Antioxidant capacity of banana peel and its modulation of Nrf2-ARE associated gene expression in broiler chickens

Abstract

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits worldwide, producing over 100 million tons in 2013. Banana peel, a byproduct that represents 40% of the entire banana’s weight, is rich in bioactive compounds and has a high antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use banana peel powder (BPP) as an antioxidant broiler feed additive. The bioactive compound and antioxidant capacity of BPP were determined. The results showed that BPP contained 872.7 GAE/100 g DM of total phenolic content, and gallocatechin was detected at a concentration of 91 mg/100 g DM, and BPP’s ferrous chelating ability, ferric ion reducing ability power, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging capacity indicated its high antioxidant capacity. A total of 216 one-day-old Ross 308 female broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of four groups that received the basal diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, or 2% dry BPP for 35 d. The results showed that the 0.5% BPP-supplemented group had increased serum SOD activity and lowered serum malondialdehyde levels, while the liver mRNA expression of Nrf2, SOD, CAT, GPx, and HO-1 were upregulated in the 0.5% and 1% BPP-supplemented groups. In conclusion, the current study shows that BPP has a potent antioxidant capacity and dietary supplementation with 0.5% BPP enhances antioxidative status, suggesting that BPP has potential as an antioxidant feed additive.Highlights Banana peel has abundant bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Banana peel enhance the antioxidant status of broilers by up-regulating Nrf2/ARE associated genes. Banana peel has potential as an antioxidant feed additive in broiler chickens.