Abstract
Banana is among the most widely cultivated tropical plants for their diverse applications and benefits. However, this plant is being disregarded or overlooked. Therefore, the review sought to analyse the use of banana fruits and residues as a potential source of phytonutrients, phytochemicals, bioenergy, biofertilizer, and various other applications. The review was based on secondary data and information sourced from Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Annually, approximately 125 million tons of bananas and 250 million tons of fresh residues are produced, highlighting their pivotal role in nutrition, health, and industrial processes. Banana fruits and residues have proven to be good sources of phytonutrients and phytochemicals that offer therapeutic benefits. Banana by-products also hold promise in promoting sustainability through applications such as bioenergy and biofertilizers. For instance, banana peels serve as a substrate for biogas production, while starches derived from bananas are used to produce bioethanol. Additionally, biodiesel production from banana oil not only provides a renewable energy source but also addresses agricultural waste management. In agriculture, banana residues enhance soil fertility and productivity when processed into biofertilizers, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Fibres from banana plants find applications in the production of environmentally friendly textiles, while their bioactive compounds hold potential for pharmaceutical advancements. The multifaceted uses of bananas and their residues, spanning food, medicine, bioenergy, and industrial domains, underscore their importance as a resource for sustainable development.
Introduction
Banana fruits, which are widely grown in the tropics and developing nations, are among the most significant crops worldwide1–6. It is one of the largest cultivated fruit crops in Southeast Asia, Pacific region, and Africa3,6–9 . It has recently received more attention because of its economic and nutritional significance.1,10,11 As one of the most widely grown fruit crops worldwide and one of the first known medicinal plants, banana are used to treat a number of illnesses.6,12,13 Generally, the entire banana extracts contain nutritional and medicinal properties that can treat diabetes, hypertension, cancer, ulcers, diarrhoea, urolithiasis, Alzheimer's disease, and infections. 14 It is one of the most widely used fruits in the world, producing large amounts of pseudostem, leaves, and rachis as lignocellulose-rich wastes, in addition to a high yield of nutritious and palatable carbohydrates.5,15 Banana is the cheapest and most common food in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with a harvested area of approximately 10 million hectares. 16 Recently, it has become the second most cultivated fruit worldwide, achieving a global production of over 125 million tons while generating approximately 250 million tons of fresh residual per annum. 7 Over 300 banana varieties are grown in 130 tropical and subtropical nations, including regions in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean11,16–18. However, India, the world's largest producer of banana, produces approximately 29 million tons.12,16 The world total annual yield of banana is about 145 million tons and approximately 50% of the world yield comes from India, Ecuador, Philippines, Brazil and China.1,12,15,16 The top ten world banana growers include India, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Ecuador, Thailand, Colombia, Mexico and Guatemala. 15 Tanzania is among the major banana-growing countries ranking as one of the top producers in Africa, particularly known for varieties like East African Highland banana which serves as a staple food and an important cash crop for many farmers. 19 In 2012, Cameroon produced 1.4 million tons of banana and plantains, generating 90,000 tons of agro-industrial residues including pseudo-stems, peduncles, bulbs, leaf sheath and rachis. 7 The major banana importer is the United States, whereas the largest banana exporter is Ecuador. According to sources, there was a need for 20.2 million tons of banana exports were needed in 2019. 1 By 2019–2020, India contributed 30.4 million metric tons of the 119 million tons of banana produced globally, followed by China (11.6 million tons), Indonesia (7.2 million tons), Brazil (6.8 million tons), and Ecuador (6.5 million tons).20,21 However, edible banana are grown solely for their fruits and the tree has no agricultural potential after the banana fruit is harvested and treated as waste, which in turn threatens the environment.8,22,23 With an estimated 114.08 million metric tons produced globally, banana waste causes enormous greenhouse gases emissions and other environmental problems. 21 Wild banana, Musa salaccensis, appears to have no use because they grow in the forest and the fruits contain many seeds. 24 Nevertheless, the highlands of East Africa are known for their extremely valuable banana crop, which is grown particularly well in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, western Tanzania, Uganda, and the eastern Congo. This region has one of the highest per capital banana consumption rates in the world, with over 300 kg consumed annually. 25 Banana is the most extensively grown crops in Uganda, accounting for approximately 40% of the country's arable area. In this region, two main types of banana are known based on the use of the fruits, including food commonly termed boiling or cooking banana, while the other type is utilized in the preparation of beverages, usually referred to as beer banana. 26 Banana fruits and residues are constantly being disregarded, despite the fact that they have the potential to be used in vital industries like alcoholic drinks and bioethanol fuel. 15 In addition, the potential of banana and their residues is yet to be seriously recognised, despite their abundance worldwide. Although they have the potential to be utilized in critical sectors such as alcoholic beverages and bioethanol fuel, banana fruits and residues are continually overlooked. The review sought to analyse the use of banana fruits and residues as a potential source of food (phytonutrients), medicine (phytochemicals), bioenergy, biofertilizer, and various other applications.
Results and Discussion
Banana Fruit and Waste: Phytonutrients and Phytochemicals
As shown in various studies,9,16,27 banana fruit is commonly consumed in many countries. In the highlands of East Africa, particularly in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, western Tanzania, Uganda, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, banana is a highly prized food crop with an annual consumption of over 300 kg per household, which is the highest rate in the world. 28 It is regarded as a high-energy food in various regions of the world.2,16 It is consumed in various food forms that comprise raw, baked, baby food, fried banana, beverage products (Table 1).
Uses of Banana as Fruits and Food.
Uses of Banana as Fruits and Food.
Banana is the first solid food advised for infants (baby food) making it the most viable crop for biofortification initiatives aimed at eliminating nutrient deficiency, which is common in most underdeveloped countries. 29 Banana juice is usually produced for domestic consumption.1,30 In Uganda, the cooked banana is usually termed as matooke and is the chief staple food whose cultivation involves more than 70% of all cultivators as their primary crop and more than 50% depend on banana for food. 31 For people living in production areas, cooked banana constitutes a significant component of their diet.1,2 Cooking banana is a crucial food crop in East African nations and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, providing a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals and serving as a staple food for over 30 million people, while also addressing the region's nutritional needs 25. Banana is also one of the crops cultivated in Kenya, largely for local consumption. 32 Studies have shown that banana is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, providing nutrients. 5 Banana fruit and its waste (peel, pulp, stem, leaves, flowers) also contain dietary fibres, phytonutrients (energy sugars, protein, vitamins, minerals) and phytochemicals that exhibit various pharmacological properties (Tables 2 and 3). Phytonutrients include energy sugars, protein, vitamins (vitamin C), and minerals (potassium) while phytochemicals comprise dopamine, polyphenols, phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. These phytoconstituents are characterised by pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertension, antibacterial, and wound-healing activities.
Beneficial Compounds from various Parts of Banana Waste and Their Medicinal Uses.
Key Compounds in Banana, Their Chemical Structure, Molecular Formula, and Molecular Weight.
These edible ingredients can be used sustainably using primarily discarded fruit leftovers. 17 The pulp and peel of banana are exceptional sources of nutritious elements for food enrichment because of their high levels of antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, dietary fibres, and resistant starch.13,15,17,27,38 Bananas are a key source of various phytochemicals and essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and minerals. 1 Banana residues are also utilized as food additives to enhance food homogeneity, serving as texture enhancers, fat replacers, and foam stabilizers. 39 Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibres, sugars, vitamins, and minerals as presented in Table 4. Banana sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) contribute to quick energy making them a quick and effective energy source while soluble fibre aids digestion, promote satiety, and support heart health.13,40 Dietary fibre also enhances feelings of fullness, which aid in weight management. Resistant starch (carbohydrate) found in unripe banana act as a prebiotic for gut health. 30 Vitamins (especially vitamin C) support immune function and skin health while Vitamin B6 is important for brain health and metabolism. Vitamin B6 found in banana is crucial for red blood cell formation. 39
Banana Phytonutrients.
Vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene, promotes eye health vitamin B9 is essential for DNA synthesis and cell growth. 41 Potassium is crucial for heart function and blood pressure maintenance. 40 Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function whereas manganese is responsible for bone health. Copper plays a role in iron metabolism while calcium contributes to overall health. 41 Across banana varieties, the nutrient content, particularly calories, carbohydrates, and potassium fluctuate depending on the type, contributing to their versatility in different culinary uses. Banana fruits play an essential role in a balanced diet.11,42 and contribute to overall health by supporting immune function, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. 43 As already demonstrated in Tables 2 and 3, bananas are not only highly nutritious but also possess various phytochemicals. Several studies have also cited the presence of phytochemicals that are characterised by pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiulcerogenic, antilithic, hypoglycemic, antidiarrheal, antibacterial, and wound-healing agents.1,2,6,12,13,15,27,44–46 Phytochemicals such as phytosterols, carotenoids, phenols, and biogenic amines, are particularly beneficial for improving health in general.1,10–12,17 Ripe and unripe banana contain phytochemicals that fight ulcers, diabetes, and free radicals.1,10,13,15,17 In addition, banana pectin is used as a medicinal excipient in capsule production.1,17 Banana also contains many phenolic compounds, which exhibit antioxidant and health-promoting properties.10,11 The most prevalent phenols in banana include gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, anthocyanins, and tannins.1,11 Phenolic chemicals are principal antioxidants because of their ability to donate a hydrogen atom to a free radical.1,17,27 These compounds possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antithrombotic, antiallergenic, and vasodilatory properties.11,13 Nutritionists have observed that phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, stilbenes, and lignins, are advantageous food additives. 47 These antioxidants transform free radicals into less dangerous molecules, heal oxidative damage in human cells, and inhibit the initiation chain or terminate the propagation cycle of oxidative reactions to neutralize free radicals. 47 However, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are the most prevalent biogenic amines found in banana peel and pulp. Dopamine has many properties that are beneficial to health, such as controlling the brain's neurotransmitters, affecting mood, improving concentration, and maintaining emotional stability.1,6,17 Zeaxanthine, beta-carotene, and alphacarotene are among the carotenoids found in banana.13,17 Carotenoids are precursors of vitamin A.11,13 Vitamin insufficiency is a severe problem, particularly in women and children in developing countries. Increased mortality is linked to vision, anaemia, and healthy growth and development, resulting from diets low in vitamin A. 47 They also have antioxidant capabilities that help scavenge reactive oxygen species.1,27 Moreover, phytosterols found in banana play a significant role in lowering serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by preventing the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine and boosting its excretion.6,11 Likewise, these bioactive substances reduce the risk of various malignancies, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers. In addition to controlling host immunity, tumour development, apoptosis, and membrane shape, signal transduction pathways also control the function of tumour cells. Therefore, eating banana has protective and health-promoting effects.1,6,12,27 The correct quantity of banana peel must be added to food products containing it to enhance its physicochemical and organoleptic properties.1,12 Compared to previous formulations, banana peel powder provides cookies with a more varied flavour, texture, and appearance. However, owing to its high sugar content, banana flour commonly used in confections, particularly those based on cereals. Studies have shown that premixed cakes made with 60% banana peel flour rather than wheat flour were examined for the growth of pathogens, and the pre-pH mixture and pathogenic growth; fungi and yeasts were unaffected by the high sugar concentration. 1 There are reports on the emerging green nanoparticles using banana wastes as covering and decreasing causes in the fabrication of nanoparticles in place of traditional chemical approaches and is a viable technique for the reuse of banana by-products. 12 Banana plant pieces have been effectively used to create nanoparticles with promising antibacterial properties, such as silver and gold nanoparticles. 12
Banana remains are usually used in diverse areas, including manure and animal feed in agriculture. 12 Traditionally, banana pseudostems are often left on the farm ground as organic fertilizer or blended together with excluded fruits to produce animal feed.2,9,12,15 In agriculture, banana leftovers such as peels, leaves, and pseudostems are useful as organic fertilizers and soil conditioners. 44 The abundance of banana nutrients, which includes phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, improves soil fertility and increases crop yields. 45 When used as mulch, banana remains preserve soil moisture, inhibit the growth of weeds, and enhance soil structure. 46 Reusing banana leftovers in farming reduces dependency on artificial fertilizers and promotes sustainable agriculture. Moreover, banana residues are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which support plant growth, root development, water regulation, and photosynthesis. 48 This nutrient profile makes them valuable for enhancing soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture. 48
Bioenergy
Bioethanol is a renewable fuel produced from fermentation of sugars found in various biomass sources including banana. 49 Banana, particularly overripe or rejected fruits are rich in fermentable sugars, making them valuable raw material for bioethanol production. 50 Utilising overripe or rejected banana for bioethanol production significantly aids in reducing food waste. 51 This process not only transforms surplus fruit into a valuable energy source but also serves as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, helping to decrease greenhouse gases emissions. 51 Moreover, local production of bioethanol enhances energy security by reducing the reliance on imported fuels, contributing to a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy landscape. 52 In addition, banana wastes are reported as potential and viable substrates for biogas generation via anaerobic digestion, and it has been reported that banana generate a very hygienic type of biogas containing only methane and carbon dioxide, in contrast to other waste streams such as human sewage, piggery, or feedlot waste with the added attraction of less noxious odours as well as different trace elements. 9 A report show that Banana peels have been used to generate bioenergy in the form of biogas, a clean and renewable energy source. 31 Recent findings indicate that juice from banana stems has been utilized successfully for biogas generation via anaerobic digestion. 53 Nevertheless, dried banana leaves have been reported as potential precursors for biogas generation, an alternative to conventional fossil fuels. 54 In general, producing bioethanol from banana wastes has lot of potential to be a sustainable approach to managing agricultural waste and producing renewable energy. Continuous technological and scientific developments could have a significant impact on the global biofuel market, improving energy security and fostering environmental sustainability. By utilizing banana wastes’ energy potential, we can solve important environmental and energy issues and work toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Thus, banana fruits and their residues are valuable resources in bioenergy, medicine, and the food industry. 55
Commercial and Industrial Applications of Banana
In comparison to apples, oranges, grapes, and watermelons, banana produce the most fruits and are one of the most significant cash crops in the world market.15,25 Besides, it has been reported that banana fruits have incredibly high levels of sugar which is crucial for various food processes. 56 Interest in healthy foods among customers and developers of new sustainable food items has increased in recent years, making the food sector more appealing. The top three food crops in the world are rice, wheat, and maize, with banana taking the fourth position in the list.2,12 In developing nations in Africa, South America, and Asia, approximately 90% of the harvest is consumed in the production areas. Currently, the need for banana plants is growing owing to their numerous industrial and commercial statuses worldwide. 12 The high sugar content in banana is used in the production of sweets, ice cream, sorbets, and cream products, and in the pharmaceutical, culinary, and packaging industries.2,12,16 Banana are widely used in the production of sweets and ice cream due to their natural sweetness, creamy texture, and pleasant flavour. 57 For instance, banana can be used to make ice cream with a banana flavour or as a base for other flavours such as chocolate. 57 Banana are used as basic materials in many local and national products, including the base for a wide range of domestic and regional products such as whole, peeled, and dried fruit, cooked fruit, domestic preparations, fritters, jams, wines, beer, domestic and artisanal flour, green banana starch, puree, alcohol, regional beer, wine, vinegar, nectar, chunks, and purees used in baked goods, desserts, ice creams, and other cream products.2,12,16 Due to their rarity in Western mass markets, these items display prominence and consumption patterns comparable to those of orange and apple products. Banana pulp and peel can be used to produce a range of functional food products such as baked goods, bread, cookies, pasta, confections, and other gluten-free goods1,10,12,17 Banana plants are used for producing banana fibre which is extracted from the trunk and is strong, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. 58 This fibre is used in making products like ropes, mats, biodegradable packaging, and fabrics. 58 Banana are processed into food products such as banana chips, banana flour, and puree, which are popular in the snack industry, serve as gluten-free flour alternatives, and are used in baby foods and smoothies. 59 Thus, banana and their residues have a wide range of applications in various commercial products that are of growing global interest, playing a crucial role in economic development and trade activities.
Other Uses of Banana Residues
Banana residues can be used in a variety of sectors including in agriculture, cooking, food packaging, banana textile and traditions. By integrating banana residues across these sectors, industries can reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy.
Banana in textile and Traditions
Studies have shown that in Kerala, India, craft paper of decent strength was made from crushed, washed, and dried banana pseudostems which produced 48–51% of unbleached pulp, and good quality paper was prepared by blending banana fibre with betel nut husk.9,12,15 However, these methods have created the possibility of using banana fibres in diverse applications such as paper, rope, table mats, and handbags.9,12,15 The findings show that banana residue can be used to produce quality banana fibres in banana textiles. 12 Banana fibres, extracted from pseudostems are used in the production of eco-friendly textiles. 60 Due to their strength, biodegradability, and excellent tensile strength these fibres are useful for various applications, including clothing, carpets, ropes, and handicrafts. 61 Banana textile manufacturing encourages eco-friendly fashion and lessens reliance on synthetic fibres.62,63 Many banana plant parts, including the roots, pseudostems, stems, leaves, and flowers, have long been employed in traditional and regional medicines, and in Pakistan, India, and other Southeast Asian nations, they are employed as traditional medicines.16,27,32 In the United States, banana are often used as remedies. 64 Banana have historically been used to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, intestinal lesions, diarrhoea, dysentery, nephritis, gout, hypertension, sprue, uremia, inflammation, pain, and snakebites.1,2,16 Its roots are used as anthelmintics for blood abnormalities and sexual illnesses. Eczema can be treated with banana leaf ash and burns and blisters can be dressed. Treatment for cholera, hemoptysis, otalgia, dysentery, and diarrhoea includes the use of stem juice. Diabetes, dysentery, and menorrhagia are treated using flowers.1,16 Studies show that Green banana have traditionally been used to treat dyspepsia because of their antidiarrheal effects. 27 A collection of literature indicates that banana and their residues have potential applications in agriculture, cooking, food packaging, banana textiles, and traditions.
Banana Leaves for Food Packaging
Banana leaves have long been used as organic food wrappers in many cultures, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 65 Banana leaves are extensively utilized as plates and for lining cooking pits and food wrapping for cooking or storage2,9,12,15 They are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and impart a subtle flavour to the food, making them an excellent alternative to plastic and aluminium foil. 65 In Mexico and Central America, banana leaves are preferred for wrapping tamales, a dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. 66 In southern India, banana leaves are often used to wrap, savoury steamed rice cakes, preventing sticking and adding fragrance during steaming. 67 In Uganda, banana leaves are essential for making omubumbo, a traditional dish made with banana and groundnuts. They are used to wrap the ingredients, which allows for steaming that retains moisture and infuses the food with a unique flavour profile during cooking. 68 Banana leaves are highly valued in cooking for their ability to preserve moisture, preventing food from drying out during cooking or storage. 69 When wrapped in banana leaves, food retains its natural juices, making it tender and flavourful. 69 Besides, when heated, the leaves release a subtle, earthy aroma which enhances the taste of the food. 70 Their heat resistance also allows them to withstand high temperatures, making them perfect for steaming, grilling, or baking various dishes. 71
Potential Economic Benefits and Challenges of Banana Production
Banana and their by-products provide extensive economic benefits, generating significant income for farmers and creating jobs in tropical regions. 72 They are widely processed into snacks, health foods, and animal feed, which supports local markets and reduces dependency on import. 72 Banana fibres offer eco-friendly alternatives in textiles, while banana waste can be converted into biofuels and organic fertilizers, contributing to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. 73 Additionally, banana plantations attract agritourism, and ongoing research fuels innovation in cosmetics, skincare, and other industries, expanding the green economy and promoting sustainable development. 73
Banana production and trade face significant challenges, affecting farmers and the global markets. Diseases like panama disease and pests threaten crops, particularly the widely grown Cavendish variety. Climate change adds vulnerability through extreme weather, while monoculture practices reduce genetic diversity, increasing susceptibility to diseases. Environmental concerns arise from deforestation and chemical use, while economic and social issues including price volatility and corporate dominance disproportionately affect smallholder farmers in developing countries, further limiting their bargaining power and profitability.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The review has revealed that banana fruits and remains or leftovers are used worldwide in large quantities as a source of food and various other applications. Banana fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres, and phytochemicals (bioactive compounds), which collectively exhibit various pharmacological properties. As such, the consumption of fruits could address nutrient deficiencies and various ailments including chronic diseases and pathogenic infections. Furthermore, banana remains are being used as a source of organic bio-fertilisers and bioethanol (petrol), which could contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of reducing chemical pollutants in the soils and carbon footprint, respectively. Overall, bananas could potentially be considered as a future nutraceutical and a potential source of industrial bio-fertilizers and bioethanol that could possibly yield economic benefits.
Materials and Methods
The review was based on secondary data and information sourced from Scopus and Google Scholar databases published from 2006 to 2024. These databases were selected based on their comprehensive coverage of peer-reviewed literature and relevance to the fields of banana and it's residues in food science, medicine, energy, and industrial applications. The inclusion criteria prioritized studies that specifically addressed the applications of banana fruits and residues in areas such as food and phytonutrients, medicine and phytochemicals, bioenergy, biofertilizer production, food packaging, and broader commercial and industrial uses. The information examined was on applications of banana fruits and residues in food and phytonutrients, medicine and phytochemicals, bioenergy, biofertilizer, food packaging, as well as commercial and industrial applications.
Footnotes
Acknowledgements
Authors are grateful to Mkwawa University College of Education for educational support.
Author Contributions
JE participated in the conception, design, drafting and revising the paper critically for intellectual content, LM participated in reviewing and editing of the paper and SM participated in reviewing and editing of the paper. All authors approved the final manuscript for publication.
Data Availability Statement
All data used in the research described are presented in the article.
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Ethical Approval
Not applicable
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
