Musa Paradisiaca Flower: A Review of Its Nutritional Composition, Traditional Uses, and Therapeutic Potential

Abstract

The banana flower, or Musa paradisiaca inflorescence, is an agricultural byproduct that's largely overlooked but is increasingly recognised for its abundance of bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic promise. This review delves into its nutritional makeup, its specific phytochemical components, methods for extracting them, and its various pharmacological effects, with a special focus on its ability to combat oxidative stress and protect the liver. The flower is particularly rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, saponins, phenolics & dietary fibre. Such compounds are adept at neutralising harmful reactive oxygen species, bolstering the body's own antioxidant defences, and ultimately reducing oxidative damage, thereby safeguarding liver tissue. Beyond these benefits, research has also indicated anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, wound-healing, antiulcer, and cardioprotective properties. Taken together, the current findings suggest that the banana flower holds considerable potential as a natural ingredient for developing liver-protective nutraceuticals and phytopharmaceuticals. However, more in-depth research into its mechanisms of action and robust clinical trials data confirms its therapeutic potential