Title : Sustainable nutrition from agricultural by-products: Nutrient and bioactive profiles of indigenous banana inflorescence cultivars in Malaysia
Abstract:
Banana inflorescences, often discarded as agricultural by-products, represent a sustainable and nutrient-dense food resource with promising applications in community nutrition, functional foods, and health promotion. Despite their potential, the nutritional composition, bioactive properties, and health-promoting activities of Malaysian banana inflorescences remain underexplored. This study evaluated the physical properties, proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, dietary fiber, mineral content, antioxidant activity, and biofunctional properties of bracts and flowers of two indigenous cultivars—Berangan (Musa acuminata, AAA) and Nangka (Musa acuminata × Musa balbisiana, AAB).
Moisture, protein, lipid, and ash contents were determined using AOAC methods, carbohydrates calculated by difference, amino acids profiled via Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), and fatty acids analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). Dietary fiber was quantified using a K-TDFR-200A Total Dietary Fiber Assay Kit, mineral composition assessed by ICP-OES, and antioxidant activity measured with ABTS and DPPH assays. Antimicrobial activity against selected pathogens and antihyperglycemic potential via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition were also evaluated.
Results showed higher protein, minerals, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antihyperglycemic activities in flowers, while bracts contained greater moisture, fat, carbohydrates, and insoluble fiber (53.9–63.2%). Soluble fiber was higher in flowers (7.9–14.2%), supporting gastrointestinal health. Sixteen amino acids and 13 fatty acids were identified, with essential amino acids (isoleucine, lysine, threonine, valine) and major fatty acids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic acids) predominating.
These findings highlight banana inflorescences as nutrient-rich, bioactive, and sustainable plant components suitable for functional foods and nutraceutical development, contributing to improved community nutrition and reduced agricultural waste in Malaysia.
