Chemical and biological analysis of essential oils and pectins of banana, cantaloupe peels, guava pulp and formulation of banana pectin gel

Abstract

The peels of both Musa paradisicae var. sapientum (banana), Cucumis melo L. (Cantaloupe) and pulp of Psidium guajava L. (guava) were studied for their essential oils, pectins, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. All tested samples exerted marked activities against Gram +ve, Gram -ve bacteria, fungi, dermatophytes, prostate (PC-3), breast (MCF-7) and colon (HCT-116) carcinoma cell lines. Banana essential oil showed the best activity against all tested micro-organisms, breast carcinoma cell line whereas guava pulp oil exerted the best activity against prostate and colon carcinoma cell line. Banana pectin gels were prepared using Carbopol 934, hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (HEC) and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (Na CMC) as gelling agents. They were evaluated for their physical properties, anti-microbial and wound healing activities. F6 formulation containing 0.5% carbopol 934 was selected, it has been significantly shown to enhance wound healing compared to panthenol. The stimulation of healing may be due to the immune-modulatory activity of pectin.