Nutritional composition and pharmacological activity of Musa balbisiana Colla seed: an insight into phytochemical and cellular bioenergetic profiling

Abstract Musa balbisiana Colla, belonging to the family Musaceae, is well-known for its nutritional and pharmacological properties. The present study analyses the phytochemical content and evaluated the nutritional, antioxidant, anti-glycation, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibition potential of M. balbisiana seed. In addition, bioenergetic profiles of the bioactive fraction of M. balbisiana seeds against oxidative stress-related mitochondrial and cellular dysfunction were studied using XFe24 extracellular flux analyzer for the first time. M. balbisiana seeds have high nutritional values with ample amounts of carbohydrates, starch, protein, and minerals (Ca, Na, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn). Bioactivity-guided fractionation of M. balbisiana seed methanolic extract yield ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fraction. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) showed the highest antioxidant, anti-glycation, and phytochemical content as compared to other fractions. EAF also showed lower α-amylase inhibition and higher α-glucosidase inhibition activity. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 14 phytochemical compounds that have not been reported previously from M. balbisiana seed. A strong correlation between the biological activities and total phenolic/tannin content was observed. In addition, M. balbisianaseeds improved the bioenergetic profiles of free fatty acid-induced oxidative stress with a concomitant increase in ATP production, respiratory and glycolytic capacity. Therefore, M. balbisiana seed can be a natural supplement to boost antioxidant levels and fight against oxidative stress and non-enzymatic glycation.