Estudios fitoquímicos y biológicos de subproductos de musa paradisiaca l. (plantain, dominico). parte 2.

Abstract

In recent years, the accumulation of agro-industrial waste has generated concern due to its environmental impact and the lack of adequate strategies for its use. In Ecuador, a country with high agricultural production, by-products such as ripe banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) peels continue to be underutilized, despite their potential value in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The objective of this research was to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant, antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activities of the peels of Musa paradisiaca L. (Plantain, Dominico) obtained from the Miller bar of the Technical University of Machala by means of physical, chemical and biological tests, for their possible use in the pharmaceutical or food industry. The study was experimental, with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The degree of ripeness was determined at level 7 by measuring Brix degrees and pH. For the proximate analysis, the moisture and ash content was quantified by gravimetry, showing values of 5.28 and 6.85% respectively. 6.795% fat was obtained by Soxhlet extraction using hexane as the solvent. The protein content was 7.5%, established using the Kjeldahl method. In the quantification of minerals, the values obtained from the NEMALAB laboratory identified potassium as the predominant mineral, followed by calcium and phosphorus. For the analysis of specialized metabolites, acetone:water (8:2) was used as the extraction solvent. A total phenol content of 12.42 ± 0.73 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of herbal drug and 5.37 ± 0.38 mg GAE/g for tannins was determined. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP assays, obtaining values of 1.13 ± 0.01 and 1.04 ± 0.07 mg trolox equivalent (TE) per gram of sample, respectively. The antidiarrheal activity study was carried out on mice (Mus musculus), suggesting a positive effect in the crude drug and to a lesser extent in the extract. 1 ml of diarrhea suspension (Nifuroxazide 200 mg - Attapulgite 500 mg) was used as a positive control, while castor oil served as a negative control. In terms of antimicrobial activity, the acetone:water and ethanol:water (8:2) extracts were evaluated in volumes of 15 μL and 20 μL, with no inhibition halos observed. However, with a volume of 25 μL, a slight inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was detected. The findings obtained indicate that the mature peel of Musa paradisiaca L. contains phytocompounds with antioxidant properties and a certain antidiarrheal effect, although their antimicrobial activity was limited. The research suggests that these residues could be used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, also contributing to the reduction of the environmental impact derived from their disposal.