Andi Ummum, Muammar Fawwaz, Dewi Yuliana

Revealing the Antioxidant Content in Banana Plants: A Nutritional Perspective and Health Benefits

Introduction

Revealing the antioxidant content in banana plants: a nutritional perspective and health benefits. Discover the antioxidant power of banana plants. This review details pulp nutrients & peel phytochemicals, revealing health benefits & potential for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract

The banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) is a fruit widely consumed across tropical regions and recognized for its rich nutritional value and diverse bioactive compounds that contribute to human health. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant content of banana plants from both nutritional and pharmacological perspectives through a comprehensive literature review. The review was conducted using scientific articles and official guidelines published between 2015 and 2025. The findings indicate that the banana pulp contains essential nutrients such as carbohydrates (27%), proteins (1%), and a variety of vitamins and minerals including calcium, potassium, and iron. In contrast, the banana peel, often considered agricultural waste, is abundant in bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids, which contribute to its antioxidant potential. Antioxidant activity in banana extracts has been reported using various analytical methods, including DPPH (IC₅₀ = 439.12 µg/mL), FRAP (26.5828 mg QE/g extract), ABTS (IC₅₀ = 60.50–95.85 ppm), CUPRAC (EC₅₀ = 101–150 µg/mL), and CAA (397 ± 5 µmol TE/100 g) assays. Moreover, fruit maturity influences antioxidant capacity, with unripe banana peels generally exhibiting higher antioxidant activity than ripe ones. These results highlight that banana plants, particularly their peels, possess considerable potential as natural antioxidant sources for use in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, the valorization of banana peel aligns with the circular economy concept, promoting sustainable agricultural waste management and environmental conservation.

Review

This literature review, "Revealing the Antioxidant Content in Banana Plants: A Nutritional Perspective and Health Benefits," addresses a highly relevant topic given the widespread consumption and recognized nutritional value of bananas. The study's stated aim to comprehensively evaluate the antioxidant content of banana plants from both nutritional and pharmacological perspectives through a focused review of articles published between 2015 and 2025 is clear and well-defined. By synthesizing existing research, the authors provide a valuable overview of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential within different parts of the banana plant, setting the stage for understanding its broader implications for human health and sustainable practices. The review effectively highlights key distinctions between the nutritional composition of banana pulp and the potent phytochemical profile of its peel. While the pulp is confirmed to be a source of essential macronutrients like carbohydrates and proteins, alongside vital vitamins and minerals, the abstract particularly emphasizes the significant antioxidant potential residing in the often-discarded peel. The identification of various bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in the peel is crucial. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific antioxidant assay results (e.g., DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, CUPRAC, CAA) provides quantitative evidence of this activity. The observation that unripe banana peels generally exhibit higher antioxidant activity than ripe ones adds an important dimension for potential industrial applications. Overall, the findings presented in this abstract strongly support the conclusion that banana plants, especially their peels, represent a considerable untapped resource for natural antioxidants. The suggested applications in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries underscore the practical significance of this research. Moreover, by advocating for the valorization of banana peel, the review aligns compellingly with the principles of the circular economy, promoting sustainable agricultural waste management and environmental conservation. This study thus not only contributes to our understanding of banana's health benefits but also offers a persuasive argument for transforming agricultural by-products into valuable resources, fostering both human health and ecological sustainability.

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