Banana Plant Extract (Musa paradisiaca) is made from the non-fruiting stem of the plaintain banana plant and may sometimes be referred to as 'dried powder of banana pulp' (DRBP) - particularly in medical studies. The extract is used to treat a variety of digestive disorders and symptoms.
Banana plant extract has been used traditionally in various medical systems such as ayurveda and has now also been well studied by scientists. It has been found to be high in certain types of fibre as well as a flavonoid called leucocyanidin which is thought to account for many of its beneficial effects.
According to researchers banana plant extract:
- Increases mucus production
- Strengthens the mucosal barrier (wall of the gut)
- Increases mucosal thickness
- Increases cell proliferation
- Acts as an antioxidant
- Increases production of anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body
- Regulates peristalsis
- Is antimicrobial
- Acts as a prebiotic
Due to these actions, and perhaps others yet to be determined, banana plant extract has been found to be useful in digestive disorders ranging from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to peptic and duodenal ulcers and even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
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