Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Journal of Ethnopharmacology
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jep

Review

Banana (Musa spp) from peel to pulp: Ethnopharmacology, source

of bioactive compounds and its relevance for human health
Aline Pereira n, Marcelo Maraschin
Federal University of Santa Catarina, Plant Morphogenesis and Biochemistry Laboratory, PO Box 476, 88049-900 Florianopolis, Brazil

art ic l e i nf o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Banana is a fruit with nutritional properties and also with acclaimed
Received 29 April 2014 therapeutic uses, cultivated widely throughout the tropics as source of food and income for people.
Received in revised form Banana peel is known by its local and traditional use to promote wound healing mainly from burns and
5 November 2014
to help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses, as depression.
Accepted 5 November 2014
Available online 13 November 2014
Aim of the study: This review critically assessed the phytochemical properties and biological activities of
Musa spp fruit pulp and peel.
Keywords: Materials and methods: A survey on the literature on banana (Musa spp, Musaceae) covering its botanical
Musa spp classification and nomenclature, as well as the local and traditional use of its pulp and peel was
Banana peel
performed. Besides, the current state of art on banana fruit pulp and peel as interesting complex matrices
Bioactive compounds
sources of high-value compounds from secondary metabolism was also approached.
Phytochemistry
Metabolomics Results: Dessert bananas and plantains are systematic classified into four sections, Eumusa, Rhodochla-
Parkinson’s disease mys, Australimusa, and Callimusa, according to the number of chromosomes. The fruits differ only in their
ploidy arrangement and a single scientific name can be given to all the edible bananas, i.e., Musa spp. The
chemical composition of banana’s peel and pulp comprise mostly carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and
biogenic amines. The biological potential of those biomasses is directly related to their chemical
composition, particularly as pro-vitamin A supplementation, as potential antioxidants attributed to their
phenolic constituents, as well as in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease considering their contents in L-
dopa and dopamine.
Conclusion: Banana’s pulp and peel can be used as natural sources of antioxidants and pro-vitamin A due
to their contents in carotenoids, phenolics, and amine compounds, for instance. For the development of a
phytomedicine or even an allopathic medicine, e.g., banana fruit pulp and peel could be of interest as raw
materials riches in beneficial bioactive compounds.
& 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contents

1. Musa spp—Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

2. Traditional use of pulp and peel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
3. Banana fruit bioactive compounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
3.1. Carotenoids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
3.1.1. Pro-vitamin A supplementation through banana fruit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
3.2. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
3.3. Amine compounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
4. Banana peel as an interesting complex matrix of high-value compounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
4.1. Carotenoids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
4.2. Phenolic compounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
4.3. Amine compounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

n
Correspondence to: Plant Morphogenesis and Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal
University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Tel.: 55-48-3721-5328/5442; fax: 55-48-3721-5335.
E-mail addresses: [email protected] (A. Pereira),
[email protected] (M. Maraschin).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.11.008
0378-8741/& 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
150 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163

4.3.1. Parkinson’s disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

4.3.2. Bioavailability of amine compounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
5. Conclusion . . . ...................................................................................................... 160
Acknowledgments . ...................................................................................................... 160
References . . . . . . . ...................................................................................................... 160

1. Musa spp—Introduction
and Callimusa are only appreciated for their ornamental proper-
ties, because parthenocarpy is absent and they do not produce
Musa spp, comprising dessert bananas and plantains, are
edible fruit. In addition, there is one specie for which the relevant
among the world’s leading fruit crops as source of energy in the
section has yet to be determined, i.e. Musa ingens N.W.Simmonds
diet of people living in humid tropical regions. Banana is a term
(2n¼ 14) (Horry et al., 1997).
including a number of hybrids in the genus Musa, dessert bananas
Carl Von Linné (1707–1778), the father of modern taxonomy,
and plantains, Musaceae (Robinson, 1996; Stover and Simmonds,
classified the banana species as Musa x paradisiaca L. and Musa x
1987). And in Arabic banan means finger (SEBRAE, 2008).
sapientum L. However, in 1955, the studies from the botanists
Dessert bananas have firm pulp when the fruit is not ripe and
Simond and Shepherd resulted in the development of a classifica-
soft pulp during its maturation (Kajuna et al., 1997). It is known
tion system to edible banana cultivars. Simond and Shepherd
that dessert banana pulp and peel contains some secondary
concluded that there were two wild species of banana (section
metabolites in their composition, e.g. catecholamines (Kanazawa
Eumusa): Musa acuminata Colla and Musa balbisiana Colla.
and Sakakibara, 2000), phenolics (Verde-Mendez et al., 2003), and
In the taxonomic separation of M. x sapientum L. from M. x
carotenoid compounds (Van den Berg et al., 2000), as well as
paradisiaca L., genotypic descriptions were used to delimit the cons-
pyridoxine (vitamin B6—Leklem, 1999). Many of banana’s volatile
tituent taxa in the Musa germplasm (Shepherd, 1990; Simmonds and
compounds such as esters (Pérez et al., 1997) and alcohols
Weatherup, 1990; Swennen, 1990; Swennen et al., 1995; Vuylsteke et
(Nogueira et al., 2003) play an important role in the aromatic
al., 1991), due to the unavailability of more conservative data for
properties of dessert bananas.
characterization. Reports on taxonomic research on Musa (Shepherd,
Plantains are generally the larger, more angular starchy fruits of
1990; Simmonds and Weatherup, 1990; Swennen, 1990; Swennen et
hybrid triploid cultivars in the banana family intended for cooking
al., 1995) avoided the use of the names Musa x paradisiaca L. for
(Robinson, 1996). They are rich in carbohydrates as the dessert
plantain and M. x sapientum L. for banana. The morphological
banana, firmer and less valued as a fresh product even when
attributes in the characterization of the Musa genus and its molecular
mature, as they still contain starch at this stage (Valmayor et al.,
cytogenetic characterization had been also employed to distinguish
2000). Plantains are consumed necessarily cooked and used as raw
between the two widely cultivated triploid Musa x sapientum L. and M.
material for production of flour, crisps, beer, and wine (Akubor,
x paradisiaca L. (Osuji et al., 1997). The pattern of occurrence and
2003; Lemaire et al., 1997). As in dessert bananas, the pulp and
distribution of the different types of stomata discriminate the diploid
peel of diverse plantain cultivars (Red Yade, Mbeta 1, Big Ebanga,
species Musa acuminata Colla and Musa balbisian Colla from their
Moto Ebanga, Batard, Essang, Mbouroukou no 1, and Mbouroukou
triploid cultivars (Osuji, 1995). Therefore, the occurrence of papillae on
no 3) also have phenolic compounds (Tsamo et al., 2015). Except in
the abaxial bract surface of M. x sapientum L. and their absence in M. x
India and Southeast Asia, where while dessert bananas are con-
paradisiaca L., as well as the occurrence of calcium oxalate crystals in
sumed in large quantities, the use of cooked bananas and plantains
the adaxial epidermis of Musa acuminata Colla and the absence in M. x
is not so widespread (FAO, 2014). In Africa, especially Ghana and
paradisiaca L. can be used as taxonomic informations to distinguish the
Uganda, they are important staple food crops (Dei-Tutu, 1975;
triploids (Osuji, 2006).
Goode, 1974). The methods used to cook bananas and plantains do
Actually, bananas differ only in their ploidy arrangement and
not generally entail elaborate processes, being prepared by boiling
currently most banana taxonomists seem to agree that a single
or steaming, baking or roasting and frying. However, in some
scientific name can be given to all the edible bananas, i.e., Musa
areas, particularly West Africa, the fruit is also pounded. Roasted
spp (El-Khishin et al., 2009). The hybrids arose from the two
or baked bananas and plantains are also prepared in both East and
diploid species Musa acuminata Colla and Musa balbisiana Colla are
West Africa by placing peeled or unpeeled fruit either on the ashes
native to Southeast Asia. There are diploid, triploid, and tetraploid
of a fire or in an oven (Walker, 1931; Dalziel, 1937; Boscom, 1951;
hybrids composing subspecies of Musa acuminata Colla, and
Whitby, 1972; Goode, 1974; Tezenas du Montcel, 1979).
between Musa acuminata Colla and Musa balbisiana Colla
The genus Musa comprises all edible cultivars and was further
(Robinson, 1996; Stover and Simmonds, 1987). Conventionally,
divided into four sections, Eumusa, Rhodochlamys, Australimusa,
the haploid contributions of the respective species to the cultivars
and Callimusa according to the number of chromosomes (Table 1).
are noted with the letters A and B. Therefore, the cultivars can
Thus, the genome with eleven chromosomes (2n ¼22) is charac-
present genomic combinations depending on the basic number of
teristic of Eumusa and Rhodoclamys, while ten chromosomes chromosomes, e.g., AA, AB, AAA, AAB, ABB, AAAA, AAAB, AABB,
(2n ¼20) is found in Callimusa and also from Australimusa. Eumusa and ABBB (El-Khishin et al., 2009). Some important cultivars
is the largest and the most geographically widespread section to according to their genomic group and subgroup are shown in
which most cultivars derived from Musa acuminata Colla and Musa Table 2. The fruits from subspecies AA and AAA are sweeter and
balbisiana Colla species belong (Stover and Simmonds, 1987). In its include almost all the cultivars of current market importance.
turn, the section Australimusa contains Musa textilis Née that also Cooking bananas or plantains are hybrid triploid cultivar AAB, ABB,
produces parthenorparic edible bananas such as the bananas or BBB that have high starch content (Zhang et al., 2005). In
collectively known as Fe’i cultivars found in the Pacific islands. addition, some cultivars have genome from other wild species, e.g.,
The Fe’i bananas are characterized by their erect bunches, pink– Musa schizocarpa N.W.Simmonds (S genome) from Eumusa and
red to purple sap and deep yellow or orange colored fruit pulps. Musa textilis Née (T genome) from Australimusa. Researches with
However, the Australimusa distribution and variability are lesser cultivars from New Guinea confirmed by genomic in situ hybridi-
than the Eumusa. The other two sections of Musa, Rhodochlamus zation the combination of other genomes, including AS, AAS, ABBS,
 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163 151

AAT and ABBT, with other species also contributing such as Musa of the clones currently grown is a considerable hindrance to their
angustigermma N.W.Simmonds (T genome) subgenus Australimusa genetic improvement (Jenny et al., 2003).
and Musa schizocarpa N.W.Simmonds (S genome) subgenus Rho- Generally, banana production is based on triploid cultivars.
dochlamys (D’Hont et al., 2000). However, the diploid genomic becomes important because it is a
Whereas most of the cultivars come from the genomes of Musa source of resistance and tolerance alleles to biotic and abiotic
acuminata Colla and Musa balbisiana Colla, it became almost stress (Jenny et al., 2003). The banana breeding programs world-
impossible to point which is the banana species. To solve this wide have generated successful tetraploid hybrids from crosses
problem it was developed a system called genomic cluster that between triploid cultivars and wild or improved diploids, which
uses the term species of Musa spp followed by the genomic group have agronomic traits of interest including small size, resistance to
characterized by the letters A and B, respectively, from Musa pests, and physicochemical quality of fruits (Silva et al., 2002).
acuminata Colla and Musa balbisiana Colla. If there is an interesting
mutation that would constitute one or more new cultivars with a
similar set of genotypes, it is called subgroup (Simmonds and 2. Traditional use of pulp and peel
Shepherd, 1955).
Ancestral bananas are fertile diploids while the main groups of Plantains as well as dessert bananas and the other parts of the
bananas grown today are clones of plants, mostly triploids repro- Musa spp plant, which include roots, pseudostems, stems, leaves,
duced entirely vegetatively. For producers and consumers, this and flowers have long been used in local and traditional medicine
feature presents two advantages as triploid gives the plant vigor in America, Asia, Oceania, India and Africa (Tsamo et al., 2015).
and makes it easier to grow than diploids. Second, the clonal In the Brazilian local and traditional medicine banana peel has
propagation of 3n genotypes assures them genetic uniformity which a history of utility to promote wound healing mainly by burns
facilitates management, both in the field and throughout the con- when used topically (Balbach, 1945). Peels of ripe bananas can be
sumer market. However, triploid ensures sterility of the fruit enabling used to make a poultice for wounds, which is wrapped around an
it to be eaten without risks of finding seeds. On the other hand, the injury to reduce pain or swelling. As the inside of the peel has
nature of these plants also presents obstacles to their cultivation and antiseptic properties, it can be wrapped directly around wounds or
improvement. First, the genetic uniformity of these plants facilitates cuts in an emergency (INIBAP, 2002). Silva (2005) described some
the spread of diseases on banana plants. For example, the Caven- medicinal plants from Goiás, Brazil, and among them Musa spp.
dish varieties throughout the world are all susceptible to leaf spot The banana tree has an important local and traditional value to
diseases. Plantains are also susceptible to black leaf streak disease, treat anemic people. Bananas are a healthy food for children
whether in Africa, South America, or Asia. Furthermore, the sterility around six months, because it does not produce cramps or

Table 1
Systematic of the Musaceae family.

Family Genus Sections Species Subspecies

Musaceae Musa Callimusa (2n¼ 20) Musa beccarii N.W. Simmonds

Musa borneensis Becc.
Musa coccinea Andrews
Musa gracilis Holttum
Australimusa (2n¼ 20) Musa textilis Née
Musa angustigemma N.W. Simmonds
Musa bukensis Argent
Musa jackeyl W. Hill
Musa lolodensis Cheesman
Musa maclayl F.Muell.ex. Mikl.-Maclay
Musa peekelii Lauterb.
Musa lasiocarpa Franch.
Musa boman Argent
Musa troglodytarum L.
Eumusa (2n¼ 22) Musa acuminata Colla or Musa cavendishii Lamb. burmanica
N.W. Simmonds
malaccensis (Ridl.) N.W. Simmonds
truncata (Ridl.) Kiew
microcarpa (Becc.) N.W. Simmonds
errans (Blanco) R.V. Valmayor
Musa balbisiana Colla
Musa basjoo Siebold & Zucc. Ex linuma
Musa cheesmani N.W. Simmonds
Musa flaviflora N.W. Simmonds
Musa halabanensis Meijer
Musa itinerans Cheesman
Musa nagensium Prain
Musa. x paradisiaca L.
Musa. x sapientum L.
Musa schizocarpa N.W. Simmonds
Musa sikkimensis Kurz
Musa sumatrana Becc.
Rhodoclamys (2n¼ 22) Musa laterita Cheesman
Musa ornata Roxb.
Musa sanguinea Hook. f.
Musa velutina H. Wendl. & Drude
152 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163

Table 2
Worldwide distribution of some banana cultivars according to their genomic group and subgroup.

Genomic Subgroup Cultivar Fruit Geographic

groupn usage distribution

AA Sucrier Frayssinette Dessert All continents

banana
Figue sucrée Dessert All continents
banana
Ouro Dessert Brazil
banana
Matti, Kadali, Sannachenkadali, Chingan, Calcutta 4, Sikuzani India
Pisang Lilin Indonesia,
Malaysia
Pisang Berangan Indonesia,
Malaysia
Lakatan Indonesia,
Malaysia
AAA Gros Michel Gros Michel Dessert All continents
banana
Cavendish Lacatan, Poyo, Grand Naine, Williams, Dessert All continents
Petite Naine, Nanica banana
Figue rose Figue rose Dessert All continents
banana
Lujugira Intuntu Cooking East African
highland
Mujuba Cooking East African
highland
Caipira Dessert Brazil
banana
Yangambi-5 Dessert Central and
banana West Africa
Giant cavendish Grand Nain, Valery Dessert Egypt
banana
Dwarf cavendish Egypt, India
Red banana, Robusta, Green red, Monsmarie India
AAAA Champa Nasik Champa Nasik Dessert East African
banana highland
AAAB Goldfinger Goldfinger Dessert America,
banana Australia
AB Adukkan, Poomkali, Njalipoovan, Valiyakunnan, Adakkakunnan, Pedalimoongil, India
Velipputtubale
Ney Poovan Safet Velchi Dessert India, East
banana Africa
Sukari Dessert India, East
banana Africa
AAB Figue Pomme Maca, Silk Dessert All continents
banana
Pome Prata, Branca, Pacovan Dessert Brazil, India,
banana Egypt
Mysore, Poovan, Perumpadali, Dudhsagar, Palayankodan, Krishnavazhai, Charapadati, India
Nendran, Quintal nendran, Pedathi, Velipadathi
Plantain French, Horn Cooking Africa
Caribbean
Corne Cooking Africa
Caribbean
Batard, Mbouroukou-1, Mbouroukou-3 Cooking Belgium
Terra Terra, Pacovan, D’Angola Dessert Brazil
banana
ABB Figo Figo Vermelho or Figo Cinza Dessert Brazil
banana
Bluggoe Bluggoe Cooking Philippines,
America
Poteau Philippines,
America
Pisang Awak Fougamou Dessert Philippines,
banana America
Kosthalontha, Karpooravalli, Boothibale, Konchikela, Peyan India
Matooke Butobe Cooking East African
Highland
AABB Ouro da Mata Dessert Brazil
banana
ABBB Klue Terapod Cooking Philippines,
America
BB Elavazhai India
BBB Saba Saba Cooking Indonesia,
Malaysia

Note: Source: Bakry et al. (1997), Davey, et al. (2007), Nakasone and Paull (1999), Resmi et al. (2011), Rieger (2006), SEBRAE (2008).
n
Represents combinations of the Musa balbisiana Colla and Musa acuminata Colla genomes. Cooking means plantain varieties
 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163 153

diarrhea. The juice from the pseudostem is sweetened and oral reduce swelling and irritation after a mosquito bite by rubbing the
administrated in diarrhea. By topical administration, this juice is affected area with the inside of a banana skin (Kumar et al., 2012).
employed to wash ulcers and to treat aphtas in children. Infusion
of the flowers of the banana plant in water followed by an
overnight rest are used to treat health problems in the eyes. Syrup 3. Banana fruit bioactive compounds
of banana flowers is used to heal pulmonary problems. Green
banana is used by topical application in wound healing and cancer. Fruit consumption has been increased due to a series of well-
Neiva et al. (2014) studied the traditional knowledge from plants known nutritional and therapeutic effects on the human health,
used for the treatment of giardiasis in Brazil. Banana leaf and fruit mostly resulting from their contents in phytochemicals with
were cited by the interviewees in health facilities from a municipal antioxidant properties, for instance. Recent studies indicate that
public primary healthcare and private institution specializing in frequent consumption of fruits might be related to the retardation
digestive system diseases, in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. of aging and prevention of certain illnesses including cancer and
Musa (M.) paradisiaca L., commonly called Kaila in Pakistan, is cardiovascular diseases (Wang et al., 1997; Bae et al., 2008;
traditionally used for the treatment of inflammation, rheumatism, Kawasaki et al., 2008; Wright et al., 2008), which are related to
gripe, diabetes, hypertension, cough, and bronchitis. Unripe bana- cell oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Indeed, there is a large
nas are astringent and their ashes are used to treat diarrhea body of evidences that free radicals are responsible for the damage
(Morton, 1987). Plantain juice is used as an antidote for snake bite of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in cells, leading to several
(Reid, 1961). In ethnoveterinary medicine, Musa paradisiaca L. is physiological and pathological abnormalities. According to Saura-
used to treat the hooves and injuries while its green fruit is used Calixto and Goni (2006) and Wang et al. (1997), compounds from
for the treatment of diarrhea (Lans et al., 2006). Musa seminifera the plant secondary metabolism can be found in the fruits as
Lour is native from Bangladesh and this plant is commonly known carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C and E contribut-
as Bichi kola, Aitta kola, or Doia kola, and distributed throughout ing for the antioxidant activity, depicting a clear therapeutic
the country. Musa seminifera Lour has been used in local and potential. However, such phytochemical compounds that come
traditional medicine in Bangladesh in the treatment of diarrhea, from fruits are highly affected not only by genetic factors, but also
dysentery, and excess menstruation (Partha and Hossain, 2007). In by environmental ones in the geographic region of production,
Thailand and India, banana is widely consumed as a food staple fruit maturity stage at harvest, farming practices, harvesting time,
and has been traditionally used for gastrointestinal tract disorders post-harvest handling and processing, and storage conditions
as diarrhoea and gastritis (Bunyapraphatsara, 1996). Abe and (Rodriguez-Amaya, 2010). Because of its particularities, in special
Ohtani (2013) studied the local knowledge and uses of medicinal its low cost, banana is consumed all over the world and it can be
plants on Batan Island, the Philippines, and could provide new considered an important fruit regarding its potential as functional
avenues for pharmacological investigations to improve healthcare and nutraceutical food.
for a range of ailments. The young leaves of Musa paradisiaca L.,
locally named viniveh (guyud variety), are used to treat fever and
headache by forehead external application with oil. The ripe fruits 3.1. Carotenoids
of Musa sapientum L., locally named viniveh (tsina variety), are
used to treat diarrhea through the intake of bananas three times a Carotenoids are a diverse group of yellow–orange pigments
day. The juice from Musa spp, locally named viniveh, is used to found in many biological systems, acting as accessory pigments
treat abdominal pain (Abe and Ohtani, 2013). Iranian traditional in photosynthesis, for example. Several health-promoting effects
medicine as a complementary and alternative medicine involves of carotenoids such as immune-enhancement and reduction of
several non-pharmacological treatments, among which food ther- the risk of developing degenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovas-
apy is the most notable. Data from an Arabic source indicate that cular diseases, cataract, and macular degeneration have been
Musa spp provides little nutriment and it is useful against heat in claimed (Krinsky and Johnson, 2005; Tapiero et al., 2004;
the chest, the lungs, and the bladder, and softens the stomach Voutilainen et al., 2006). According to Erdman et al. (1993),
(Touwaide and Appetiti, 2013). Based on the resources of Iranian alfa-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin, but not
traditional medicine, bananas are prescribed for depressed lycopene, are known to have pro-vitamin A activity. This is
patients (Tavakkoli-Kakhki et al., 2014). associated with yellow, orange or red color they impart to many
According to Kumar et al. (2012), banana fruits from India are foods (Rodriguez-Amaya, 2001).
traditionally used to help overcome or prevent a substantial There are many reports in the literature about the existence of
number of illnesses and health conditions as depression (related banana genotypes rich in those pigments. For example, Setiawan
to the banana tryptophan content), anemia (high iron content et al. (2001) determined the carotenoid content of 18 fruits,
which stimulates the production of hemoglobin), and blood including banana (Musa x paradisiaca L.), commonly consumed
pressure control (high potassium content and low in salt). Bananas in West Java, Indonesia. The authors observed a large sample-to-
can be source of vitamin B6. The vitamins B6 and B12, as well as sample variation in β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and beta-carotene
the potassium and magnesium content help the body recover from contents for the studied fruits as showed in Table 3.
the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Bananas can help people trying Samples of fruit pulps of three plantain varieties (Batard,
to give up smoking. The fruits are also used against constipation Mbourourkou-1, and Mbourourkou-3) and two dessert banana
(high in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore varieties (Cavendish and Yangambi-5) were assayed by Davey et al.
normal bowel action), hangover (to build up depleted blood sugar (2006) for pro-vitamin A carotenoid content. Trans-alfa-carotene
levels), heartburn and ulcers (bananas have a natural antacid effect and trans-beta-carotene were found to occur as majoritar-
in the body), and against stress condition, because potassium ian compounds, with additional small amounts of the cis-beta-
content is a vital mineral (Bhutani and Atal, 1984; Kumar carotene (Table 3). Besides, the authors claim that these results
et al., 2012). Under the stress conditions, our metabolic rate rises, were related to the banana cultivation sites and their genomic
thereby reducing our potassium levels. These conditions can be variability. Other significant carotenoid found was lutein, but in
rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana content. small amount. Lutein does not have pro-vitamin A activity, while
Taken a piece of banana peel and place it on the wart, with the having important antioxidant properties and human health ben-
yellow side out, can be a natural alternative to kill off a wart and to efits as inhibitor of the age-related macular degeneration.
154 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163

Table 3
Concentration of pVACs (t-AC, t-BC, and c-BC) and RAE of some banana genotypes all over the world.

Genotype t-AC t-BC c-BC RAE Country Reference

Aibwo/Suria #1 23.58 mg/gww 59.45 mg/gww nd 2.95 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Aibwo/Suria #2 15.17 mg/gww 25.72 mg/gww nd 2.77 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Bantol Red 70 nmol/gdw 130 nmol/gdw 11 nmol/gdw 7.63 mg/g Philippines Davey et al. (2009b)
Batard 35 pmol/gdw 36 pmol/gdw 5 pmol/gdw 2.51 ng/g Belgium Davey et al. (2006)
Batard 35 nmol/gdw 38 nmol/gdw 4 nmol/gdw 2.57 mg/g Cameroon Davey et al. (2007)
Baubaunio 2.49 mg/gww 3.32 mg/gww nd 0.37 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Cavendish 8 pmol/gdw 6 pmol/gdw 1 pmol/gdw 0.47 ng/g Humid tropical Africa Davey et al. (2006)
Cavendish 8 nmol/gdw 5 nmol/gdw 1 nmol/gdw 0.42 mg/g Cameroon Davey et al. (2007)
Cavendish nd 4.6 mg/gww nd 0.38 mg/g Belgium Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Chek Porng Moan 50 nmol/gdw 65 nmol/gdw 9 nmol/gdw 4.23 mg/g Camboja Davey et al. (2009b)
Dimaemamosi nd 24.17 mg/gww nd 2.01 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Duningi nd 7.43 mg/gww nd 0.62 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Entukura nd 4.90 mg/gww nd 0.41 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Enzirabahima nd 3.19 mg/gww nd 0.27 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Fagufagu 15.24 mg/gww 34.28 mg/gww nd 3.49 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Galeo nd 12.55 mg/gww nd 1.05 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Gatagata/Vudito #1 0.79 mg/gww 6.95 mg/gww nd 0.61 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Gatagata/Vudito #2 0.42 mg/gww 4.47 mg/gww nd 0.39 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
GCTV 215 nd 5.77 mg/gww nd 0.48 mg/g Belgium Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Grand Naine 2 nmol/gdw 1 nmol/gdw nd 0.09 mg/g Cameroon Davey et al. (2007)
Grand Naine nd 4.47 mg/gww nd 0.37 mg/g Belgium Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Gunih nd 14.27 mg/gww nd 1.19 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Henderneyargh 44 nmol/gdw 124 nmol/gdw 9 nmol/gdw 6.73 mg/g Philippines Davey et al. (2009b)
Huki Matawa 2.93 mg/gww 2.96 mg/gww nd 0.37 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
IC2 nd 4.02 mg/gww nd 0.33 mg/g Belgium Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Iholena Lele 78 nmol/gdw 107 nmol/gdw 6 nmol/gdw 6.67 mg/g Hawaii Davey et al. (2009b)
Kabucuragye nd 1.41 mg/gww nd 0.12 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Katimor 74 nmol/gdw 84 nmol/gdw 7 nmol/gdw 5.57 mg/g Philippines Davey et al. (2009b)
Kibuzi nd 4.28 mg/gww nd 0.36 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Kokopo nd 11.42 mg/gww nd 0.95 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Musa paradisiaca nd 0.72–12.2 mg/gww nd 0.06–1.02 mg/g Indonesia Setiawan et al. (2001)
Mbouroukou-1 31 pmol/gdw 34 pmol/gdw 6 pmol/gdw 23.48 ng/g Belgium Davey et al. (2006)
Mbouroukou-1 29 nmol/gdw 34 nmol/gdw 5 nmol/gdw 2.28 mg/g Cameroon Davey et al. (2007)
Mbouroukou-3 28 pmol/gdw 26 pmol/gdw 3 pmol/gdw 18.56 ng/g Belgium Davey et al. (2006))
Mbouroukou-3 26 nmol/gdw 25 nmol/gdw 3 nmol/gdw 1.77 mg/g Cameroon Davey et al. (2007)
Mbwazirume nd 1.91 mg/ gww nd 0.16 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Mpologoma nd 1.46 mg/ gww nd 0.12 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Musa spp (Uht ipali) 5.46 mg/gww 11.81 mg/gww nd 1.21 mg/g Pohnpei, Micronesian Englberger et al. (2003a,b)
Musa spp (Usr wac) 6.77 mg/gww 20.82 mg/gww nd 2.00 mg/g Kosrae, Micronesian Englberger et al. (2003a,b)
Musa troglodytarum (Uht en yap) 14.72 mg/gww 63.60 mg/gww nd 5.91 mg/g Pohnpei, Micronesian Englberger et al. (2003a,b)
Musa troglodytarum (Uht karat) 2.96 mg/gww 9.18 mg/gww nd 0.89 mg/g Pohnpei, Micronesian Englberger et al. (2003a,b)
Nakhaki nd 4.62 mg/gww nd 0.39 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Nakitembe nd 5.27 mg/gww nd 0.44 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Pagatau nd 4.54 mg/gww nd 0.38 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Pisang Mas nd 11.39 mg/gww nd 0.95 mg/g Belgium Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Pitu nd 11.27 mg/gww nd 0.94 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Pongani nd 2.13 mg/gww nd 0.18 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Porapora nd 7.88 mg/gww nd 0.66 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Pusit 99 nmol/gdw 101 nmol/gdw 9 nmol/gdw 6.93 mg/g Philippines Davey et al. (2009b)
Ropa 36.82 mg/gww 13.24 mg/gww nd 2.64 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Saena 0.79 mg/gww 0.58 mg/gww nd 0.08 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Tereza nd 2.46 mg/gww nd 0.21 mg/g Uganda Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Toraka Parao 2.50 mg/gww 5.26 mg/gww nd 0.54 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Wambo nd 19.04 mg/gww nd 1.59 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Warowaro o 0.02 mg/gww 1.66 mg/gww nd 0.14 mg/g Makira, Solomon Islands Englberger et al. (2010)
Williams nd 6.20 mg/gww nd 0.52 mg/g Belgium Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Yalim nd 16.27 mg/gww nd 1.35 mg/g Papua New Guinea Fungo and Pillay (2010)
Yangambi-5 3 pmol/gdw 1 pmol/gdw 0 pmol/gdw 0.11 ng/g West and Central Africa Davey et al. (2006)
Yangambi-5 3 nmol/gdw 1 nmol/gdw 0 nmol/gdw 0.11 mg/g Cameroon Davey et al. (2007)
Wasolay 172 mg/gdw 74 mg/gdw 28 mg/gdw 14.51 mg/g Papua New Guinea Borges et al. (2014)
Jari Buaya 415 mg/gdw 525 mg/gdw 224 mg/gdw 70.37 mg/g Malaysia Borges et al. (2014)
Malbut 145 mg/gdw 102 mg/gdw 34 mg/gdw 15.96 mg/g Papua New Guinea Borges et al. (2014)
Jaran 127 mg/gdw 162 mg/gdw nd 18.79 mg/g Indonesia Borges et al. (2014)
Saba 9 mg/gdw 61 mg/gdw 13 mg/gdw 6.00 mg/g Costa Rica Borges et al. (2014)
Caipira 2 mg/gdw 9 mg/gdw nd 0.83 mg/g Brazil Borges et al. (2014)
Bucaneiro 17 mg/gdw 5 mg/gdw nd 1.13 mg/g Saint Lucia Borges et al. (2014)
Nam 19 mg/gdw 22 mg/gdw nd 2.62 mg/g Thailand Borges et al. (2014)
Thap Maeo 135 mg/gdw 147 mg/gdw 36 mg/gdw 19.38 mg/g Brazil Borges et al. (2014)

pVAC: pro-vitamin A carotenoid; t-AC: trans-alfa-carotene; t-BC: trans-beta-carotene; c-BC: cis-beta-carotene; RAE: retinol activity equivalents; nd ¼not determined;
gww¼ g of wet weight; gdw ¼g of dry weight.

Davey et al. (2007) have shown in a within-fruit, within-hand, a further assay, Davey et al. (2009b) evaluated the pro-vitamin A
within-plant, and between-plants study that pro-vitamin A carote- carotenoid contents of 171 genotypes from Musa, e.g., bananas and
noids contents varied significantly across all the sampled groups. In plantains. The results indicated carotenoids varying within
 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163 155

genotypes to an average of 720.5% per cultivar. In Musa pulp, over differing in any extension regarding one or more procedures and/
90% of the total pro-vitamin A carotenoids are trans-alfa-carotene or analytical techniques. For instance, an important but often
and trans-beta-carotene. The remaining 10% comprise cis-carote- ignored aspect of carotenoid analysis is the impact of the post-
noids, lutein, and other unidentified compounds. The Bantol Red harvest processing and sample storage. Lyophilization continues to
(uncharacterized genome), Pusit (uncharacterized genome), Iholena be widely considered the appropriate means of preserving biolo-
Lele (AAB), Henderneyargh (AAB), Katimor (AAB), and Chek Porng gical sample. Davey et al. (2006) and (2009a) found no significant
Mean (uncharacterized genome) cultivars showed to contain the difference in the recoveries of total pro-vitamin A carotenoids
higher pro-vitamin A carotenoids, with values of 44 to 130 nmol/g from lyophilized and fresh banana samples and no further sig-
dry weight (Table 3). The variations in pro-vitamin A carotenoids nificant loss during storage of lyophilized tissue in the dark, at
contents appear to be at least partly related to the differences in the  20 1C. On the other hand, variable losses were detected to occur
developmental status of the fruit, as well as genotype-specific in frozen pulp tissues. However, sample lyophilization resulted in
(Davey et al., 2009b). significant degradation of beta-carotene and especially lycopene,
Twenty six genotypes from Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura’s because it increases sample porosity with consequently exposure
banana germplasm active bank in Brazil were evaluated by Mattos to oxygen during storage (Rodriguez-Amaya, 2010). This way,
et al. (2010). The triploids AAB and ABB genomic groups presented caution should be taken in comparative analysis of banana
higher amounts of carotenoid content than the triploid AAA one, a genotypes as sources of pro-vitamin A, since eventual conclusions
trait associated to the B genome. Similar results were obtained by might rely on erroneous approaches due to important methodo-
Englberger et al. (2003a) that analyzed the carotenoid content of 13 logical and analytical discrepancies.
banana cultivars. Musa troglodytarum L. (local named Uht en yap),
Musa spp (Usr wac), Musa spp (Uht ipali), and Musa troglodytarum L.
(Uht karat) genotypes were found to have beta-carotene levels 3.1.1. Pro-vitamin A supplementation through banana fruit
greater than 918 mg/100 g edible portion (Table 3). Although those Animals are unable to synthetize retinoids and need a dietary
banana genotypes are not documented by a cultivar name, they are supply of these compounds in the form of vitamin A. The fat soluble
thought to belong to the Cavendish subgroup, the primary banana vitamin A occurs in two major ways in Nature, mainly as retinyl
cultivar marketed globally (INIBAP, 2002). esters from animal food sources or in the form of pro-vitamin A
Banana genotypes from the International Institute of Tropical carotenoids from several plant species. The most abundant carote-
Agriculture germplasm collection in Uganda, Papua New Guinea, noid is beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A also called pro-
had the highest levels of beta-carotene with 24.17 μg/g edible pulp vitamin A, because its activity as vitamin A is only found after its
(Table 3). A positive correlation was detected between pulp color conversion to retinol within the body (Chichili et al., 2005).
intensity and beta-carotene concentration. These findings concur Because vitamin A is stored in the liver, some strategies are
with earlier observations reported for Micronesian and Brazilian needed to ensure adequate vitamin A intakes for people, for
bananas which showed that the content of beta-carotene is higher example, supplements given daily or once every four to six months.
in yellow to orange bananas than in those with white or beige An alternative to vitamin A is the fortification of commonly
pulp. Indeed, carotenoid levels seem to increase with the intensity consumed foods to improve the diets of people helping to reduce
of fruit flesh coloration towards yellow and orange (Englberger the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency. The routine supplementation
et al., 2003a; Fungo and Pillay, 2010). schedule to be followed was previously described in the WHO/
Borges et al. (2014) established the carotenoidic profile of UNICEF/IVACG/1997 Task Force publication “Vitamin A Supple-
accessions from the Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura germplasm ments: A guide to their use in the treatment and prevention of
from Brazil, aiming to select superior genotypes to be used in vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia” (WHO—World Health
future crosses in the development of biofortified cultivars (rich in Organization, 1998).
pro-vitamin A carotenoids). The study showed that the carotenoid Not rare, native genotypes of bananas as previously demon-
content of Musa fruits mainly consists of beta-carotene and alfa- strated in this review contain meaningful amounts of pro-vitamin
carotene, whereas the proportion of these compounds varied A carotenoids, which periodically administered to the diet might
depending on the cultivars genotype. Results revealed the geno- mitigate the vitamin deficiency and the famine in any extension.
types Jari Buaya, Thap Maeo, and Jaran as rich sources of pro- This is because by adopting the supplementation of vitamin A
vitamin A, especially when compared to the main cultivars using external sources of food staples such as genetic bred or
commercially available (e.g. Cavendish subgroup), Additionally, in transgenic crops usually results in a strong dependency of the local
the Musa germplasm assayed, a great variability for these com- communities and governments as to the furnishers of seeds,
pounds was found to occur, showing that the improvement of fertilizers, and pesticides, for instance. Furthermore, it is well
these characteristics can be obtained successfully in the banana known that the introduction of exogenous and genetic improved
genetic breeding program (Table 3). crop species in a given environment usually suffers from adapta-
Pro-vitamin A carotenoids differ in their vitamin A activities tion constraints that are time- and cost-relevant, mostly for
because of their distinct chemical structures. For this reason, the marginal populations. Thus, the rational exploitation of native
concept of retinol activity equivalent (RAE) has been adopted and genotypes of bananas seems to sound a better choice to collabo-
it considers that 12 mg of trans-beta-carotene correspond to 1 mg of rate in avoiding vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia.
retinol (Yeum and Russel, 2002). The conversion factors for other As example of the author’s point of view above described, a
possible isomers of cis-beta-carotene and trans-alfa-carotene are study of the nutrient content of bananas was initiated by the
not known; therefore, for all these compounds (if present), a Federated States of Micronesia due to the emergence of a serious
conversion factor of 24: 1, per mg of ingested carotenoid (Davey problem of vitamin A deficiency among children and women. The
et al., 2009a) have been used. On the basis of these conversion previous work in Micronesia identified yellow/orange-fleshed
factors, it is possible to calculate RAEs and thus the vitamin A carotenoid-rich banana cultivars, in particular Fe’i cultivars, with
nutritional value of banana genotyopes as shown in Table 3. potential to alleviate vitamin A deficiency. Thirteen of the Micro-
An issue worth mentioning as one compares carotenoid con- nesian banana cultivars analyzed contained enough pro-vitamin A
tents among cultivars/genotypes refers to the analytical protocol carotenoids to meet at least half of the daily estimated vitamin A
used to extract, quantify, and identify those secondary metabo- requirements for a non-pregnant and non-lactating woman. If a
lites. Indeed, a series of methods have been reported in literature, non-pregnant and non-lactating woman ate 500 g in a day of one
156 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163

of the cooked Musa troglodytarum (uht en yap and uht karat from Malaysia (southeast Asia) were chosen for analysis by
bananas), or Musa spp (usr wac, uht ipali, usr wac es sie, usr kuria, Sulaiman et al. (2011), due to their high consumption by local
usr macao, uht akatan bananas—Table 3) she would be able to people and common availability in local markets. Aqueous extract
obtain her total requirement of 500 mg of retinol equivalent from Awak pulp showed the highest total phenolic content
(Englberger et al., 2003a). A similar comparison for a 2–5-year- (0.36 70.01 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g fresh weight).
old child shows that the child could obtain the total vitamin A Borges et al. (2014) analyzed the phenolic compounds and total
requirement of 400 mg of retinol equivalent (FAO/WHO, 1988), by flavonoids content of 29 banana accessions belonging to the
eating 250 g in a day of cooked Musa troglodytarum (uht en yap Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura germplasm in Brazil. UV–visible
and uht karat bananas) and Musa spp (usr wac and uht ipali spectrophotometry was initially used and revealed an interesting
bananas—Table 3). However, studies on bioavailability of these discrepancy of contents of these secondary metabolites among the
foods have not yet been carried out and further investigation is banana accessions. The average content of phenolic compounds
needed to confirm the contribution of these foods to meeting for all the samples was 24.23 mg of gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry
vitamin A requirements (Englberger et al., 2003a). pulp. By analyzing all the accessions, the total flavonoids average
There is a great diversity of Makira bananas in Solomon Islands content was 2.41 mg of quercetin equivalent/100 g of dry pulp. The
as previous demonstrated by Englberger et al. (2010). Fe’i cultivars catechins epicatechin and gallocatechin were detected, by reverse-
and three non-Fe’i cultivars were assessed for flesh color, fruit size, phase high performance liquid chromatography, to be the most
and other attributes and analyzed as to their pro-vitamin A abundant compounds in the pulp of the studied biomass, high-
carotenoids (alfa- and beta-carotene—Table 3) and total carote- lighting Nam (114.44 μg/100 g of dry pulp) and Highgate
noids. Prominent differences were observed in carotenoid con- (359.96 μg/100 g of dry pulp) cultivars, respectively. In addition,
tents which ranged from 5945 mg beta-carotene/100 g fresh triploid genotypes showed the major contents of phenolic com-
weight in the yellow/orange fleshed Fe’i Aibwo/Suria genotype to pounds (Highgate cultivar), as well as total flavonoids (Wasolay
58 mg beta-carotene/100 g fresh weight in the white fleshed cultivar), an important finding for future crosses in order to
Saena one. Comparatively to cultivars with light-colored flesh, develop biofortified cultivars (Borges et al., 2014).
the yellow/orange-flesh cultivars generally showed to contain In the group of polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids have been
higher carotenoid concentrations. Total carotenoids varied from extensively studied and include catechins, proanthocyanins,
137 to 9400 mg/100 g fresh weight among the studied genotypes, anthocyanidins, flavones, flavonols, and their glycosides. Studies
revealing a huge chemical diversity regarding that trait associated on the structure-activity relationship have afforded consistent
to the genetic variability of the Salomon islands’ banana. Seven out evidence revealing the specific role of structural components and
of ten cultivars presented high pro-vitamin A carotenoid concen- requirements for scavenger radicals, chelating action, and oxidiz-
trations, meeting the estimated daily vitamin A requirements for ing activity of flavonoid compounds. In fact, the in vitro antiox-
pre-school children and non-lactating, non-pregnant female idant activity of flavonoids and their metabolites depends on the
adults, within normal consumption patterns. arrangement of functional groups in the nuclear structure (Heim
The nutrient-rich cultivars, including Fe’I genotypes, should be et al., 2002). Most of the beneficial effects of flavonoids on human
promoted for their potential to contribute to vitamin A intake and health are attributed to their antioxidant and chelating properties
overall health. According to the number of banana fingers to meet (Heim et al., 2002) and also to antimutagenic and antitumoral
the recommended safe intake for non-pregnant female adult some effects (Middleton and Harborner, 1986; Rice-Evans et al., 1996).
cultivars are thought to be of interest as, for instance: Aibwo/Suria: Flavonoids inhibit a variety of enzyme systems. Among them,
0.6, Fagufagu: 1.5, Gatagata/Vudito: 2.3, Ropa: 2.7, Huki Matawa: there are several oxygenases such as prostaglandin synthase, the
3.9, Toraka Parao: 4.4, and Baubaunio: 6.6. Similarly, for pre-school key enzyme in eicosanoids biosynthesis. Further, flavonoids also
children and non-lactating women the number of banana fingers act by inhibiting the hyaluronidase activity helping to maintain
recommended is as follows: Aibwo/Suria: 0.4; Fagufagu: 1.2; proteoglycans of connective tissue and preventing the spread of
Gatagata/Vudito: 1.8; Ropa: 2.1; Huki Matawa: 3.1; Toraka Parao: bacterial or tumor metastases (Havsteen, 2002). By hindering the
3.5 and Baubaunio: 5.3 fingers/cultivar/daily intake, respectively, oxidation reactions, in which flavonoids are preferentially oxi-
within normal consumption patterns (WHO, 2004). dized, they preserve the body’s natural antioxidants such as
ascorbic acid (Korkina, Afanas’ev (1997)).
3.2. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids Lewis et al. (1999) identified the flavonoid leucocyanidin as the
major product in aqueous extract of unripe plantain pulp (Musa x
Phytochemicals, especially phenolics in fruits and vegetables, sapientum L.), that also showed significant anti-ulcerogenic activ-
are the major bioactive compounds known for health benefits ity. In general, this suggests that flavonoids, leucocyanidin analo-
(Cook and Sammon, 1996). Bananas commonly consumed in gues in particular, may have considerable therapeutic potential in
Recife, eastern Brazil, have considerable amounts of some bioac- the treatment of gastric diseases.
tive phytochemicals as observed in the fruit pulp of the cultivars The consumption of tropical fruits has been associated with
“Pacovan” (Musa acuminata Colla) and “Comprida” (Musa x para- many medicinal properties. Alothman et al. (2009) studied a local
disiaca L.). The average values for the total phenolic compounds cultivar of banana known as Pisang mas, in Malaysia. The authors
were 44.46 75.46 and 52.02 74.22 mg of catechin equivalent/ determined the polyphenolic contents in aqueous extract
100 g of fresh weight, respectively (Mèlo et al., 2006). According (27.071.96 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh weight) and also
to Bravo (1998), the presence of polyphenols in fruits and in acetone 90% (v/v), resulting in higher phenolic amounts, e.g.,
vegetables is greatly influenced by genetic factors, environmental 72.272.03 96 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh weight. Simi-
conditions, and degree of ripeness, for instance. larly, the flavonoid content was also determined in the aqueous
Many of the natural antioxidants exhibit a wide range of extract (13.771.55 mg catechin equivalents /100 g fresh weight)
biological effects including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflamma- and in that organosolvent extract, and a superior amount was
tory, antiallergenic, antithrombotic, and vasodilatory actions (Cook detected in the later, i.e., 23.770.75 mg catechin equivalents
and Sammon, 1996). Banana pulp contains various antioxidants, e. /100 g fresh weight. The antioxidant activities of the banana fruit
g., vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds such as cate- extracts varied considerably. The aqueous extract exhibited a FRAP
chin, epicatechin, lignin and tannins, and anthocyanins (SEBRAE, of 0.5970.15 mmol Fe(II)/g fresh weight and a 36.8%72.93% DPPH
2008; Someya et al., 2002). For this reason, the banana cultivars inhibition as the acetone extract showed a FRAP of 5.2670.35 mmol
 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163 157

Fe(II)/g fresh weight and 68.0%70.51% DPPH inhibition. The anti- considered one of the complex plant matrix rich in high-value
ulcerogenic activity from unripe plantain pulp could be explained by compounds (Laufenberg et al., 2003). Banana peel is rich in
the higher antioxidant activity of the organosolvent extracts, phytochemical compounds, mainly antioxidants. Ripe banana peel
directly correlated to their superior amounts of phenolic com- contains the anthocyanins delphinidin and cyaniding (Seymour,
pounds and the flavonoid leucocyanidin. 1993), and catecholamines (Kanazawa and Sakakibara, 2000).

3.3. Amine compounds 4.1. Carotenoids

Catecholamines, e.g. dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrena- Carotenoids are also natural antioxidants and they contribute
line), and epinephrine (adrenaline), are a group of biogenic amines to the stability of foods. Such pigments are not evenly distributed
(Steiner et al., 1996). Probably, the best well known example of in the food itself as various investigators have found that carote-
action of those biogenic amines in mammals as neurotransmitters noids are usually more concentrated in the peel than in the pulp of
is their hormonal regulation on the glycogen metabolism (Kimura, fruits and vegetables (Rodriguez-Amaya, 2001).
1968). In its turn, in plants a wider number of biosynthetic Three plantain varieties (Batard, Mbourourkou-1, and Mbourour-
pathways can be performed favoring the obtainment of more kou-3) and two dessert banana varieties (Cavendish and Yangambi-
catecholamine types (Smith, 1980), i.e., chemodiversity. 5) were investigated by Davey et al. (2006) for pro-vitamin A
Though typically found in mammals, catecholamines have been carotenoid content. Banana peel has substantially higher carotenoid
also reported to occur in many plants in considerable amounts as values in some varieties than the underlying fruit pulp and that the
showed by Ponchet et al. (1982) in the pulp of bananas (Musa pro-vitamin A carotenoids present consist primarily of trans-beta-
acuminata Colla and Musa. s sapientum L., var. Baracoa) and plantain, carotene. Banana peel (Musa spp, cv. Prata Anã) might be considered
for example. Anderson et al. (1958) showed that the ingestion of a source of carotenes as trans-beta-carotene (174.8777.86 mg/g dry
bananas produces an increased urinary excretion of the serotonin weight), trans-alfa-carotene (164.87710.51 mg/g dry weight), and
(5-hydroxytryptamine) metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Based cis-beta-carotene (92.2175.37 mg/g dry weight), which are the major
on the observation reported by those authors, Waalkes et al. (1958) carotenoids from this raw material. That biomass is also source of
determined by fluorometry and for the first time the catecholamines lutein (39.7079.06 mg/g dry weight), zeaxanthin (7.2171.07 mg/g
composition of acetone acidified extracts of banana pulp (serotonin: dry weight) and beta-cryptoxantin (1.2170.37 mg/g dry weight) in
28 mg/g; norepinephrine: 1.9 mg/g, and dopamine: 7.9 mg/g). The minor concentrations. Banana peel is a kind of important raw
presence of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) was also found in material that might be more exploited regarding its carotenoidic
the fruits. Those potent physiologic agents present in a food as widely concentration as well as in the pulp.
distributed as the banana is clinically interesting.
By analyzing banana pulp antioxidants, Kanazawa and Sakakibara 4.2. Phenolic compounds
(2000) identified in Musa cavendishii Lamb. dopamine as a strong
water-soluble metabolite. The amounts of that biogenic amine were The potential of plant biomasses as source of bioactive com-
determined in pulp at the various ripening stages defined by color pounds also refers to the by-products and/or residues of a given
scores as follows: all green (1), light green (2), half-green (3), half- production system. For instance, fruit residues (i.e., pomace) are
yellow (4), green chip (5), full yellow (6), star (7), and duffel (8) inexpensive, easily available, and contain bioactive molecules.
(Loeseck, 1950). According to the ripening stages, the dopamine Consequently, over the past years research focus has shifted to
levels in ripened banana pulp ready to eat were 7.072.0 mg/100 g of such residues as a possible source of antioxidants compounds.
1–3 stages, 9.173.1 mg/100 g of 4–6 stages, 7.372.4 mg/100 g of Shui and Leong (2006) reported that antioxidant compounds as
6–7 stages, and 3.472.2 mg/100 g of 7–8 stages (Kanazawa and ( )-epicatechin and proanthocyanidins, which existed as dimers
Sakakibara, 2000). through pentamers in star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) residues,
delay oxidative rancidity of soya bean oil to a greater extent than
butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Babbar et al. (2011) investigated
4. Banana peel as an interesting complex matrix of high-value the antioxidant potential in terms of ABTS and DPPH scavenging
compounds abilities, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and phenolic contents
of residue extracts of four important fruits grown in Ludhiana,
Generally, peels from consumed bananas are used in the animal India, between them the banana peel. The antioxidant activities in
feeding, as organic fertilizer or they are simply discarded (Charrier terms of ABTS determined for banana peel were found to be
et al., 2004). Disposal of these peels (pomace) may cause environ- 5.67 70.32 mg trolox equivalent/g dry weight, respectively. The
mental problems. In Costa Rica, for instance, it is common to methanolic extracts considerably differed in the antioxidant
practice the disposal of banana excess and waste in the rivers. activity as measured by the DPPH method, e.g., banana peel:
However, the high carbohydrate content of that biomass increases 837 0.70%. Such findings reveal an important trait of banana peel
the oxygen biochemical demand in rivers and reduces the popula- as source of compounds able in scavenging free radicals as
tions of aquatic animals causing an imbalance in the ecosystem antioxidant mechanism of action, comparatively to other plant
(Zhang et al., 2005). residual biomasses. By relating antioxidant activity to phenolic
Currently, there are few reports in literature describing the contents in biomass samples one could expect a direct relationship
usage of this pomace, e.g., production of ethanol (Tewari et al., for those variables, as it seems not to be the case for the banana
1986), methane (Bardiya and Somayaji, 1996; Gunaseelan, 2004), peel as demonstrated by Babbar et al. (2011) and other studies
feed for livestock (Onwuka et al., 1997), or as adsorbents for water (Demiray et al., 2009; Sulaiman et al., 2011). Indeed, for example,
purification (Annadurai et al., 2004). Depending on the technology carotenoids as beta-carotene and vitamins are not phenolic
employed, the pomace can be converted into commercial products compounds, but they might also contribute in enhancing antiox-
either as raw material for secondary processes such as ingredients idant activity in banana peel extracts. On the other hand, one can
of new products with therapeutic activity. These natural products assume that even low amounts of phenolic compounds in plant
can also be used directly as functional compounds in human extracts can afford prominent antioxidant activities depending on
nutrition and prevention and health care. Indeed, among the the types of those secondary metabolites, typically indi-
numerous sources of bioactive compounds, banana peel could be cating that the qualitative profile of the phenolic extract is
158 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163

meaningful. Whether that is the case for the banana peel samples dismutase, reduced glutathione in the granulation tissue and
it remains to be elucidated. Besides, banana peels might be an decreased percentage of wound area, scar area and lipid peroxida-
important source of antioxidant compounds considering a grow- tion comparatively to the control group. This indicate that plantain
ing interest of the food and pharmaceutical industries on medic- banana extracts favoured wound healing, a biological activity
inal plant biomasses for development of new therapeutic and related to their antioxidant effect and to the property of modulate
prophylactic products. In order to pursue a further technological various wound healing biochemical parameters, promoting the
usage of that residual biomass, in vivo studies in both pre-clinical process of early keratinisation and healing.
and clinical levels on the toxicology, bioavailability, distribution, Unripe banana peel contains leucocyanidin, a flavonoid that
metabolization, and excretion of phenolic compounds from ban- induces cell proliferation by increased incorporation of thymidine
ana peels extracts are needed to subsidize an eventual industrial into cellular DNA (Novak et al., 2003), accelerating the healing of
application. skin wounds (Lewis et al., 1999). The pulp and peel of unripe
Oxygen free radical processes are involved in both physiological banana have been used in the treatment of cracked nipples and
and pathological conditions, which skin tissue repair caused peptic ulcers in humans (Novak et al., 2003). Studies with rats
mainly by trauma and burns (Croft, 1998; Sies, 1985). The role of have shown the efficacy of unripe banana in the prevention and
antioxidants in the removal of inflammation products is already treatment of peptic ulcers. Interestingly, the active agent in unripe
known and these compounds are also beneficial in wound healing bananas is water soluble and becomes inactive in ripe bananas
for other reasons. Antioxidants work against the excess of pro- (Best et al., 1984).
teases and reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting protease Gallocatechin consists of the largest groups of naturally occur-
inhibitors from oxidative damage. In addition, antioxidants can ring phenols with antioxidant potential that is widely distributed
prevent destruction of fibroblasts and other cells caused by ROS in leaves, seeds, bark, and flowers of plants (Heim et al., 2002).
over generation, and therefore may be important in the successful Musa spp peel gallocatechin–rich extract (GE: 106.6 mg/mL) wound
treatment of lesions (Houghton et al., 2005). The Brazilian local healing potential were studied. GE treatment was able to decrease
and traditional knowledge described by Balbach (1945) (Section 2) the epithelization period, healing the lesions in 9 days, as well as
corroborated the role of antioxidants in banana peel. to increase the hydroxyproline content over the treatment period,
Despite the predominance of substances from synthetic origin Histological analysis of the lesions confirmed the GE healing
in the therapeutic arsenal, including antiinflammatory drugs, in potential, showing fibroblast proliferation and induction of re-
recent years there has been a renewed interest in local and epithelialization process. On the one hand, ROS are necessary for
traditional therapeutic practices by many health professionals. effective defense against invading pathogens and cell signaling
Hence, herbs and other phytochemicals have been used as an and even in the absence of infection, low levels of ROS are
alternative or complementary therapy. For example, many phy- necessary for cell signaling, especially angiogenesis. Consequently,
totherapeutics, including extracts of Aloe vera, passion fruit (Passi- a closer relationship between production and detoxification of ROS
flora edulis), aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius), and unripe banana is crucial for the normal repair process of an injury. The results of
(Musa x sapientum L.) have been tested and used in the treatment this study suggest that the extract of Musa spp banana peel was
of skin lesions (Agarwal and Goel, 2008; Castelo et al., 2006; able to prevent oxidative damage to cellular structures in the
Garros et al., 2006). lesion bed during the experimental period, which was more
The antioxidant compounds from commercial banana peel important in the early days of the healing process apparently
Musa cavendishii Lamb. were studied by Someya et al. (2002) because it allowed the control of ROS levels. The injury space
and the antioxidant gallocatechin was identified. In fact, galloca- conditioned to cellular proliferation culminated quickly and effec-
techin was more abundant in peel (158 mg/100 g dry weight.) than tively in the end of that healing process (Pereira, 2010).
in pulp (29.6 mg/100 g dry weight.) in Musa cavendishii Lamb. To assess the effects of unripe Musa sapientum peel on the
genotypes as the antioxidant activity of the banana peel extract healing of surgical wounds in rats, Atzingen et al. (2013) used a 4%
against lipid auto-oxidation was stronger than that of the banana M. x sapientum L. peel gel for the treatment of the lesions by
pulp extract. This result was consistent with the gallocatechin excision model. The treatment of surgical wounds showed to be
analysis and its higher content may account for the better anti- effective, resulting in an increased number of polymorphonuclear
oxidant effects. Thus, banana peels might be considered as a good cells on day 7, reduced wound contraction, reduced vascular
source of natural antioxidants for foods, as well as among others proliferation, and increased concentration of collagen fibers on
possible applications. day 21.
The antioxidant activity of banana peel extracts (Musa x
paradisiaca L.) was studied using an experimental model of rats 4.3. Amine compounds
subjected to a normal diet compared to rats with a diet rich in
fatty acids. Animals treated orally with banana peel extract The tradicional use of bananas in India, described by Kumar et al.
showed significantly decreased concentrations of peroxidation (2012) and related to the banana tryptophan content, is about to
products (MDA), hydroperoxides, and conjugated dienes. At the prevent or help a substantial number of illnesses and health
same time, the enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide conditions as depression. This traditional Indian knowledge is
dismutase increased significantly in treated animals, as well as the directly related to the researches from Chemuturi and Donovan
concentration of reduced glutathione (Vijayakumar et al., 2008). (2006), Hashizume et al. (1987), Kanazawa and Sakakibara (2000),
According to Agarwal and Goel (2008), plantain banana (Musa x Murata et al. (1988), and Wang et al. (2013), for instance. Consider-
sapientum L.) has been shown peptic ulcer protective activity. With ing that tryptophan is one of the precursor aminoacids for dopa-
the premise that the drug promoting ulcer healing could have mine synthesis, directly affecting the content of this biogenic amine
effect on wound healing activity in rats by oral doses (50, 100 and in banana peel, and the increasing interest on Parkinson’s disease,
200 mg/kg/day) of aqueous (MSW) and methanolic (MSE) extracts the possibility of prevent or treat that neurodegenerative disease by
were investigated. Both MSW and MSE (100 mg/kg) showed using banana peel as biomass source of dopamine is thought to be
optimal effect on wound contraction and epithelization in excision relevant.
wound when administered for 21 days. Both MSW/MSE (100 mg/ Kanazawa and Sakakibara (2000) considered that bananas
kg for 10 days) increased wound breaking strength and levels of should contain antioxidants in peel to shield against peroxidizing
hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, superoxide factors. Tropical fruits have strong antioxidant activity, as well as
 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163 159

banana peel water-extract that suppressed the auto-oxidation of denervated basal ganglia leading to the development of motor
linoleic acid by 65-70% after 5-day incubation in an emulsion complications and dyskinesia characteristic from PD. Also disease
system by peroxide value determination and thiobarbituric acid severity can influence the risk that a drug will induce pulsatile
reactivity. According to the ripening stages (Loeseck, 1950), the peel stimulation and motor complications (Bédard et al., 1986; Pearce
dopamine levels (12907420 mg/100 g of 1–3 stages, 4307210 mg/ et al., 1998). The pulsatile stimulation of striatal dopamine recep-
100 g of 4–6 stages, 3807160 mg/100 g of 6–7 stages, and tors can induce molecular and neurophysiological changes in
5007270 mg/100 g of 7–8 stages) were higher than the ripened striatal neurons that are associated with dyskinesias. Stocchi
banana pulp (7.072.0 mg/100 g of 1–3 stages, 9.173.1 mg/100 g of et al. (2002) studied 40 patients with advanced PD with severe
4–6 stages, 7.372.4 mg/100 g of 6–7 stages, and 3.472.2 mg/100 g levodopa-related motor complications and they showed the ben-
of 7–8 stages (Kanazawa and Sakakibara, 2000). Levodopa was also efit of continuous infusion of lisuride (levodopa formulation). In
determined in banana peel (Musa spp, cultivar Prata Anã) acidified addition, studies in animal models in which dyskinesias associated
extracts (full yellow: 150732 mg/100 g dry weight). Dopamine also with intermittent delivery of either levodopa or an agonist of
shows higher antioxidant capacity in vitro (by DPPH assay) com- dopamine can be avoided with continuous delivery of the drug
paratively to other natural antioxidants as ascorbic acid, glutathione (Bibbiani et al., 2005, Blanchet et al., 1995). A long-acting oral
reduced, and several phenolic compounds, as gallocatechin gallate, therapy that reflects the pharmacokinetics and clinical benefits of
for instance (Kanazawa and Sakakibara, 2000). levodopa would be a better alternative treatment without the
The biogenic amines are important in the metabolic pathways motor complications (Alexi et al., 2000; Olanow et al., 1998).
for plants pathogen resistance (Newman et al., 2001; Roepenack-
Lahaye et al., 2003), they also affect plant growth and develop-
ment by their interaction with phytohormones via auxin oxidation 4.3.2. Bioavailability of amine compounds
(Kuklin and Conger, 1995), influence plant flowering (Khurana In dogs, monkeys, and humans, more than 99% of the circulat-
et al., 1987), and sugar metabolism (Szopa et al., 2001). In fact, ing dopamine is present in two isomeric forms, dopamine-3O-SO4
catecholamines in both methylated or non-methylated forms are and dopamine-4O-SO4, which differ in metabolic stability and
required in small quantities (Kulma and Szopa, 2007) and have biological activity (Johnson et al., 1980). According to Hashizume
important regulatory functions (Kulma and Szopa, 2007), showing et al. (1987), oral administrations of dopamine (50 mg/body) and
a rapid intracellular increased in plant leaves submitted to wound- 1-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa, 250 mg/body) increased the
ing (Bruhn and Lundstrom, 1976), water stress (Swiedrych et al., plasma levels of these dopamine sulfates almost 100-fold. Intra-
2004), and ABA treatment (Swiedrych et al., 2004; Szopa et al., venous dopamine infusion (5 pg/kg/min during 30 min) markedly
2001). Besides the vegetal approaches, banana peel biomass might increased the plasma free dopamine concentration. The increase in
be considered as a raw material source of that biogenic amine for total plasma dopamine sulfate (dopamine-3O-SO4 and dopamine-
the development of a pharmaceutical formulation for the treat- 4O-SO4) after intravenous administration of dopamine was less
ment of Parkinson’s disease, especially the peels where the highest than its oral administration. The activity of the enzyme phenol-
concentration of dopamine have been found in comparison to the sulfotransferase is found in the liver, kidneys, gut, brain, platelets,
pulp, as showed by Kanazawa and Sakakibara (2000). and in many other human tissues (Whittemore et al., 1985).
Hashizume et al. (1987) finds indicate that O-sulfation of dopa-
mine may be in the intestine, especially 3-O-sulfation, which is the
4.3.1. Parkinson’s disease main pathway for metabolism of L-dopa and orally administrated
Since its initial description, by James Parkinson in 1817, dopamine.
Parkinson's disease (PD) has been characterized as a movement It has been known that catecholamines are metabolized by
disorder, and its diagnosis is based on the presence of two or more cathechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT), monoamine oxidase
cardinal motor signs: tremor at rest, decrease of voluntary move- (MAO), and sulphotransferase (SFT). Murata et al. (1988) studied
ments, bradykinesia, rigidity, stooped posture, and postural the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral
instability (Barrio et al., 1997; Deumens et al., 2002). PD is the dopamine in dogs. Intravenous administration of aqueous solution
second neurodegenerative disorder related to age and the most of 10 mg of dopamine, whose concentration decreased rapidly
common in humans, behind only Alzheimer’s disease. The primary after administration, results in two main metabolites determined
cause of PD is not fully understood. Indeed, epidemiological in the animals’ plasma, dopamine-3O-SO4 (2.7%) and 3,4-dihy-
studies have highlighted that some environmental factors may droxyphenyl acetic acid (4.9%). Oral administration of an aqueous
be associated with an increased risk of developing PD, such as solution of 100 mg of 14C dopamine in dogs showed a low
exposure to certain types of herbicides and pesticides (Fall et al., bioavailability of the drug (approximately 3%). This reflects its
1999; Vanacore et al., 2002). Recent findings suggest that it might extensive first-pass metabolism in the intestine and also in the
be associated with oxidative stress triggered by one or more fact- liver during the absorption process, which resulted in urinary
ors, such as brain aging, genetic predisposition, mitochondrial excretion of 14C dopamine-3O-SO4 predominantly.
abnormalities, free radical production, and environmental toxins Considering that one banana fruit weight approximately 100 g
(Alexi et al., 2000; Olanow et al., 1998). and the levels of dopamine in the banana pulp at 4–6 stages
Since it was introduced on 1960, levodopa has been the most (9.17 3.1 mg/100 g, item 3.3), the ingestion of the fruit is not
widely used and effective drug for the symptomatic therapy of PD enough to supply the treatment of PD’s by facing first-pass
(Olanow et al., 2006). According to Obeso et al. (2000), a constant metabolism. On the other hand, banana peel could be an alter-
firing rate of CNS dopamine neurons, stable striatal dopamine native dopamine source (1290 7 420 mg/100 g of 1–3 ripening
concentration, and the continuos activation of striatal dopamine stage), which is 142 times higher than the pulp content (Kanazawa
receptors are essential for normal basal-ganglia function (Bédard and Sakakibara, 2000), an important issue for the development of
et al., 1986; Grondin et al., 1996; Jenner, 2000). Engber et al. pharmaceutical formulations.
(1989), Juncos et al. (1989), Morissette et al. (1997), and Pavon To deal with first-pass metabolism, Murata et al. (1989)
et al. (2006) findings demonstrated that standard doses of levo- synthesized a dopamine prodrug N-(N-acetyl-L-methionyl)-O,O-
dopa are unable to restore basal-ganglia physiological activity to bis(ethoxycarbonyl)dopamine. Protecting the catechol system and
normal, because non-physiological discontinuous or pulsatile the amino group, with ethoxycarbonyl or N-acetyl-L-methionyl
dopamine replacement induces disruption in the dopamine- group, it is possible to decrease the first-pass metabolism of oral
160 A. Pereira, M. Maraschin / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 160 (2015) 149–163

dopamine and improve its bioavailability (approximately 30%) in 5. Conclusion

dogs. Regarding the pharmacokinetic of dopamine and dopamine
prodrug, Murata et al. (1990) studied their absorption and meta- Bananas and plantains are largely consumed all over the world
bolism also in dogs. After oral administration, the absorption rate as food staples and for medicinal purposes as they are interesting
constant of dopamine was smaller than the formation rate con- sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. Bananas and plantains
stants of the metabolites dopamine-O-SO4 and 3,4-dihydroxyphe- belong to the genus Musa and according to peculiar morphoge-
nyl acetic acid in the dog’s plasma. In addition, when the prodrug netic characteristics their cultivars are distributed into four sec-
N-(N-acetyl-L-methionyl)-O,O-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)dopamine was tions: Eumusa, Rhodochlamys, Australimusa, and Callimusa and
orally administrated, the formation rate constant of N-(N-acetyl- classified according to their genomic group, subgroup, fruit usage,
L-methionyl)dopamine was larger than the metabolic formation and geographic distribution.
rate contants of dopamine-O-SO4 or 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of bananas and
acid. In conclusion, dopamine prodrug played an important role to plantains have received much interest because it has been demon-
the reduction of first-pass metabolism. strated that Musa spp extracts present pharmacological activities
Dopamine, when undergoes high intestinal and hepatic first attributed to their phenolic, carotenoid, and amine constituents.
pass metabolism following oral administration, has good bioavail- However, despite of the continuous progress on the phytochemical
ability following nasal administration (Dahlin et al., 2000, 2001). and pharmacological potential of those species, the development
In addition, intranasal drug delivery offers the advantage over the of a phytomedicine or even an allopathic medicine from Musa spp
oral route administration of higher permeability for polar mole- biomasses such as fruit peels (e.g.) requires a more detailed
cules (Gervasi et al., 1991). Dahlin et al. (2001) investigated the investigation. For example, in Brazil, there is a growing interest
levels of [3H]dopamine in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and in developing a banana-based phytomedicine for wound healing
brain tissue of rats. The nasal absorption of [3H]dopamine was taking into account the ethnopharmacological data available, as
achieved in 15 min after administration. The [3H]dopamine levels well as for Parkinson’s disease treatment. For that, relevant issues
after nasal administration were about 2.3 times higher than after of the usage of Musa spp extracts, especially focusing on the
intravenous administration (75 719 dpm and 32 74 dpm, respec- scientific support for quality control, efficacy, safety, and toxicity,
tively) in the CSF and about 6.8 times higher (184 768 dpm and shall be addressed in both preclinical and clinical studies. Finally,
277 10 dpm, respectively) in the right olfactory bulb. Metabolism considering the genetic diversity of Musa spp and its adaptation to
of [3H]dopamine in the olfactory mucosa was not extensive and a wide range of environmental conditions all over the world, one
therefore the metabolism to dihydroxyphenylacetc acid must have could expect that future rational and ethnopharmacological-
occurred during the transfer to or in the CSF. This results showed oriented researches will provide the suitable support for clinical
significantly higher amounts of unchanged dopamine in brain employment of Musa spp secondary metabolites in modern
tissue samples after nasal administration of [3H]dopamine to rats medicine.
than after intravenous administration, indicating a direct pathway
for this drug from the nasal cavity into the brain of the animals.
Chemuturi and Donovan (2006) also studied the role of nasal Acknowledgments
mucosal metabolism of dopamine by this route of administration.
Dihydroxyphenylacetc acid (less than 0.5% of the initial amount of The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the
dopamine placed into the system) was the only metabolite Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
detected in the in vitro assay, likely due to saturation of mono- (CAPES) and the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e Inovação do
amine oxidase (MAO) localized in the submucosal region of the Estado de Santa Catarina (FAPESC) (CHAMADA PÚBLICA FAPESC Nº
nasal explants from bovines. However, at low concentrations of 04/2012 UNIVERSAL) for financial support for part of this work.
dopamine its transport and metabolism reduce. Nasal dopamine
transport across the epithelial layer has been shown to be
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