Transcriptomic and metabolomic differences between banana varieties which are resistant or susceptible to Fusarium wilt.

Background: Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (Foc4), is the most lethal disease of bananas in Asia. Methods: To better understand the defense response of banana to Fusarium wilt, the transcriptome and metabolome profiles of the roots from resistant and susceptible bananas inoculated with Foc4 were compared. Results: After Foc4 inoculation, there were 172 and 1,856 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Foc4-susceptible variety (G1) and Foc4-resistant variety (G9), respectively. In addition, a total of 800 DEGs were identified between G1 and G9, which were mainly involved in the oxidation-reduction process, cell wall organization, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and lipid and nitrogen metabolism, especially the DEGs of Macma4_08_g22610, Macma4_11_g19760, and Macma4_03_g06480, encoding non-classical arabinogalactan protein; GDSL-like lipase; and peroxidase. In our study, G9 showed a stronger and earlier response to Foc4 than G1. As the results of metabolomics, lipids, phenylpropanoids and polyketides, organic acids, and derivatives played an important function in response to Fusarium wilt. More importantly, Macma4_11_g19760 might be one of the key genes that gave G9 more resistance to Foc4 by a lowered expression and negative regulation of lipid metabolism. This study illustrated the difference between the transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of resistant and susceptible bananas. These results improved the current understanding of host-pathogen interactions and will contribute to the breeding of resistant banana plants.

Control of biomaterial-associated infections through biofabrication of gold nanoparticles using Musa sapientum extract.

Biofilm-associated infections are a critical element in infectious diseases and play an important role in antibiotic resistance. Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using ethanolic extract of Musa sapientum unripe fruit were performed. The nanoparticles demonstrated an absorption peak at 554 nm with particle sizes ranging from 5.45 to 104.44 nm. High negative zeta potential value of -33.97 mV confirmed the high stability of AuNPs. The presence of bioconstituents responsible for capping and stabilization was indicated by intensity changes of several peaks from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the biosynthesized AuNPs against important pathogens ranged from 10 to 40 µg mL-1 . Synthesized nanoparticles at 0.062 to 0.5 × MIC significantly inhibited biofilm formation in all the tested microorganisms (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy images clearly illustrated in disruption and architectural changes of microbial biofilms at sub-MIC of biosynthesized AuNPs. Excellent antioxidant and antityrosinase activities of AuNPs were observed. The biosynthesized AuNPs at 20 µg mL-1 significantly inhibited nitric oxide production by 93% in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, compared with control (p < 0.05). The biosynthesized AuNPs at 0.6 to 40 µg mL-1 demonstrated no toxic effects on L929 fibroblast cells.

Optimum biscuit from Musa sapientum L. and Vigna unguiculata L. composite flour: effect on pancreatic histology, biochemical and hematological parameters of diabetic rats.

This study investigated the effect of consumption of an optimum biscuit from composite flour of Musa sapientum L. ('banana cochon') and Vigna unguiculata L. (cowpea) on the pancreatic histology, biochemical and hematological parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The optimum biscuit was evaluated for its chemical properties and glycaemic index. The weekly fasting blood glucose level, food intake and weight of the rats were recorded. The effect of 28 days' consumption of different percentages of optimum biscuit with/without Metformin was also evaluated on the pancreatic histology, biochemical and hematological parameters of rats. Results showed that, the optimum biscuit is rich in minerals (potassium, magnesium and calcium), dietary fibre (9.4%) and is a low glycaemic index product (50.91%). Also, the optimum biscuit significantly lowered/maintained the blood glucose level of diabetic rats even though the weekly weights of the rats were reduced while food intake increased. Nonetheless, the hematological parameters of the treated diabetic rats were significantly (P < 0.05) improved when compared to the untreated diabetic rats groups. With the exception of total serum protein, other biochemical parameters such as serum creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin in the treated diabetic groups were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced or closer to those of non-diabetic rats. The serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced while the HDL level significantly increased in treated diabetic groups. Histological examination of the pancreas showed that treatment of diabetic groups with optimum biscuit was able to slow down the destruction (protection) of beta-cells. Thus, optimum biscuit could be used to improve the health status during the management and prevention of complications in diabetic patients.

Moringa oleifera and Musa sapientum ameliorated 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced upregulations of Ki67 and multidrug resistance 1 genes in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Moringa oleifera (MO) and Musa sapientum (MS) are plants of ethnomedicinal importance. We evaluated the effects of MOF6 (extracted from MO leaves) and MSF1 (extracted from MS suckers) on immunomodulations of Ki67 (proliferation biomarker) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) genes in the liver of rats in 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hepatotoxicity and mutagenesis to determine their antiproliferation, anti-drug resistance, and anticancer potentials. METHODS: Forty-five adult male rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 5). Groups 1 and 2 received physiological saline and 15 mg/kg bodyweight of DMBA, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 received 15 mg/kg bodyweight DMBA and were treated with 15 and 30 mg/kg bodyweight of MOF6, respectively. Group 5 received 15 mg/kg bodyweight DMBA and was treated with 10 mg/kg bodyweight of MSF1. Group 6 received 15 mg/kg bodyweight DMBA and was treated with 3.35 mg/kg bodyweight of doxorubicin and intravenous injection of 0.5 ml/200 g of cisplatin. Groups 7-9 received only 15 and 30 mg/kg bodyweight of MOF6 and 10 mg/kg bodyweight of MSF1, respectively. DMBA, doxorubicin, and extracts doses were administered orally. The duration of our experimental procedure was 8 weeks. Consequently, liver histopathology (hematoxylin and eosin technique) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay homogenates' concentrations of Ki67 and MDR1 were evaluated. Computed data were statistically analyzed (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Results showed normal histoarchitectures of the liver in all groups. Statistical analyses showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) and non-significant decreased concentrations (P ≥ 0.05) of Ki67 and MDR1 in Groups 3-9 compared with Group 2. Therefore, MOF6 and MSF1 ameliorated DMBA-induced hepatotoxicity, abnormal proliferation, and drug resistance. CONCLUSION: MOF6 and MSF1 possess antiproliferation, anti-drug resistance, and anticancer potentials.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles: green synthesis using Banana peel, cytotoxic effect, UV protection and their photocatalytic activity.

Nanomaterials, as an active ingredient, have been widely deployed in various science and technological applications with zinc and titanium oxides nanoparticles being commonly applied in sunscreens. On similar lines, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) were synthesized using Musa sapientum peel extract, to investigate its cytotoxic effects, UV protection and photocatalytic activity. The synthesized nanoparticles were identified through Raman, Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX). FESEM results showed that the size of synthesized nanoparticles is in the range 4-13 nm. Their cytotoxic activity revealed a non-toxic behavior in concentrations below 500 µg/mL on lung (A549) cell lines. The Sun protection factor (SPF) was estimated approximately ~ 40 for synthesized CeO2-NPs. The survey of photocatalytic activity showed that synthesized nanoparticles can remove 81.7% of AO7 in 180 min under visible light.

Physicochemical and prebiotic properties of resistant starch from Musa sapientum Linn., ABB group, cv. Kluai Namwa Luang.

Resistant starch (RS), a current health trend, can be obtained from various natural sources. Musa sapientum Linn., ABB group, cv. Kluai Namwa Luang is a good source of RS. This is the first study to investigate the physicochemical properties, RS contents, and prebiotic properties of unpeeled raw banana powder (URB), peeled raw banana powder (PRB), and banana starch (BS) from Kluai Namwa Luang. Their physicochemical properties were characterized by scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, and X-ray diffractometer. The RS contents were determined using the Megazyme Resistant Starch Assay Kit. The prebiotic properties are reported as a prebiotic index (PI). The particle morphology of URB, PRB, and BS granules showed a smooth surface with irregular size and shape. Their gelatinization temperatures were 74-78 °C. All samples exhibited typical B-type diffraction patterns. URB contained the highest dietary fiber (9.7 ± 0.2 g per 100 g of dried sample), whereas BS contained the highest RS content (74.1 ± 0.1 g per 100 g of dried sample). Both URB and BS possessed excellent probiotic growth promotion, prebiotic properties with PI values comparable to the commercial inulin, and were highly resistant to digestive enzymes. Therefore, BS from Kluai Namwa Luang is suggested as functional nutrient in health promotion products.

Potential of Musa sapientum Linn. for digestive function promotion by supporting Lactobacillus sp.

Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria that could inhibit pathogenic potential of other microorganisms. This is the first study to develop a potential tablet from Musa sapientum Linn. (locally known as Kluai Namwa) using the direct compression method to support Lactobacillus sp. We compared the amount of resistant starch and prebiotic properties of the dry powder from unpeeled raw fruit, peeled raw fruit, and starch from M. sapientum. These dry powders were formulated into tablets using the direct compression method and evaluated for their prebiotic index compared to their native powder. Resistant starch, which possessed the highest prebiotic index, generated a tablet that possessed remarkable in vitro prebiotic properties. All tablets met the requirement of the United States Pharmacopeia. Therefore, resistant starch tablets from M. sapientum are suggested for use as a health promotion product.

Manufacturing technology of banana-assorted breads: The fermentative characteristics affected by different banana cultivars.

Taiwan produces large quantities of bananas in the southern area. Recently, due to the export quantity has been greatly reduced, in order to efficiently maintain the banana agriculture and economy, the development of alternate uses of bananas has become urgently in need. Bananas contain a fair amount of nutrients with low glycemic index. Currently, as the bread consumption is increasing, we tried to manufacture banana-assorted breads. The desiccated powders of Musa sapientum var TC2-425 Linn [(genomically, called as Musa (AAA) (MA)] and Musa basjoo "Nam Wa" (MB) were separately incorporated at 15%, 20%, and 25% (denoted as MA15-MA25 and MB15-MB25). Results indicated that MA exhibited higher contents of moisture, ash, crude protein, and lutein, while with lower crude fat, crude fibers, carbohydrate, sodium, total soluble sugars, and pectin. The contents of taste compounds (name, samples in decreasing order) were as follows: 5'-CMP (MB25, MB20); 5'-GMP (MA25, MA20); 5'-AMP (MB25, MA15); 5'-XMP (MA25, MA20); 5'-IMP (MA25, MB20, MB25); and 5'-UMP (MA20, MA25, MB20). Hedonic scoring (HS) indicated MA15, MA20, MB15, and MB20 were more acceptable. Textural profile analysis (TPA; for 0-6 days, only 0-4 days are shown) revealed that "flavor," "mouthfeel," "hardness," "gumminess," and "chewiness" were the determinant key roles. Conclusively, due to different chemical constituent of banana, different recipes must be considered. The bread acceptability is affected by the fermentative profile which in turn is governed by the contents of soluble sugars, pectin, taste compounds, and the overall activity of yeast cells.

Comparative Evaluation of the Nutritive, Mineral, and Antinutritive Composition of Musa sinensis L. (Banana) and Musa paradisiaca L. (Plantain) Fruit Compartments.

Banana and plantain contribute significantly to food security and amelioration of malnutrition, earning their status as staples in several localities of tropical and sub-tropical regions. The distribution of metabolites within the various parts also remains as a key essential to their nutritive and therapeutic potential. This study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional and mineral composition of the flesh, peel, and peel extract components of Musa sinensis L. and Musa paradisiaca L. fruits as well as their nutritional and therapeutic potentials. Proximate and antinutritional analyses were carried out using standard analytical methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while the mineral constituents were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Proximate analysis revealed that the flesh and peel of M. sinensis L. and M. paradisiaca L. contain substantial amounts of moisture, fiber, carbohydrates, and low fat content, while minerals K, Mg, Ca, Na, P, and N were substantially concentrated in the peels and peel extracts in particular. The antinutrients alkaloid, oxalate, saponin, and phytate were detected in safe amounts according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The study points out that the peel and its derivative extract, as well as the flesh of M. sinensis L. and M. paradisiaca L. are to be put to more relevant human nutritional and therapeutic use.

Anticonvulsant and Antioxidant Effects of Musa sapientum Stem Extract on Acute and Chronic Experimental Models of Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Musa sapientum (banana) plant extract has been shown to possess antioxidant activity in previous studies. Neuronal injury resulting from oxidative stress is an important factor involved in pathogenesis of epilepsy. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of M. sapientum stem extract (MSSE) in acute and chronic experimental models in mice and its effects on various markers of oxidative stress in the brain of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled animals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Maximal electroshock seizures (MES) and PTZ-induced convulsion models were used for acute studies. For the chronic study, the effect of MSSE on the development of kindling was studied. For the evaluation of the effects of MSSE on oxidative stress in brain, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated in the brains of the kindled animals. RESULTS: MSSE significantly increased the latency to onset of myoclonic jerks and the duration of clonic convulsions following PTZ administration. The MSSE pretreated group showed significantly reduced mean seizure score on PTZ-induced kindling. There was a significant increase in the brain MDA levels and decrease in GSH levels in response to PTZ-induced kindling. On MSSE pretreatment, there was a significant decrease in the MDA levels in the brains, though the increase in the GSH levels was not significant. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest the presence of significant anticonvulsant activity in MSSE, in both acute and chronic PTZ-induced seizure models, which could be due to its antioxidant activity, as is reflected by the change in oxidative stress markers in brain. SUMMARY: Evaluation of the anticonvulsant activity of Musa sapientum and its effects on various markers of oxidative stress in the brain has not been done previously to the best of our knowledgeM. sapientum stem extract (MSSE) significantly increased the latency to onset of myoclonic jerks and the duration of clonic convulsions in the experimental modelsThe MSSE pretreated group showed significantly reduced mean seizure score on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindlingThere was significant increase in the brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels in response to PTZ-induced kindlingOn MSSE pretreatment, there was a significant decrease in the MDA levels in the brain, though the increase in the GSH levels was not significant. Abbreviations Used: MSSE: Musa sapientum stem extract, PTZ: Pentylenetetrazole, MES: Maximal electroshock seizures, MDA: Malondialdehyde, GSH: Glutathione, SOD: Superoxide dismutase, THLE: Tonic hindlimb extension.

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Three Cultivars of Banana (Musa acuminata) Fruit Peel on Kidney and Liver Function Indices in Wistar Rats.

Background:Musa acuminata fruit peels are used in the northern part of Nigeria for the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular related diseases. The effects of aqueous extracts of ripped fruit peel of three cultivars of Musa acuminata (Saro, Ominni and Oranta) on the hepatic and renal parameters of normal rats were examined. Methods: Fruit peel aqueous extracts (FPAE) of the 3 cultivars of Bananas (100 mg/kg b.w.) were administered by oral intubation (that is through esophageal cannula) to normal rats (140-180 g) for a period of 28 days. Blood samples were collected for determination of plasma aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase ALK-P), total protein, albumin, creatinine as well as urea. Results: From the results obtained, there were no significant (p < 0.05) changes in the ALK-P, AST, ALT, total protein and albumin among the experimental rats administered FPAE of the 3 cultivars of Musa acuminata when compared with the normal control group. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of serum creatinine (in mg/dL) (1.53 ± 0.23) when compared to the normal control (0.72 ± 0.15), Ominni (0.92 ± 0.39) and Oranta (0.74 ± 0.22). Similarly, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of serum urea (in mg/dL) of Saro (41.56 ± 4.68) when compared to the normal control (26.05 ± 0.73), Ommini (28.44 ± 2.43) and Oranta (26.10 ± 2.94). Conclusion: The findings reveal the Saro cultivar of Musa acuminata to be nephrotoxic and not a good potential drug candidate among the cultivars studied hence should be discouraged in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular related diseases.

Effects of Musa sapientum stem extract on experimental models of anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: The Musa sapientum (banana) plant extract has shown antioxidant activity in previous studies. Oxidative stress is one of the important factors implicated in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of M. sapientum stem (MSSE) in experimental models in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Elevated Plus Maze method and locomotor monitoring by photoactometer were used. Animals were divided into five different groups (n=6/group). The vehicle, standard and the experimental groups were given distilled water (10 ml/kg), diazepam (1 mg /kg intraperitoneally) and incremental doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of MSSE, respectively, prior to the experiment. The standard group received diazepam. RESULTS: The number of open arm entries and the duration of time spent in the open arms in the MSSE-treated groups increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner as compared to that of control group. The duration of time spent in closed arms in the MSSE-treated groups decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner as compared to that of the control group. MSSE also decreased the locomotor activity significantly at all three test doses. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest an anxiolytic activity for MSSE, which make it a potential natural compound for treatment of anxiety disorders.

In vitro hypoglycemic effects of unripe and ripe fruits of Musa sapientum

ABSTRACT The present study was undertaken to verify the hypoglycemic potential of unripe and ripe fruit extracts of Musa sapientum by using various in-vitro techniques, namely glucose adsorption capacity, glucose diffusion, amylolysis kinetics and glucose transport across the yeast cells. The results revealed that the unripe and ripe fruit extracts of Musa sapientum adsorbed glucose and the adsorption of glucose increased remarkably with an increase in glucose concentration. There were no significant (p≤0.05) differences between their adsorption capacities. In the amylolysis kinetic experimental model the rate of glucose diffusion was found to be increased with time from 30 to 180 min and both extracts exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the movement of glucose into external solution across the dialysis membrane as compared to control. The plant extracts also promoted glucose uptake by the yeast cells and enhancement of glucose uptake was dependent on both the sample and glucose concentration. The hypoglycemic effect exhibited by the extracts was observed to be mediated by inhibiting α-amylase, inhibiting glucose diffusion by adsorbing glucose and by increasing glucose transport across the cell membranes as revealed by an in-vitro model of yeast cells.

Effect of Musa sapientum Stem Extract on Animal Models of Depression.

BACKGROUND: Musa sapientum, the banana plant, has shown to possess antioxidant activity in previous studies. Oxidative stress has been linked to the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD) with evidence of increased serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in MDD patients. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of M. sapientum stem extract (MSSE) in experimental models in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were carried out in five different groups (n = 6/group) of mice. The vehicle, standard drug, and the three test groups were orally administered distilled water (10 mL/kg), fluoxetine (25 mg/kg), and incremental doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg of MSSE, respectively, 45 min prior to the experiment. RESULTS: On FST, the duration of immobility in control group, which was 161.5 ± 6.78 (in seconds, mean ± standard error of mean [SEM]), decreased to 149.33 ± 2.70 (25 mg/kg MSSE), 120.17 ± 8.35 (50 mg/kg MSSE), and 45.17 ± 4.11 (100 mg/kg MSSE) in the treated groups. On TST, the duration of immobility in control group, which was 173.83 ± 12.65 (mean ± SEM), decreased to 163.17 ± 6.91 (25 mg/kg MSSE), 139.0 ± 5.9 (50 mg/kg MSSE), and 124.0 ± 4.42 (100 mg/kg MSSE) in the treated groups. The difference in the duration of immobility was statistically significant at middle and higher doses, i.e. 50 and 100 mg/kg MSSE (P < 0.05) respectively, when compared with the control group in both the tests. CONCLUSION: A significant antidepressant-like activity was found in MSSE, which could be a potential natural compound for use in depression. SUMMARY: The five groups - vehicle, standard drug, and the three test groups were administered distilled water (10 mL/kg), fluoxetine (25 mg/kg), and incremental doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg of Musa sapientum stem extract (MSSE), respectivelyThe duration of immobility decreased in the treated groups as compared to the control group on both, forced swim and tail suspension, testsThe difference in the duration of immobility was statistically significant at middle and higher doses, i.e., 50 and 100 mg/kg MSSE (P < 0.05), when compared with the control group in both the tests. Abbreviations Used: MDD: Major depressive disorder; MSSE: Musa sapientum stem extract; FST: Forced swim test; TST: Tail suspension test; GSH: Glutathione, MDA: Malondialdehyde; SOD: Superoxide dismutase.

Antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidant effect of sterol rich methanol extract of stem of Musa sapientum (banana) in cholesterol fed wistar rats.

Musa sapientum Linn. (English 'Banana' family Musaceae), is a plant with nutritive, as well as medicinal value. Antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidant effect of methanolic extract of stem of this plant was investigated in hypercholesterolemic rats. Rats were made hypercholesterolemic by feeding cholesterol (100 mg/kg/day) suspended in soya oil. Treatment groups received extract at a dose of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg/day in addition to cholesterol orally once daily. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after 6 weeks treatment. Animals were sacrificed and liver stored at -80 °C. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol were estimated in blood. Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured in blood and liver. Total lipids, HMG CoA redutase and lipoprotein lipase were investigated in liver. Most effective dose was found to be 20 mg/kg/day. Rise in total cholesterol, LDL + VLDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol in animals receiving only cholesterol was 179 %, 417 % and 74 % respectively, while in animals receiving 20 mg/kg dose rise in these parameters was restricted to 40 %, 106 % and 24 %. HDL-cholesterol decreased by 12 % in extract treated group, while it decreased to 36 % in untreated hypercholesterolemic rats. Malonaldialdehyde, marker of lipid peroxidation decreased while reduced glutathione and enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase increased significantly in blood and liver (p < 0.01). Total lipids in liver decreased and enzymes of lipid metabolism viz. HMG CoA redutase and lipoprotein lipase were restored to near normal. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy indicated high content of sterols in extract. Study demonstrated that methanol extract of stem of Musa sapientum has significant antihypercholesterolemic and antioxidant effects.

Influence of Musa sapientum L. on pharmacokinetic of metformin in diabetic gastroparesis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Musa sapientum L. (MS) bark juice in diabetic gastroparesis and its effect on pharmacokinetic of metformin (MET). METHODS: Diabetes was induced in rats by administering alloxan (120 mg/kg) saline solution and maintained for 8 week. All the 18 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n =6 in each group): normal control, diabetic control and MS bark juice. Assessment of diabetes was done by glucose oxidase-peroxidase method on the 3rd day of alloxan administration. The effects of MS bark juice (100 mL/kg) on gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, contractility of fundus and pylorus as well as gastric acid secretion in chronic diabetic rats were observed after 8 weeks of alloxan administration. The effect of MS bark juice on the pharmacokinetic of orally administered single dose of MET (350 mg/kg) was evaluated on the 57th day of protocol. Any drugs that may reduce the blood glucose level or influence the fibrinolytic system were not used in this study. RESULTS: The MS bark juice significantly reduced the blood glucose level in the diabetic rats (P<0.01). There was significant decrease in the pylorus motility and increase in the gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, contractility of fundus, gastric acid secretion in the MS bark juice treated group (P<0.01). There was significant decrease in the time at which drug at a maximum concentration, half life of drug and increase in the maximum concentration of drug in the plasma of MET in MS bark juice treated group as compared to diabetic control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: MS bark juice effectively manages diabetic gastroparesis and thereby improves the bioavailabilty of MET when administered with MS bark juice.

Quality evaluation of dissolving pulp fabricated from banana plant stem and its potential for biorefinery.

The study was conducted to evaluate the quality of dissolving pulp of Musa sapientum L. (banana) plant stem and its potential for biorefinery. Introduction of pre-hydrolysis prior to any alkaline pulping process helps to reduce the content of hemicellulose and consequently produce acceptably high content of cellulose pulp. Water pre-hydrolysis was done at 150°C for 90min. The amount of lignin, xylan and glucan in the extracted pre-hydrolysis liquor (PHL) was 1.6, 4.9 and 1.6%, respectively. Pulping of pre-extracted chips was done following soda-AQ, alkaline sulfite and kraft process. The ratio of chip to liquor was 1:7 for both pre-hydrolysis and pulping. The kraft pulping process with 20% active alkali and 25% sulfidity at 150°C for 90min showed the best result. The lowest kappa number was 26.2 with a considerable pulp yield of 32.7%. The pulp was bleached by acidic NaClO2 and the consistency was 10% based on air-dried pulp. The lowest amount of 7% NaClO2 was used for the bleaching sequence of D0ED1ED2. After D0ED1ED2 bleaching, the pulp showed that α-cellulose, brightness and ash were 91.9, 77.9 and 1.6% respectively. The viscosity was 19.9cP. Hence, there is a possibility to use banana plant stem as a raw material for dissolving grade pulp and other bioproducts.

Lipid Profile and Electrolyte Composition in Diabetic Rats Treated With Leaf Extract of Musa sapientum.

Diabetes mellitus affects lipid levels resulting in diabetic dyslipidemia as well as electrolyte loss from the body. Musa sapientum has been reported to possess antidiabetic properties. This study assessed the lipid profile and electrolyte composition in alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with methanol leaf extract of M. sapientum (cMEMSL). Diabetes was induced with alloxan (120 mg/kg i.p.). Seventy-five male albino rats were divided into 5 groups of 15 rats each. Group 1 was control; groups 2-5 were made diabetic and treated with 0.2 ml 0.9% NaCl, cMEMSL (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg), and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), respectively, for 14 days. Blood samples were obtained from the retro orbital sinus after light anesthesia from 5 animals in each group on days 2, 7, and 14 for lipids and electrolyte analysis. Lipid profile of diabetic treated (cMEMSL and glibenclamide) animals showed significant reduction (p < .05) in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. The high density lipoprotein (HDL) level in the treatment groups increased significantly (p < .05) compared with diabetic untreated. Sodium, potassium, and phosphate ions significantly increased in all diabetic treatment groups while chloride ion significantly decreased compared with diabetic untreated. There was no significant difference in calcium and bicarbonate ion concentration in all the groups. This study has showed additional properties of Musa sapientum to include its ability to restore electrolyte balance, reduce cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and increase the HDL levels in diabetic animals.

Influence of Musa sapientum L. on pharmacokinetic of metformin in diabetic gastroparesis / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Musa sapientum L. (MS) bark juice in diabetic gastroparesis and its effect on pharmacokinetic of metformin (MET).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Diabetes was induced in rats by administering alloxan (120 mg/kg) saline solution and maintained for 8 week. All the 18 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n =6 in each group): normal control, diabetic control and MS bark juice. Assessment of diabetes was done by glucose oxidase-peroxidase method on the 3rd day of alloxan administration. The effects of MS bark juice (100 mL/kg) on gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, contractility of fundus and pylorus as well as gastric acid secretion in chronic diabetic rats were observed after 8 weeks of alloxan administration. The effect of MS bark juice on the pharmacokinetic of orally administered single dose of MET (350 mg/kg) was evaluated on the 57th day of protocol. Any drugs that may reduce the blood glucose level or influence the fibrinolytic system were not used in this study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MS bark juice significantly reduced the blood glucose level in the diabetic rats (P<0.01). There was significant decrease in the pylorus motility and increase in the gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, contractility of fundus, gastric acid secretion in the MS bark juice treated group (P<0.01). There was significant decrease in the time at which drug at a maximum concentration, half life of drug and increase in the maximum concentration of drug in the plasma of MET in MS bark juice treated group as compared to diabetic control group (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MS bark juice effectively manages diabetic gastroparesis and thereby improves the bioavailabilty of MET when administered with MS bark juice.</p>

Musa sapientum with exercises attenuates hyperglycemia and pancreatic islet cells degeneration in alloxan-diabetic rats.

AIM: We tested the hypothesis that administrations of methanolic extracts of Musa sapientum sucker (MEMS) with exercises attenuated hyperglycemia in alloxan-diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 adult male rats were divided into equal eight groups. Normoglycemic Group A was Control. Alloxan (180 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to rats in Groups B - H to induce diabetes. Group B (diabetic control) received physiological saline. Groups C - H received MEMS (5 mg/kg), MEMS (10 mg/kg), Glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), MEMS (5 mg/kg) + exercises, MEMS (10 mg/kg) + exercises and Exercises only, respectively. Changes in body weight, blood glucose levels (BGL) and pancreatic histology were evaluated during or at the end of experiment. Body weights and BGL of rats were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using the statistical software program SPSS 15. Statistical comparisons were done using the Student's t-test for unpaired samples. Differences between groups were determined as significant at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Significantly (P < 0.05) decreased bodyweight was observed in B and H compared to A and C - G. Treatment with MEMS significantly (P < 0.05) decreased elevated BGL in C and D. Hypoglycemic effect of MEMS appeared enhanced with exercises in F and G. Exercises regimen alone (H) resulted in percentage reduction in BGL lower than those of C - G. Histopathological examinations revealed normal pancreas (A), atrophied islet cells (B), hyperplasia with adequate population of islet cells (C - G), and reduced hyperplasia of islet cells (H). CONCLUSION: MEMS with exercises attenuated hyperglycemia in alloxan-diabetic rats.