Banana Flower: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction

One of the most consumed fruits in the world is bananas and bananas (Musa paradisiaca) are grown in almost every country, especially in the subtropical and tropical regions. It is produced mostly in India, followed by China, which is the second largest producer of bananas. The banana plant is the largest flowering herbaceous plant and a lot of banana flowers are produced in a single collection of bananas.^1,2 

These flowers are usually considered a waste material while producing bananas, but it has high nutritional value. The flowers of bananas are huge, red, pointed flowers, some of the flowers are yellow or pink in colour. Precisely, the color of the flower can range from orange to purple and it contains pale yellow or white florets inside it. Banana flowers have many bioactive compounds and are nutty, crunchy, and starchy to taste. It might also have the potential to help with certain health conditions like diabetes, diarrhea, and cancer.¹ Let us discuss the importance and health benefits of the banana flower in detail.  

Nutritional Value of Banana Flower:

A study conducted by Ramu et al., found in their study that the banana flower contains the following nutrients: 

• Protein – 19.60% 
• Fibre – 70% 
• Carbohydrates – 53.78% ¹ 

Sheng et al., and Elaveniya et al., found in their study that the following minerals are present in the banana flower: 

• Sodium 
• Phosphorous 
• Potassium 
• Calcium 
• Magnesium 
• Iron  
• Zinc¹ 

Other research showed that the following bioactive compounds like alkaloids, saponins, superoxide dismutase, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and phenolic compounds might be present in the banana flower.¹ 

Also Read: Red Chilli: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Properties of Banana Flower:

The banana flower might possess the following properties: 

• It might be an antioxidant 
• It might possess a cytotoxic effect (Kills damaged cells) 
• It might possess anti-inflammatory 
• It might protect the liver (hepatoprotective) 
• It might be anti-microbial 
• It might help lower the blood sugar levels ¹ 
• It might be helpful against cancer²  

Also Read: Cluster Beans: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Siddharth Gupta

Potential Uses of Banana Flower for Overall Health:

As the banana flower is a rich source of various minerals and bioactive compounds. Therefore, it might be helpful for various diseases and disorders.¹ Some of the possible banana flower health benefits are as follows: 

1. Potential Uses of Banana Flower for Oxidative Stress

China et al. have reported that the flowers of bananas might have antioxidant properties and may help in reducing oxidative stress. It might neutralise the free radicals by protecting the cells and tissues of the body from damage. This possible antioxidant activity of the banana flower might render its potential against various conditions caused due to oxidative stress like diabetes and cancer. However, more research is required to prove its possible effects.² 

2. Potential Uses of Banana Flower for Cancer

Researchers found that the banana flower extract might have a potential activity that inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. It might also be a safer alternative for the further development of an anticancer drug. However, further animal and human studies are required to ascertain such claims. Moreover, a serious condition like cancer must and should be diagnosed and properly treated by a qualified doctor. Therefore, ensure that you consult a doctor.² 

3. Potential Uses of Banana Flower for Diabetes

In a study conducted by Pari and Uma-Maheshwari, it was seen that the banana flower extract might have the potential to decrease blood glucose levels. It may also help in reducing the level of glycated haemoglobin (glucose attached haemoglobin), which is used as a measure of glucose control over a few months. Therefore, the banana flower might be helpful for diabetes, and more studies are required to claim these properties. Moreover, a serious condition like diabetes must be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor; kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.² 

4. Potential Uses of Banana Flower for Haemoglobin

Haemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that is present in the blood and helps in the transportation of oxygen to cells. It was seen in several studies that the banana flower is a rich source of iron and fiber which might help raise the haemoglobin level in the blood. Further studies are required to confirm the rise in haemoglobin levels due to the banana flower.¹ In case of less haemoglobin content, consult your doctor and don’t self-medicate. 

5. Potential Uses of Banana Flower for Cholesterol

Liyanage et al. found that the banana flower might have a potential hypocholestrolaemic effect (blood cholesterol-lowering). This effect might be exhibited by it, due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids, saponins, flavonoids, vitamin E and dietary fibre. These substances might also help in protecting the liver from damage and safeguarding it.  However, more studies are needed to prove these effects.¹ 

6. Other Potential Uses of Banana Flower

Banana flowers might be potentially used for the following: 

• Banana flowers might help in improving bowel movements and may reduce ulcers. Thus, it might maintain gut health. 
• It might also have antimicrobial activity and may act as an antibiotic. 
• It may be helpful for weight management. 
• In traditional medicine, it may be used to treat bronchitis.¹  

More studies are necessary to explore the potentialities of the banana flower. 

Though there are studies that show the potential uses of the banana flower in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of the banana flower on human health.  

Polyphenols and flavonoids, that are strong antioxidants, are abundant in banana stem and flowers. Melanin production may be reduced by using the banana flower extract. Based on these findings, I suggest banana stems and flowers may both be used as effective depigmenting agents for gums.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Also Read: Green Peas: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

How to Use Banana Flower?

The banana flower is used for making curries in the Southern part of India and is eaten with rice and wheat bread.³ Apart from this, it is also used for the development of various products due to its high nutrient content.¹ It is used for the preparation of the following products: 

• It is used along with gooseberries in the production of ‘Humus’ as it is rich in fibre and iron.  
• Laddus are made by incorporating the banana flower 
• The flowers of the Nendran, Rasakadali and Palayankodan varieties of banana are used for making dried slices, RTC (Ready to Cook) products and flour. 
• Along with coconut powder, ginger, salt and onion, the banana flower is used in making banana flower sisig. 
• It is incorporated in making nut chocolate¹ 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking the banana flower or many other herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

I recently read an article that says banana flower bracts are a rich source of several nutrients and are known for their many therapeutic benefits. Apart from their medicinal benefits, they may be utilised as colouring agents. Banana blossoms are typically utilised in South India to prepare curries, chutneys, and even desserts.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Banana Flower:

There are no specific side effects of banana flowers reported yet. More research is required to render it completely safe for human use. Therefore, if you notice any abnormality in eating banana flowers, you should immediately consult a doctor.  

I recently read an article which described a study conducted on rats that says rats who were fed the banana blossom diet gained less weight than those fed the cholesterol-enriched control diet, which may confirm that consumption of banana flowers may aid in weight loss.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Precautions to Take with Banana Flower

General safety precautions should be taken, and a doctor should be consulted before eating banana flowers. The effects of eating banana flowers during pregnancy and for children have not been reported yet. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before consuming banana flowers. 

From my experience, banana flowers’ approximate composition is quite astounding since they include a wide range of minerals, such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Potassium maintains muscles, and nerves, and regulates heartbeat as a vital component of bodily fluids and cells. Magnesium is a natural anti-depressant that may help lessen sadness and mood swings. It may play a protective role for the heart and may be necessary for healthy bones.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Interactions with Other Drugs

Adverse reactions of banana flowers with any specific drug have not been reported. However, banana flowers may alter the action of certain drugs which has to be explored by further research. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before eating banana flowers; especially if you are undergoing any treatment and are on medication.    

Also Read: Green Chilli: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Soni D, Saxena G. Complete nutrient profile of Banana flower: A review. J Plant Sci Res [Internet]. 2021 Nov 30;37(2):263–7. Available from: https://www.printspublications.com/journal/thejournalofplantscienceresearch12818263520674149434 

2. Nadumane VK, Timsina B. Anti-cancer potential of banana flower extract: An in vitro study. Bangladesh J Pharmacol [Internet]. 2014 Nov 29;9(4):628–35. Available from: http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJP/article/view/20610 

3. Acharya S, Tazeen H, Birwal P. Review On Production of Natural Banana Blossom Concentrate. Int Conf Eares 2019 [Internet]. 2019;8(June):1–3. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333641058_REVIEW_ON_PRODUCTION_OF_NATURAL_BANANA_BLOSSOM_CONCENTRATE 

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