Phytochemistry and antimicrobial activities of different varieties of banana (Musa acuminate) peels available in Quetta city

Abstract

Banana (Musa acuminate) contains peels which are rich in important bioactive compounds which makes them greatly significant for therapeutic treatments. For studying phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of the peels, six varieties of bananas were chosen from Quetta. Carbohydrates, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides and phenols were found in the six solutions of banana peels samples through phytochemical screening. Evaluation of antibacterial activity of peel solutions through agar disc diffusion method showed inhibition zone diameters of 19 mm and 17 mm against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Poisoned food technique and agar well assays were used for the antifungal activity but the BP solutions against Aspergillus niger were not effective. In addition to this, proximate analysis was also carried out to characterize the peel powder and the results showed 6-11% moisture, 60-75% volatile matter, 13-25% ash and 2-9% fixed carbon contents. For the analysis of elements (Iron and Copper) concentrations, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was utilized which concluded that banana peels could be excellent therapeutic agent.