Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential in Different Parts of Genus Musa Species

Abstract

Antioxidants play a very important role in the defense against the damage caused by free radicals in the body. Free radicals are produced in the body either naturally or on the exposure of radiation, cigarette smoke, etc. and can be implicated in many diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and can also be held responsible for aging and other age-related diseases. The body can produce antioxidants to aid in its defense against free radical damage. But in most cases dietary supplement of antioxidants is recommended. Fruits and their parts are a very good source of antioxidants and other nutrients. Though their potency as antioxidants has been studied, comparative analysis is yet to be performed. This project aims to evaluate and compare antioxidant activity of the three parts of banana varieties namely, Rasthali leaf, Rasthali stem, Rasthali flower, Karpooravalli leaf, Karpooravalli stem, Karpooravalli flower. Ethanolic extraction was performed for the parts of banana varieties and the extracts were subjected to in vitro free radical scavenging assays, enzymatic, nonenzymatic and phytochemical components assays. Total antioxidant assay was also carried out to initially confirm the antioxidant potential. The results were obtained for the parts of Musa spp and they were found to possess significant antioxidant potential with leaf part having the highest activity comparatively.