In vitro bacterial adherence on teeth submitted to whitening with musa paradisiaca / Adherencia bacteriana in vitro en dientes sometidos a blanqueamiento con musa paradisiaca

Objetive: To compare in vitro bacterial adherence on teeth submitted to whitening with 50% ethanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca and 35% hydrogen peroxide. Material and Methods: The study was experimental and used 18 premolars that were grouped into: G1 (control), G2 (50% ethanol extract of Musa paradisiaca) and G3 (35% hydrogen peroxide). The teeth were then exposed to a Streptococcus mutans culture for 24 hours, followed by centrifugation in thioglycolate broth. A culture on trypticase soy agar was done with a 1 in 100 dilution, and after 48 hours colony forming units (CFU) were counted. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA test, complemented by the Bonferroni post-hoc. Results: Bacterial adherence was 77x105 CFU/ml in Group 3 using 35% hydrogen peroxide, 40x105 CFU/ml in Group 2 using 50% ethanol extract of Musa paradisiaca, and 89x104 CFU/ml in Group 1 (control). The difference between the three groups was significant (p=0.000). Conclusion: Both whitening methods cause bacterial adherence to the tooth surface, although to a lower degree with Musa paradisiaca.eses.

Objetivo: Comparar la adherencia bacteriana in vitro en dientes sometidos a blanqueamiento con extracto etanólico de Musa paradisiaca al 50% y con peróxido de hidrógeno al 35%. Material y Métodos: Comparar la adherencia bacteriana in vitro en dientes sometidos a blanqueamiento con extracto etanólico de Musa paradisiaca al 50% y con peróxido de hidrógeno al 35%.Resultados: La adherencia bacteriana fue de 77x105 UFC/ml con el peróxido de hidrógeno al 35%, de 40x105 UFC/ml con el extracto etanólico de Musa paradisiaca al 50% y de 89x104 UFC/ml con el control. La diferencia fue significativa entre los tres grupos (p=0.000). Conclusión: Ambos métodos de blanqueamiento causan adherencia bacteriana en la superficie dental, siendo menor con Musa paradisiaca.

El compostaje de cáscara de Musa paradisiaca L. para la producción de biogás y biometano como estrategia de preservación de la salud ambiental / Musa paradisiaca L. husk composting for biogas and biomethane production as a strategy for preserving environmental health

A medida que a se avanza en el siglo XXI, los sistemas de energía deben alejarse de los combustibles fósiles y aumentar la capacidad de las energías renovables si se quieren cumplir los objetivos de temperaturas máximas del Acuerdo de París. Sin embargo, debido a los desafíos en la adopción de tecnologías bajas en carbono, ciertas áreas de los sistemas energéticos globales son difíciles de controlar y descarburar. Por otra parte, el compostaje es una de las prácticas de gestión de residuos orgánicos más importantes que se puede utilizar para lograr la sostenibilidad del suelo y del medio ambiente. El compost tiene un mínimo impacto en algunas emisiones, y puede ayudar a controlar la huella de carbono y limitar los efectos ambientales negativos de los métodos de eliminación de desechos más deficientes. La investigación tuvo por objetivo determinar la calidad de producir biogás y biometano a partir de la cáscara de plátano (Musa paradisiaca L.). Metodológicamente se desarrolló una investigación aplicada, con nivel de investigación de tipo experimental. Las cáscaras de plátano se colectaron de la planta de compostaje de la Municipalidad Provincial de Leoncio Prado, Perú. De la muestra se prepararon cinco sub muestras para la producción de biogás y cinco muestras adicionales para la producción de biometano. Los sistemas mostraron una producción de 0,067 m3 BG/Kg ST de biogás y 0,059 m3CH4/Kg ST de biometano, que generó subproductos como el biol y biosol. Estos resultados presentaron una baja toxicidad al ser sometidos a pruebas germinativas, concluyéndose que solo el 11,5% de la cáscara introducida al biorreactor se degrado y de esta fracción solo el 2,8% se convirtió en biogás(AU)

As progress is being made in the 21st century, energy systems must move away from fossil fuels and increase the capacity of renewable energies if you want to meet the maximum temperatures objectives of the Paris Agreement. However, due to the challenges in the adoption of low carbon technologies, certain areas of global energy systems are difficult to control and decarbure. On the other hand, composting is one of the most important organic waste management practices that can be used to achieve soil and environmental sustainability. The compost has a minimum impact on some emissions, and can help control the carbon footprint and limit the negative environmental effects of the most deficient waste removal methods. The research aimed to determine the quality of producing biogas and biomethane from the banana peel (Musa paradisiaca L.). Methodologically, an applied investigation was developed, with experimental research level. The banana peels were collected from the composting plant of the Provincial Municipality of Leoncio Prado, Peru. From the sample, five sub samples were prepared for the production of biogas and five additional samples for biomethane production. The systems showed a production of 0.067 m3 bg/kg ST of biogas and 0.059 m3ch4/kg ST of biomethane, which generated by -products such as biol and biosol. These results presented a low toxicity when they were subjected to germinative evidence, concluding that only 11.5% of the shell introduced into the bioreactor was degraded and of this fraction only 2.8% became biogas(AU)

Riesgo patogénico por Aspergillus fumigatus en la producción de compost de Musa paradisiaca / Pathogenic risk by Aspergillus fumigatus in the compost production of Musa paradisiaca

Aspergillus fumigatus es un hongo con características de saprofito que crece en las partes muertas y en descomposición de la materia orgánica. La presencia de terapias inmunosupresoras o de antifúngicos pueden convertirlo en un patógeno fúngico oportunista causante de enfermedades como aspergilosis pulmonar crónica (CPA), aspergilosis invasiva aguda y síndrome de alergias. Pacientes que sufren de enfermedad pulmonar severa como la pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) tienen un mayor riesgo de desarrollar aspergilosis pulmonar crónica y aspergilosis pulmonar necrosante crónica (CNPA) que pueden causar crecimiento de hongos en los tejidos dañados. Por otro lado, una de las fuentes más comunes de estos hongos son la generación de compost. Estos fertilizantes orgánicos no dañan al medio ambiente y podrían resultar una estrategia eficaz para salvaguardar el medio ambiente. El compost orgánico promueve el suelo con mejor capacidad de retención de agua y resistencia a la sequía. Entre los residuos agrícolas postcosecha más comunes utilizados en la formación de compost, se pueden mencionar a las cáscaras de yuca, de maní, de frutas y verduras, desechos de cervecería, cascarilla de cacao, cascarilla de cola, maíz, conchas de plátano (Musa paradisiaca). Esta investigación tuvo por objetivo determinar la calidad del compost producido a partir de la cáscara de plátano con el fin de aprovechar hasta un 70% de su biomasa en la Municipalidad Provincial de Leoncio Prado, Perú. Los resultados mostraron que la la degradación aerobia de la cáscara de M. paradisiaca generó emisiones de CO2 (88,61%), así como compost (6,57 %) y lixiviados (4,82 %). Sin embargo, los efectos fitotóxicos usando el índice de germinación mostraron una inhibición completa de las semillas probadas posiblemente debido al gran contenido de minerales (alto contenido de salinidad del compost y lixiviado), presencia de metales pesados, compuestos orgánicos presentes, o la presencia de hongos tales como el A. fumigatus(AU)

Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus that grows on dead and decomposing parts of organic matter. The presence of immunosuppressive or antifungal therapies can make it an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing diseases such as chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), acute invasive aspergillosis, and allergy syndrome. Patients suffering from severe lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of developing chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA) which can cause fungal growth in damaged tissues. On the other hand, one of the most common sources of these fungi is the generation of compost. These organic fertilizers do not harm the environment and could be an effective strategy to safeguard the environment. Organic compost promotes soil with better water holding capacity and drought resistance. Among the most common postharvest agricultural residues used in the formation of compost, we can mention cassava shells, peanut shells, fruit and vegetable shells, brewery waste, cocoa shells, tail shells, corn, banana shells (Musa paradisiaca). The objective of this research was to determine the quality of the compost produced from the banana peel in order to take advantage of up to 70% of its biomass in the Provincial Municipality of Leoncio Prado, Peru. The results showed that the aerobic degradation of the shell of M. paradisiaca generated CO2 emissions (88.61%), as well as compost (6.57%) and leachates (4.82%). However, the phytotoxic effects using the germination index showed a complete inhibition of the tested seeds, possibly due to the high mineral content (high salinity content of the compost and leachate), the presence of heavy metals, organic compounds present, or the presence of fungi such as A. fumigatus(AU)

Antidiabetic potential and high synergistic antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesised with Musa Paradisiaca tepal extract

@#This work investigates the Musa Paradisiaca plant and its tepal extracts. The research findings show that the tepal extracts of M. Paradisiaca contain high phytochemical activity. Hence we can conclude that these plants have a number of beneficial properties. Phytochemical analysis concludes that the plant is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids, and phytosterol. In the current work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have revealed the antioxidant properties of M. Paradisiaca. The results show that the methanolic extracts of these tepals exhibit antioxidant potential and are also sources of natural antioxidant compounds, though comparatively, AgNPs have shown the best antioxidant activity. This work investigates the link between the ethnopharmacological statements and the bioactive constituents found in M. Paradisiaca toward all probable markers for cervical cancer via in vivo studies and molecular docking, to form a pharmacophore setting for the active target. However, most of the mechanisms of action of herbal medicines are not in total agreement, and the information collected from their traditional remedies over the years must not be neglected. Hence, it is sensible to investigate the options available in herbal medicine for cancer progression. Biosynthesised AgNPs are principally spherical and nanosized. It was also found that tepalmediated AgNPs exhibit excellent antimicrobial efficacy against tested human pathogens. This green method can be used as a better alternative source than the chemical fabrication of nanomaterials and the biosynthesised nanoparticles can be used in antibacterial medicines. The methanolictepal extract of M. Paradisiaca with AgNPs displayed proficient antidiabetic properties in the diabetes rat model and so could have a possible development for medical use in the future

El helado elaborado de musa paradisíaca y probióticos mejora los niveles séricos de calcio, hierro y potasio en una población infantil / Ice cream prepared with musa paradisiaca and probiotic improves the serum levels of calcium, iron and potassium in a children population

La desnutrición afecta la sociedad, principalmente a niños de recursos limitados, siendo los bajos niveles de minerales su consecuencia directa. Se desarrolló una investigación explicativa, con diseño experimental para evaluar la efectividad del consumo de un helado a base de Musa paradisiaca suplementado con probióticos en una población infantil de Cúcuta-Colombia. De una población de 238 escolares, 33 niños de 4 a 6 años tuvieron déficit séricos de Ca, Fe y K y se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Durante 60 días se les suministró diariamente el helado prueba al Grupo A y al Grupo B un helado placebo, registrándose peso, talla, niveles séricos de Ca, Fe y K antes, durante y después del suministro. Incrementaron significativamente (p = 0,01) los niveles de hierro y calcio en el Grupo A; mientras en el Grupo B permanecieron sin cambios. En ambos grupos aumentaron significativamente los niveles de potasio (p<0.05), con (p = 0.01) en el Grupo A. El peso corporal y talla de los niños evidenció un cambio significativo dentro de cada grupo (p < 0,05), aunque, no se observaron diferencias significativas entre grupos luego de la intervención. El consumo del helado a base de plátano suplementado con probióticos representa una alternativa para el abordaje del déficit de minerales en la población infantil(AU)

Malnutrition affects society, mainly children with limited resources, with low levels of minerals being the direct consequence. An explanatory research was developed, with experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of the consumption of an ice cream of Musa paradisiaca supplemented with probiotics in a child population of Cúcuta-Colombia. From 238 schoolchildren, a sample of 33 children aged 4 to 6 years with serum deficits of Ca, Fe and K participated and they were randomly divided into two groups. For 60 days the ice cream was supplied to Group A and Group B a placebo ice cream, registering weight, height, serum levels of Ca, Fe and K before, during and after the ice cream administration. There was a significant increase (p = 0.01) in the iron and calcium levels in Group A; with no significant changes for Group B. In both groups potassium was significantly increased (p <0.05). The body weight and height of the children was increased although there were no differences (p>0.05) between both groups. The consumption of banana-based ice cream supplemented with probiotics represents an alternative to address the deficit of minerals in children(AU)

Efeito de polímeros naturais na conservação de banana CV Caturra / Effect of natural polymers in banana CV caturra conservation

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de filmes formados por pectina, albúmen de ovo, carragena, gelatina, fécula de batata, xantana e amido de milho na conservação de banana cv. Caturra. As bananas foram sanitizadas e imersas em soluções filmogênicas de pectina (2%), albúmen de ovo (100%), carragena (2%), gelatina (5%), fécula de batata (2%) com glicerol (0,7%), xantana (1%), amido de milho (2%) com glicerol (0,7%) e o controle (0%), sendo armazenadas a 18ºC a 80% de UR por 8 dias. As bananas revestidas foram avaliados de acordo com a perda de massa, taxa de perda de massa, sólidos solúveis totais, cor (luminosidade e croma b*) e firmeza, nos tempos de zero hora, 2, 6, 7 e 8 dias. Ao final do período de armazenamento as bananas cv Caturra revestidas com filmes de pectina promoveram menor perda de massa e se mantiveram dentro do limite permitido (7%) até os 4,9 dias. O revestimento com carragena mostrou menor aumento dos sólidos solúveis totais, já os filmes de albúmen proporcionaram menores reduções da firmeza e variações da coloração amarela e o revestimento com fécula de batata melhorou a luminosidade nos frutos. Este aspecto mostra uma contribuição dos filmes na manutenção da qualidade da banana cv. Caturra. No entanto, outros parâmetros de qualidade devem ser avaliados, buscando conhecer outros efeitos desses filmes sobre a banana.

Antioxidant potential of banana: Study using simulated gastrointestinal model and conventional extraction.

Most reports on fruit antioxidant capacities are based on extraction of antioxidants using polar solvents. In banana, little is known about the fate of bioactive compounds during the digestion process, particularly in the food matrix under the gastric and intestinal conditions. In the present study, an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion method was used to simulate physiological conditions of the stomach and small intestine to evaluate the actual antioxidant capacity of banana. The simulated gastrointestinal extracts showed significantly higher antioxidant properties. The total phenol content of the physiological enzymatic extract was higher by almost 150% than the methanolic extract. Similarly, the flavonoid and flavonol contents were higher in the physiological enzymatic extract by 330.6 and 141.7%, respectively as compared to methanolic extract. These differences were also noticed in the antioxidant capacity measurement parameters. From the results, it can be concluded that the conventional extracts underrate the antioxidant value of banana and that they may have much higher health significance, as an antioxidant in particular.

Antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of unripe Musa paradisiaca on sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro

To evaluate and compare antioxidant activities of the aqueous extracts of unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca), assess their inhibitory action on sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation in rat pancreas in vitro and to characterize the main phenolic constituents of the plantain products using gas chromatography analysis. Methods: Aqueous extracts of plantain products (raw, elastic pastry, roasted and boiled) flour of 0.1 g/mL (each) were used to determine their total phenol, total flavonoid, 1,1 diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging ability. The inhibitory effect of the extracts on sodium nitroprusside induced lipid peroxidation was also determined. Results: The results revealed that all the aqueous extracts showed antioxidant activity. The boiled flour had highest DPPH and OH radical scavenging ability while raw flour had the highest Fe2+ chelating ability, sodium nitroprusside inhibitory effect and vitamin C content. The antioxidant results showed that elastic pastry had the highest total phenol and total flavonoid content. Characterization of the unripe plantain products for polyphenol contents using gas chromatography showed varied quantity of apigenin, myricetin, luteolin, capsaicin, isorhaemnetin, caffeic acid, kampferol, quercetin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, shogaol, glycitein and gingerol per product on the spectra. Conclusions: Considering the antioxidant activities and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation of unripe plantain, this could justify their traditional use in the management/prevention of diseases related to stress.

Antioxidant effects of Musa paradisiaca L. in acetaminophen induced hepatic toxicity in albino rats.

The improper functioning of the antioxidant defense system of our body results in the damage of macromolecules such as DNA, protein and lipids. This forms the basis of pathology of various diseases. Antioxidants prevent the accumulation of the free radicals and protect the body from diseases. The present study was designed to assess the antioxidant potential of Musa paradisiaca L in acetaminophen induced damage. The experimental models were grouped into six groups comprising of six rats each. Group I served as normal control, Group II was induced with acetaminophen at a dose of 2g/kg BW as a single dose. Group III was induced with acetaminophen and orally administered aqueous extract of Musa paradisiaca L at a dose of 100mg/Kg BW for 15 days. Group IV was induced with acetaminophen and orally administered aqueous extract of Musa paradisiaca L at a dose of 200mg/Kg BW for 15 days. Group V received the aqueous extract of Musa paradisiaca L alone at a dose of 200mg/Kg BW for 15 days. Group VI was induced with acetaminophen and administered silymarin at a dose of 25mg/KgBW for 15 days. At the end of the experimental period the animals were sacrificed. Serum and hepatic tissue were used for the study. The following parameters were analysed in the hepatic tissue – Lipid peroxidation (LPO), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Reduced Glutathione(GSH) and protein. The serum protein level was also measured. The induction of hepatic damage with acetaminophen resulted in increased lipid peroxidation and reduced scavenging activity of the defense system of the body. On treatment with the aqueous extract of Musa paradisiaca L the antioxidant system was activated reducing the lipid peroxidation and accumulation of free radicals, thereby protecting the hepatic tissue from oxidative damage.

Elaboración de un alimento con base en harina de banano (Musa paradisiaca) fortificada con hierro y zinc aminoquelados, calcio microencapsulado y folato / Development of a banana (Musa paradisiaca) flour-based food fortified with aminochelated iron and zinc, microencapsulated calcium and folate

Objetivo: elaborar un alimento enriquecido con hierro y zinc aminoquelados, calcio microencapsulado y folato para consumo humano. Materiales y métodos: se empleó banano de rechazo de la zona de Urabá (Antioquia-Colombia), maduro al 50%; goma arábiga, maltodextrina, ácido cítrico y ascórbico, folato, calcio lácteo microencapsulado, zinc y hierro aminoquelados, sabor artificial, colorantes y conservantes. Se deshidrató mediante secado por aspersión. Se realizaron cinco ensayos de mezclas para someter a diferentes temperaturas de secado por aspersión, se obtuvieron cinco lotes de producto. Los lotes fueron sometidos a análisis bromatológicos, microbiológicos, microscopia óptica, pruebas de aceptabilidad y estudio in vitro de digestibilidad. Resultados: todos los lotes presentaron características sensoriales y bromatológicas muy similares, pero el mejor evaluado en la prueba de aceptabilidad fue el número cuatro, que correspondió al sometido a temperaturas de entrada y de salida con un rango de variación de 110°C, cuyo aporte nutricional está dentro de los rangos propuestos inicialmente; su sabor fue uno de los de mayor aceptación por los consumidores y la microcápsula presentaba mejor caracterización. Conclusiones: se obtuvo una harina suelta, de fácil dilución, enriquecida con micronutrientes y con un buen contenido de carbohidratos, leve sabor a banano, color amarillo claro, además se obtuvo una microesfera de calcio y un producto de buena aceptación para consumo inmediato.

Objective: to develop a food enriched with aminochelated iron and zinc, micro-encapsulated calcium and folate for human consumption. Materials an methods: we used banana non optimal for exportation from Urabá (Antioquia- Colombia), 50% mature, arabic gum, maltodextrin, citric acid and ascorbic acid, microencapsulated milk calcium, aminochelated iron and zinc, artificial flavor, food colorants and preservatives. The product was dehydrated using a spraydrying process. Five samples of blends were subject to different temperatures by spray drying, obtaining five batches of product. The lots were subjected to bromatological and microbiology analysis, optical microscopy, acceptability testing and in vitro studies for digestibility. Results: all the batches had sensory and qualitative characteristics very similar, but the best item in the acceptability test was the number four, which corresponds to the one subjected to temperatures of input and output with a variation range of 110°C, which nutritional value is within originally proposed ranges, its flavor was one of the most widely accepted by consumers, and the microcapsule had better characterization. Conclusions: we obtained a loose flour product, easy to dilute, enriched with micronutrients and with a good carbohydrates content, mild banana flavor, and light yellow color. Additionally, we obtained a microsphere of calcium and a well accepted product for immediate consumption.

Inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms by ethnobotanical extracts of fruit peels of musa paradisiaca.

Ethanolic and water extracts of fruit peels of Musa paradisiaca were investigated for antimycotic activities and phytochemical properties on Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, Microsporum audouninii and Epidermophyton floccosum. The phytochemial analysis revealed that saponins, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and tannins were the active compounds. The agar diffusion method was used to assay for the antifungal properties on the test isolates the standard drug used was fluconazole. The results showed that the extract at different concentrations inhibited the growth of all the test isolates. The ethanolic extract was more effective than the water extract of the plant and zones of inhibition increased with increase in concentration of extract the result of this investigation demonstrate the potentials of Musa paradisiaca extracts as a source of chemotherapeutic agent that could be harnessed for use in health care delivery. This work also authenticates the use of Musa paradisiaca in traditional soap production which is used by some people to treat skin infections.

Purification and characterization of Mn-peroxidase from Musa paradisiaca (banana) stem juice.

Mn-peroxidase (MnP), a biotechnologically important enzyme was purified for the first time from a plant source Musa paradisiaca (banana) stem, which is an agro-waste easily available after harvest of banana fruits. MnP was earlier purified only from the fungal sources. The enzyme was purified from stem juice by ultrafiltration and anion-exchange column chromatography on diethylamino ethylcellulose with 8-fold purification and purification yield of 65%. The enzyme gave a single protein band in SDS-PAGE corresponding to molecular mass 43 kDa. The Native-PAGE of the enzyme also gave a single protein band, confirming the purity of the enzyme. The UV/VIS spectrum of the purified enzyme differed from the other heme peroxidases, as the Soret band was shifted towards lower wavelength and the enzyme had an intense absorption band around 250 nm. The Km values using MnSO4 and H2O2 as the substrates of the purified enzyme were 21.0 and 9.5 μM, respectively. The calculated kcat value of the purified enzyme using Mn(II) as the substrate in 50 mM lactate buffer (pH 4.5) at 25°C was 6.7s-1, giving a kcat/Km value of 0.32 μM-1s-1. The kcat value for the MnP-catalyzed reaction was found to be dependent of the Mn(III) chelator molecules malonate, lactate and oxalate, indicating that the enzyme oxidized chelated Mn(II) to Mn(III). The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme were 4.5 and 25°C, respectively. The enzyme in combination with H2O2 liberated bromine and iodine in presence of KBr and KI respectively. All these enzymatic characteristics were similar to those of fungal MnP. The enzyme has the potential as a green brominating and iodinating agent in combination with KBr/KI and H2O2.

Musa Paradisiaca flower extract improves carbohydrate metabolism in hepatic tissues of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes in rats

Objective: Musa Paradisiaca, commonly known as plantains have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. In the absence of an ideal drug to alleviate the primary and secondary complications of diabetes mellitus, search for novel drugs without side effects, preferably from plant origin continues. Recently, we have reported the presence of biologically active phytochemicals as well as the hypoglycemic activity of Musa paradisiaca tepals extract in STZ induced experimental diabetes in rats. The present study was aimed to evaluate the role of tepals, an integrated part of Musa paradisiaca flowers on carbohydrate metabolism in hepatic tissues of experimental diabetic rats. Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with ethanolic extract of tepals at a concentration of 200mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days. The levels of fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin were estimated. The activities of key enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism such as glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase in hepatic tissues were assayed. The levels of glycogen in hepatic tissues were also estimated. Results: Oral administration ofMusa paradisiaca tepals extract significantly improved the altered levels of blood glucose, plasma insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin and modulated the activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes. The glycogen content in hepatic tissues was significantly increased in diabetic rats treated with tepals extract. Conclusions: The results of the present study clearly indicate that the tepals extract plays pivotal role to maintain normoglycemia in diabetes by modulating the activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes.

Investigation of antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts of Musa paradisiaca Lam.

In the present work, the roots of Musa Paradisiaca Lam. (Family: Musaceae) were investigated for preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity. Preliminary phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of the roots revealed the presence of various classes of compounds like alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, reducing sugars and tannins. The ethanol extract of the roots of Musa Paradisiaca Lam. was tested by using agar disc diffusion method for antimicrobial assay. The ethanol extract of Musa Paradisiaca Lam. showed moderate in-vitro antibacterial activity against both gram positive (B. Megaterium, B. Subtilis, S. aureus) and gram negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. dysenteriae, S. typhi, Vibrio cholerae and S. flexneri) bacteria with the zones of inhibition ranging from 10.53 ± 0.37 to 12.42 ± 0.85 mm at concentration of 500 μg/disc. Thus the findings revealed the medicinal potential of Musa Paradisiaca Lam. against various infectious diseases to develop a drug.

Musa paradisiaca L. and musa sapientum L. : A phytochemical and pharmacological review.

Musa paradisiaca L. and Musa sapientum L. (Musaceae) are mainly grown in the tropical and subtropical countries and are widely used for its nutritional values all over the world. The fruits as well as the other parts of the plant are used to treat different diseases in human in traditional medicine. This review presents the scientific information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of these two species. Both M. paradisiaca and M. sapientum are traditionally used in diarrhoea, dysentery, intestinal lesions in ulcerative colitis, diabetes, sprue, uremia, nephritis, gout, hypertension and cardiac disease. This review reports the phytochemicals isolated and identified from fruit pulp, peel, seeds and flowers. A comprehensive assessment of the biological activities of different extracts is included and possible mechanisms and phytochemicals involved have been correlated.