Pharmacological and metabolomic profiles of Musa acuminata wastes as a new potential source of anti-ulcerative colitis agents

Musa acuminata (MA) is a popular fruit peels in the world. Non-food parts of the plant have been investigated for their antioxidant and anti-ulcerative colitis activity. Metabolomic approaches were found to be informative as a screening tool. It discovered different metabolites depending on statistical analysis. The antioxidant activity content was measured by colorimetric method. Seventy six investigated metabolites were observed. The identities of some of these markers were confirmed based on their MS(2) fragmentation and NMR spectroscopy. These include: cinnamic acid and its dimer 2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-phenalen-1-one beside; gallic acid and flavonoids; quercetin, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. GC/MS analysis of MA peels essential oil led to identification of 37 compounds. The leaves, pseudostem and fruit peels extracts were tested for their safety and their anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy in rats. Rats were classified into: normal, positive, prednisolone reference group, MA extracts pretreated groups (250–500 mg/kg) for 2 weeks followed by induction of ulcerative colitis by per-rectal infusion of 8% acetic acid. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were done. Inflammatory markers (ANCA, CRP and Ilβ6) were measured in sera. The butanol extracts showed good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as they ameliorated macroscopic and microscopic signs of ulcerative colitis and lowered the inflammatory markers compared to untreated group. MA wastes can be a potential source of bioactive metabolites for industrial use and future employment as promising anti-ulcerative colitis food supplements.