Evaluation of Antioxidant properties in different varieties of Banana

Medicinal and dietary uses of banana are astonishing. The present study highlights the fact that selected banana varieties serves as a natural store of various health beneficial antioxidant compounds. Current study is an attempt to find out and estimate antioxidant levels in different banana varieties. The banana varieties selected for the current work are Nendran, Kappa and Rasakadali. Phytochemical screening was conducted and the presence of Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and Phenols were detected in each variety. Phytochemical assay revealed the presence of some phytochemicals like phenols, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids at varying concentrations. The presence of these phytochemicals confirms, the three Musa species tested to be of medicinal value. Out of five parameters tested in three sps. of Musa namely Nendran, Kappa and Rasakadali, it was found that Tannin content was far greater when compared to Flavanoid and Phenol in the three varities of musa. Of all the five parameters listed above, Rasakadali exhibited least values. The phenol content in all the banana varieties was considerably low when compared to others.