Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Aspects of Wild Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata

Bananas are rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are known to have a range of health benefits such as improving digestion, promoting heart health, boosting energy levels, and supporting the immune system. In the present study, both phytochemical and antimicrobial aspects of commonly reported wild Musa varieties (Musa balbisiana & Musa acuminata) were elaborated. The phytochemical analysis of fruit peel and meristem obtained from wild Musa species (Musa balbisiana and Musa acuminata) shows the presence of different metabolic components such as alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, etc. The antimicrobial study shows effect of wild Musa fruit peel ethanol extract on gram negative bacteria (E. coli). At low concentration of fruit peel extract (10 mg/ml) of both species, there is no zone of inhibition. The antimicrobial properties are observed (2 mm Zone of Inhibition) when 50 mg/ml of Musa balbisiana fruit peel extract was applied. No antimicrobial activities were observed in all the Musa acuminata fruit peel extract. Further studies may be carried out to evaluate the ethnobotanical aspects of wild Musa and steps should be taken by the Government for conservation as well as commercialization of different products that are obtained from these wild Musa species.