an alternative suspending agent in the pharmaceutical formulation of suspensions. The unripe peels of Musa paradisiaca were acquired and authenticated at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana. Pectin was extracted from the peels using both acid and alkaline extraction processes, respectively, characterized, and evaluated for its phytochemical properties. Different concentrations of the acid and alkaline pectin extracts were employed as a suspending agent in paracetamol suspensions, using acacia gum as a standard. The pectin yields obtained were 4.88% and 7.61% for the acid and alkaline extraction processes, respectively, while phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, tannins, saponins, and phenols in both extracts. The alkaline pectin extract recorded higher equivalent weight, degree of esterification, ash content, and crude content than the acid pectin extract, while FTIR identified similar functional groups in both acid and alkaline pectin extracts. The test suspensions reported significant differences (P < 0.05) in flow rates, ease of redispersion, sedimentation volumes, and rates compared with acacia gum. Moreover, when the acid and alkaline pectin extracts were compared, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in sedimentation rates and sedimentation volumes, suggesting that the extraction method may affect suspending properties. Ultimately, the alkaline pectin extract had better suspending properties than the acid pectin extract; however, they both can be used as an alternative to acacia gum as a suspending agent.

Nutritional Composition and Pharmacological Activity of Musa balbisiana Colla Seed: An Insight into Phytochemical and Cellular Bioenergetic Profiling.

Musa balbisiana Colla belongs to the family Musaceae which is well-known for its nutritional and pharmacological properties. Here, we have analysed the phytochemical content and evaluated the nutritional, antioxidant, anti-glycation, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibition potential. Moreover, for the first time, we have studied the bioenergetic profiles of the bioactive fractions of M. balbisiana seeds extract against oxidative stress-related mitochondrial and cellular dysfunction using XFe24 extracellular flux analyzer. M. balbisiana seeds have high nutritional values with significant levels of carbohydrates, starch, protein, and minerals (Ca, Na, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn). Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the methanolic extract of M. balbisiana seeds revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) showed the highest antioxidant, anti-glycation, and phytochemical content as compared to other fractions. Moreover, the EAF showed a lower α-amylase inhibition and a higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Most importantly, our GC-MS analyses of EAF revealed the presence of unique and previously unreported 14 phytochemical compounds. A strong correlation between the biological activities and total phenolic/tannin content was observed. In addition, the bioactive fraction of M. balbisiana seeds (EAF) improved the bioenergetic profiles of free fatty acid-induced oxidative stress with a concomitant increase in ATP production, and respiratory and glycolytic capacity. Altogether, our findings suggest that M. balbisiana seeds can be used as a natural supplement to boost antioxidant levels and combat oxidative stress and non-enzymatic glycation.

A pharmacological perspectives of Musa sapientum peels against lung cancer: An in vitro and in silico study.

CONTEXT: The essential role of medicinal plants is studied over 5000 years against the life-threatening diseases such as cancer in developing countries. The more cognizance on molecular mechanism will engender trend to use them efficaciously. AIMS: To analyze the pharmacological activity of banana peel against lung cancer. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Banana fruit is a nutritious victuals with proven medicinal properties. The underlying molecular mechanism of phytochemicals present in the banana peel was studied using in vitro and in silico methods to explore an efficacious anticancer drug against lung cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The petroleum ether extract of Musa sapientum peel is analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, in vitro studies using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and lipid peroxidase assay, and the in silico studies by molecular docking. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Microsoft Excel 2010 is used to calculate the mean and standard deviation for the ABTS and lipid peroxidation assay. RESULTS: The antioxidant activity was found to be 20 µg/ml concentration in ABTS assay and 10 µg/ml concentration in lipid peroxidation assay. The in vitro anticancer activity was inspected using A549 cell lines by MTT assay. Tri cyclo [5,1,0,0 (2, 4) oct 5-ene 5 proponoic acid] 3,3,8,8 tetramethyl was selected as best lead against epidermal growth factor receptor of human based on the energy score calculated using the Auto-dock software. CONCLUSIONS: This study strongly supports that unexploited banana peels could be used to harvest promising lead molecules against non-small cell lung cancer.

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.

Palmitic acid of Musa Paradisiaca induces apoptosis through caspase-3 in human oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Despite apoptosis processes being conserved, cancer cells have developed mechanisms to inhibit apoptosis by altering anti-apoptotic molecules or inactivating pro-apoptotic. The aim of this study was to determine the palmitic acid of Musa paradisiaca var. sapientum (L) Kunz (MP) stem extracts against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (hOSCC) through caspase-3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of MP stem were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Computerized models of chemically active compounds were used to predict anticancer activity. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in Artemia salina Leach and hOSCC (OM-1) culture at concentrations 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 µg/mL respectively. The expression level of caspase-3 on hOSCC was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). RESULTS: We found seven chemically active compounds in the ethanol extract and 15 compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of MP stem. The major component was hexadecanoic acid of palmitic acid derivates, and this was predicted to have anticancer activities as apoptosis through caspase-3 stimulants. However, cytotoxicity effects against hOSCC culture were assessed by values of the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 15.00 µg/mL for the ethanol extract, and an IC50 of 10.61 µg/mL for the ethyl acetate. There was a significant increase of caspase-3 level on treatment groups compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Hexadecanoic acid of MP stem extracts has anticancer activity by inhibiting cell growth of hOSCC culture through caspase-3 stimulants.

Deciphering functional characteristics and in-vitro bioactive properties of banana central core stem powder.

Banana central core stem powder (CCSP) of seven varieties were studied to elucidate their functional, therapeutic properties and bioactiveprofiling.CCSP recorded whiteness index in the range of 75.80-80.78.Hauser-ratio (1.12-1.26), Carr-index (10.91-20.75) and aw(0.15-0.22) revealed good flowability and storage-life. A fair amount of insoluble dietary fiber (45.58-51.38 %) was observed in CCSP.Nendran and Rasthali varieties recorded higher antioxidant activities. CCSP registered higher amounts of minerals like potassium (571.84-978.22), calcium (110.65-180.55) and lower sodium (34.10-43.70).Aqueous methanolic extract of Nendran CCSP showed lesser viability of tumour cells (44.32 %) with the concentration of 500 µg/mL and IC50of 177 µg/mL.After seven days of incubation, 5 % Nendran CCSP extract, resulted in higher (78.68 %) reduction of struvite formation.Steroids, terpene and acetate compounds were identified in addition to organic acids and aldehydes.Low sodium, higher dietary fiber and bioactive properties make banana CCSP a cheaper material to contemplate in food-processing and pharmaceutical industries.

Biological approach synthesis and characterization of iron sulfide (FeS) thin films from banana peel extract for contamination of environmental remediation.

Biological approach synthesis and characterization of Iron Sulfide (FeS) thin films from banana peel extract for contamination remediation of environment studied. Iron chloride, Sodium thiosulfate and Ethylene-di-amine-tetra acetate (EDTA) were used as precursor solutions without further purification. The nanoparticle of banana peel was extracted and prepared with synthesized FeS thin films and analyzed by X ray-diffraction for structural examination, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) for surface morphological analysis, Ultra-violet-visible-spectrometer (UV-Vis) and photo-luminescence spectro-photo-meter (P-L) for optical characterizations. XRD peaks are shown with recognized to (110), (200), (310), and (301) crystalline planes. The occurrence of this deflection peak are recognised the FeS crystal segment of the tetragonal crystalline systems. SEM micrographs of the films prepared biological method show the distribution of grains, which cover the surface of the substrate completely and are uniform and films deposited purely have defects. The photo-luminescence, absorbance, and transmittance strength of banana peel extract FeS thin film is greater than pure FeS thin films in which wide-ranging and symmetries groups were perceived. In the present study, the comparison of pure FeS thin films and Nano synthesized banana peel extract with FeS thin films was studied. It is observed that Nano synthesized banana fibre absorbs higher than pure FeS thin films in solar cell application. Finally, green synthesis is an ecofriendly, easy and cheap promising method for the fabrication of thin films for solar cell applications.

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.

Therapeutic Food Development from Maize Grains, Pulses, and Cooking Banana Fruits for the Prevention of Severe Acute Malnutrition.

In children under five years of age, severe acute malnutrition is a complex and challenging problem, especially those living in poor communities. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate ready-to-use therapeutic foods from affordable, locally available cereals, pulses, and banana fruits to overcome the problem of severe acute malnutrition. Maize grains, pulses (soybeans), and cooking banana fruits were ingredients used in formulations of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF). A completely randomized design was done with two replicates. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. A significant difference existed in the appearance and consistency for RUTF1, RUTF2, and RUTF3 samples (P < 0.05). The study findings revealed that the moisture content varied from 6.7 to 13.4%, energy from 513.2 to 642.41 kcal/100 g, protein from 13.9 to 19.34%%, and crude fat from 24.12 to 35.54%. The calcium content ranged from 225 to 302 g/100 mg, iron from 10.34 to 12.26 g/100 mg, and zinc from 10 to 20 g/100 mg. In this study, the phytate content varied from 314.74 to 369.3 µg/g and crude tannin, from 101.36 to 153.25 µg/g. This study concluded that the ingredients used in the RUTF1, RUTF2, and RUTF3 formulations met the standard ready-to-use therapeutic foods. Therefore, it is important to prescribe ready-to-use dietary supplements made from inexpensive, locally available, and culturally acceptable foods to prevent severe acute malnutrition in infants.

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.

Musa sp. Leaves Extract Ameliorates the Hepato-Renal Toxicities Induced by Cadmium in Mice.

Heavy metals intoxication causes several health problems that necessitate finding new protective and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Musa sp. leaves extract (MLE) on hepato-renal toxicities induced by cadmium (Cd) in male mice. The phytochemical screening, metal chelating activity (MCA), and the median lethal dose (LD50) of MLE were determined. Fifty CD-1 male mice were used and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with MLE (1000 to 5000 mg/kg b.wt) for MLE LD50 determination. Another 50 mice were used for evaluating the effect of MLE on Cd toxicity. Blood samples were collected for hematological, liver, and kidney functions assessments. Liver tissue homogenates were used for determination of oxidant/antioxidant parameters. Liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological and molecular investigations. MLE showed potent in vitro antioxidant activities. The MCA and LD50 of the MLE were 75 µg/mL and 3000 mg/kg b.wt, respectively. MLE showed beneficial therapeutic activity against hepato-renal toxicities in Cd-intoxicated mice, evidenced by improving the hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations.

Bio-packaging based on cellulose acetate from banana pseudostem and containing Butia catarinensis extracts.

Banana (Musa acuminata) pseudostem cellulose was extracted and acetylated (CA) to prepare membranes with potential use as bio-packages. The CA membrane was embedded by Butia seed (CA-BS) or Butia pulp (CA-BP) extracts obtained from Butia catarinenses (Butia). The produced CA, CA-BS, and CA-BP membranes were evaluated for their physical-chemical, mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. The process for obtaining the cellulose yielded a material with about 92.17% cellulose (DS = 2.85). The purity, cellulose degree acetylation, and the incorporation of Butia extracts into the membranes were confirmed by FTIR. The CA-BS and CA-BP membranes showed a smaller contact angle and higher swelling ratio than the CA membrane. Furthermore, Butia seed or pulp extracts reduced the elastic modulus and deformation at break compared to the CA membrane. The DSC analysis suggested the compatibility between sections and the CA matrix, whereas the TGA analysis confirmed the thermal stability of the membranes. Moreover, less than 1% of the Butia seed and pulp extracts were put into a food simulant media from the membrane. Finally, the CA-BS and CA-BP membranes could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on their surface, confirming the potential use of these membranes as bio-packaging for food preservation.

Identification of Major Compounds and α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Rhizome of Musa balbisiana Colla: An in-vitro and in-silico Study.

BACKGROUND: α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors are widely used to suppress postprandial glycemia in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the metallic content, phytocompounds, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Musa balbisiana rhizome using in-vitro and in-silico methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heavy metal content was detected by AAS following standard protocol. Major phytochemicals of the plant were analyzed by GC-MS technique. Enzyme inhibition study was carried out by UV/VIS spectrophotometric methods. The drug-likeness and bio-availability properties of major compounds were carried out using computer-aided tools - SwissADME and ADMElab. Docking and visualization were performed in AutoDock vina and Discovery studio tools. RESULTS: The study found that the fruits of M. balbisiana contain a negligible amount of toxic elements. GC-MS analysis showed five major compounds from the rhizome of M. balbisiana. Invitro enzyme assays revealed strong α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of the plant. All five compounds were predicted to have a drug-likeness property with high cell membrane permeability and bio-availability. The compounds were also predicted to have low to moderate toxicity properties. The Docking study showed strong binding affinities of plant compounds with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Out of five compounds, C5 showed the best binding affinity with active pockets of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. CONCLUSION: The in-vitro and in-silico study suggests the antihyperglycemic property of the rhizome of Musa balbisiana and a possible candidate for the therapeutic antidiabetic agent(s).

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.

Ethyl acetate extract of the Musa nana flower inhibits osteoclastogenesis and suppresses NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Banana flowers are consumed as a vegetable and traditionally used for managing several health problems including joint pain, a symptom of bone loss. Osteoclasts are key effector cells responsible for bone loss. Some flavonoids in banana flowers, such as quercetin and quercitrin, have been shown to be able to inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Whether banana flowers can inhibit osteoclast formation is unknown. In this study, we prepared the ethyl acetate fraction (FFE-EA) of an ethanolic extract of fresh flowers of Musa nana. Using UPLC-MS/MS analyses, 76 polyphenols were identified in FFE-EA. In RANKL-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, FFE-EA inhibited osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic bone resorption. Mechanistic studies revealed that FFE-EA suppressed NF-κB and MAPK pathways, and lowered mRNA levels of osteoclast formation/function-related genes. These findings suggest that flowers of M. nana could be a source for formulating functional food that benefits bone health.

Evaluation of chemical similarity among rhizome, pseudo stem and leaf of Musa basjoo by UPLC-ELSD fingerprint combined with chemo metrics methods.

Rhizoma Musa (the Rhizome of Musa basjoo Sied.et Zucc.) is used as a traditional medical herb of Miao nationality in Guizhou province, in China. It has the efficacy of clearing heat and detoxifying, quenching thirst, diuresis, etc. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that it has hypoglycemic, inhibition of α-glucosidase, and anti-inflammatory activity. However, when the rhizomes of Musa basjoo are dug up, the rhizomes are unable regenerate, and the pseudostem and leaf are discarded, which not only pollutes the environment, but also causes a huge waste of herb resources. In this study, a UPLC-ELSD fingerprint analysis with chemometric method was applied for the evaluation of chemical similarity among rhizome, pseudostem and leaf of Musa Basjoo. The results indicated that the combined method could efficiently analyze and compare the chemical similarity among rhizome, pseudostem, and leaf of Musa Basjoo. The proposed method provides the foundation for the resource substitution of the rhizome, pseudostem, and leaf of Musa Basjoo.

Banana plant as a source of valuable antimicrobial compounds and its current applications in the food sector.

Bananas (Musaceae) are one of the world's most common fruit crops and the oldest medicinal plants that are used to treat a variety of infections. There has been recent interest in elucidating the efficiency of the naturally active ingredients, particularly the antimicrobials, in this plant. This review begins with a short background of the banana plant and its cultivars as well as a brief description of its parts. Different experimental tests of the antimicrobial effects and the responsible bioactive compounds of the banana part extracts are then elaborated. A variety of recent and evolving applications of banana parts in the development of functional bakery, dairy, beverage, and meat products as a wheat substitute, fiber/prebiotic source, fat/sucrose substitute, and natural antioxidant are also discussed. Finally, the recent challenges and opportunities presented by different banana parts in creating bio-packaging materials and bactericidal nanoparticles are addressed. This plant contains a variety of antimicrobial substances, including dopamine, gentisic acid, ferulic acid, lupeol, and 3-carene. However, few studies have been conducted on its use as a bio-preservative in food products; it should also be seen as a natural source of both antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. It offers a potentially simple eco-friendly alternative to antibacterial and fungicidal agents rather than chemicals. Low cost, reliable methods for purifying these compounds from banana waste could be useful for food storage and creating more value-added bio-packaging products for perishable food goods.