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

Background: 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.

Objectives: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.