Banana Peel: Pharmacological Activities: A Review

Musa sapientum which is commonly called banana is an herbaceous plant of family Musaceae, a popular fruit consumed worldwide. It is originated from topical region of Southern Asia. The plant is cultivated for its fruits and to a lesser extent for production of fibres. Considering the nutritional activities, it is one of the leading food crops with high source of minerals, vitamins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, dietary fibre, proteins, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids etc. The potassium (78.1), calcium (19.20), sodium (24.30), iron (0.61), manganese (76.20), bromine (0.04), radium (0.21), strontium (0.03), zirconium (0.02) and niobium (0.02 mg g-1) were found in the banana peel. The percentage concentration of protein, crude lipid, carbohydrate and crude fibre were 0.90, 1.70, 59.00 and 31.70 (mg g-1) respectively. Soluble fibres are known to lower serum cholesterol and help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, phlobatannins, glycosides, and terpenoids were found in banana peels, and these compounds have been reported to exert various biological and pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antiinflammatory activities. Antioxidant compounds and high amount of micronutrients were found also found in the peels of genus Musa. The presence of various bioactive compounds suggests that the peels possess various medicinal properties and may be useful as immune-stimulant. Once the peel is removed, the fruit can be consumed both as cooked and uncooked form and the peel is generally discarded. Because of the removal of the banana peel, there is significant amount of organic waste being generated. The peels are used as feedstock on small farms for cattle, goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits, fish and several other species as they have some nutritional value. Banana peel can also be used as a feed additive in aquaculture to improve fish growth and disease resistance. Various parts of plantain and banana have been studied for various uses: the flowers in bronchitis, dysentery and on ulcers; cooked flowers are given to diabetics; the astringent plant sap in epilepsy, leprosy, fevers, acute dysentery and diarrhea; young leaves are placed as poultices on burns and other skin afflictions; the roots are given to digestive disorders, dysentery and other ailments; banana seed mucilage is given in diarrhea in India.