Phytochemicals and Nutrient Profiles, Anti-oxidant Activity Study of Three Edible Parts (Flower, Fruit and Stem) of Musa paradisiaca

Background: Musa paradisiaca (Banana plant), which belongs to the family of Musaceae, is a well-known herbaceous flowering edible plant. The flower, fruit, and stem part of the plant have been used for nutrients and health benefits. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the secondary metabolites, proximate composition, minerals, heavy metals, and anti-oxidant activity of three edible parts (flower, unripe fruit, and stem) of Musa paradisiaca. Methods: The content of alkaloid and tannin was determined by simple titrimetric method and colorimetric method was used for the determination of the content of phenol and flavonoid. Association of Official Analytical Chemicals (AOAC) method was used for the determination of proximate composition and the content of trace elements was analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The anti-oxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical scavenging assay. Results: The results indicated that three edible parts (flower, unripe fruit, and stem) of the banana plant contained a good amount of secondary metabolites (such as alkaloid, phenol, flavonoid, and tannin) and also primary metabolites (such as carbohydrate, protein, and fat). Banana fruit contained a high amount of energy (261.31 kcal/100g) compared to the other two parts (flower, and stem). Iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium were present in these three edible parts of the banana plant. Lead was found in negligible amount and arsenic was not detected. Fifty percent of ethanolic extract of three edible parts of the banana plant showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging and H202 radical scavenging activity as compared to standard ascorbic acid. Conclusion: Based on these findings, three edible parts of Musa paradisiaca may be recommended as a good source of nutrients.