Analysis of Vit B6 in Raw Banana Peel, Phytochemical Screening, and Neuroprotective Effects

Epilepsy contributes significantly to the burden of mental illness, with an estimated 50 million cases globally. Neuroprotection with herbal bioactives is a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy. Banana peel is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It has the potency to protect against neuronal apoptosis primarily due to the presence of Vit B6 and flavones.

This: study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Hydro-Alcoholic Extracts (HAE) of banana peel, prepared at solvent ratios of 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30, focusing on their anti- apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Neurons or neuronal cell lines were treated with HAE at 10-200 μg/mL concentrations. Apoptotic markers (cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl-2) were evaluated using ELISA, and the cleaved caspase-3/Bcl-2 ratio was calculated. Antioxidant effects were assessed via Glutamate Decarboxylase (GAD) and catalase activity assays, while pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were quantified. Cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay, and IC50 values were determined for apoptosis inhibition.

HAE (90:10) at 100 μg/mL significantly reduced the cleaved caspase-3/Bcl-2 ratio (0.45±0.02), with an IC50 of 37.5±2.1 μg/mL, demonstrating superior anti-apoptotic activity. HAE (80:20) and HAE (70:30) exhibited IC50 values of 48.2±2.5 μg/mL and 62.7±3.0 μg/mL, respectively, indicating comparatively lower potency. Enhanced GAD (121.4±5.2 U/mg) and catalase (89.7±3.4 U/mg) activities with HAE (90:10) highlight its potent antioxidant effects. Significant reductions in pro-inflammatory markers, including TNF-α (decreased by 45.6±2.3% at 100 μg/mL), further underscore its anti-inflammatory potential. The MTT assay revealed improved cell viability, with HAE (90:10) maintaining 93.5±2.6% viability at 100 μg/mL. The superior performance of HAE (90:10) can be attributed to its optimized balance of bioactive compounds, supporting its neuroprotective properties.

HAE (90:10) emerged as the most promising candidate for neuroprotection, demonstrating potent anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest its potential application in managing neurodegenerative disorders, warranting further in vivo and clinical studies.