Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antihyperlipidemic Activities of the Hydroalcoholic Extract from the Peel of Musa paradisiaca

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, while conventional lipid-lowering drugs may be inadequate or poorly tolerated. Banana (Musa paradisiaca) peel, an abundant agri-food waste rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, represents a sustainable and low-cost candidate for managing lipid disorders. Previous studies in other parts of the world highlighted the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of kepok banana peel extract. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antihyperlipidemic activities of hydroalcoholic extract prepared from banana peels (BPE) collected from West Bengal, India. Phytochemical screening was performed, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated using in vitro DPPH and reducing power assays. Antibacterial activity against E. coli was assessed by agar well diffusion. In vivo antihyperlipidemic efficacy was screened in rats subjected to a high-fat diet and treated with BPE (200 or 400 mg/Kg), Atorvastatin (10 mg/Kg) for 28 days prior to biochemical assessment, and compared with the untreated control group. Phytochemical screening suggested the presence of several biologically active phytoconstituents, such as saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids. BPE scavenged DPPH radicals with an IC50 of 88.11?±?6.23?µg/mL and showed concentration-dependent reducing power. The prominent zone of inhibition (2.45cm at 1000µg/mL) against E. coli confirmed its antimicrobial properties. In hyperlipidemic rats, BPE significantly limited weight gain and normalized cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while restoring HDL (p<0.01). Overall, BPE demonstrated strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and lipid-lowering effects, supporting its potential as a cost-effective, eco-friendly nutraceutical for managing oxidative stress and dyslipidemia, warranting further clinical investigation.