Biological properties of extracts from locally grown banana leaves indicate their possible use for wound dressing in Arusha, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed the biological properties and safety profile of extracts from locally grown banana leaves in Arusha (Tanzania), to affirm their possible use for wound dressing. Screening for phytoconstituents in extracts from studied banana plant species, ijuhi inkundu (IJ) mlelembo (ML) and kimalindi (KIM), revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites; anthraquinones, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, phenols, phytosterol and saponins. Susceptibility of microorganisms to studied banana varieties were in the order of KIM > ML > IJ. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistical difference of mean among all extracts (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the ability of extracts to scavenge DPPH free radicals. Scavenging of DPPH was in the order of > kimalindi > ijuhi inkundu > mlelembo. Brine shrimp results for toxicity showed that almost all extracts were non-toxic to the shrimps, exhibiting mild toxicity by giving the LC50 values higher than 100 µg/mL.