Antioxidant and LC-MS screening of banana pseudostem.

Abstract

Abstract Bananas are herbaceous plants in the Musaceae family, which includes three genera: Musa, Musella, and Ensete. Musa acuminata and M. balbisiana are the main species that produce edible bananas. The peels and leaves of the banana tree include antioxidants and biological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic, and anti-ulcerogenic properties. Bananas have also been shown to have bioactive compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus. The wide waxy surface of the banana pseudo-stem contains a lot of fibre, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins. Because of their cooling characteristics, the leaves have long been used to treat eczema, wounds, inflammation, rashes, dandruff, and sunstroke. The pseudo-stem comprises a significant portion of the plant biomass, which is often left on the plantation site or burned and discarded. Banana (Musa spp.) pseudostem, a byproduct of banana farming, has long been used in numerous cultures for its alleged health benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of banana pseudostem as a potent source of phytochemicals or secondary metabolites using biochemical tests and chromatography techniques. Fresh pseudostem samples were obtained and subjected to biochemical testing such as flavonoid, phenol, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity. The results demonstrated presence of potential phytochemicals in its aqueous and methanolic extracts, indicating a rich biochemical composition. Furthermore, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography - mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) were used to identify different phytochemical compounds present in the extract. The analysis revealed unique separation patterns, indicating a wide range of secondary metabolites within pseudostem extract. This extensive investigation highlights banana pseudostem's potential as a great source of phytochemicals viz. with a variety of biological functions. Further detailed investigations may reveal the potential of banana pseudostem, an agricultural waste, as a rich source of many bioactive compounds.