Musa paradisiaca

Objective of this research work was to employ advanced analyzing technique like ICP-OES in evaluating the potassium content of the entire plantain fruit. Often the skin part of the fruit is removed before using it. The analysis revealed that the potassium content of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is much (800 mg/gm) more than it was believed (400 mg/gm) to have. Though the skin part of the fruit constitutes only 10-15 %, almost 50 % of potassium content comprised in the skin. (Around 1500mg/gm Potassium in together with peel and pulp). .Effect of different cooking methods of ripe and raw are also evaluated. Heavy Potassium loss, approximately 50 %, observed in boiling and 15-20 % Potassium loss observed in steaming. The findings of this work can be incorporated in formulating a proper diet for patients with hypokalemia and hyperkalemia Advanced ICP-OES methods for elemental analysis increases the specificity and sensitivity of the results.

This study is designed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca in combination with catecholamines on indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer. The pylorus ligation technique was used for cytoprotective and Anti-secretory action of the extract. Ulcerated control received distilled water, Group II - IV received 0.5 ml of the plant extract orally for 14 days. The rats were fasted for 48 hours after the end of the second week. 50mg/kg of adrenalin (Epinephrine) was administered to members of group II and 50mg/kg of dopamine was administered to members of group III. One hour later the animals were sacrificed, the stomachs were removed by laparastomy. The gastric lesions in the glandular region were assessed and measured to determine the ulcer index. Pylorus ligation in the group II, III and IV showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the ulcer index compared to group I. The ulcer index of Group I was 14.8±3.5 compared to Group II (8.2±1.4), Group III (4.8±1.7), and Group IV (3.0±1.1). The extract also showed 67.57% ulcer protection index against indomethacin. Results of the anti-secretory activity of the extract showed that treatment with M. paradisiaca resulted in a significant increase in gastric fluid after histamine stimulation when compared with the negative control as well as protect rats from ulceration after histamine administration. The results suggested that the methanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca possess cytoprotective effect against indomethacin-induced ulceration. This effect was however decreased when the extract is administered with catecholamines.