Effect of Banana (Musa sp.) Peels Extract in Nanoemulsion Dosage Forms for the Improvement of Memory: In Vitro & In Vivo Studies

Abstract

Background: Banana (Musa sp.) is a plant rich in phytochemical compounds, especially antioxidants, which are hypothesized to inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

Objective: This research aimed to study nanoemulsion preparations of Kepok banana (KEP-NE) and Tanduk banana (TAN-NE) peel extracts for their activities as antioxidants, acetylcholinesterase as well as tyrosinase inhibitors, and as agents to improve short-term memory.

Methods: Nanoemulsion was prepared using a combination of high shear homogenization and ultrasonication. The antioxidant activity test was carried out using DPPH and ABTS methods. Meanwhile, memory improvement was studied in a mouse model with memory impairment induced by alloxan (120 mg/kg b.w) using the Y-maze apparatus. ELISA performed determination of acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition.

Results: Characterization of the nanoemulsion was performed to include particle size, antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase inhibition. The particle size and polydispersity index (PI) of KEP-NE and TAN-NE were 84.2 nm (PI: 0.280) and 94.1 nm (PI: 0.282), respectively. The antioxidant activity of DPPH showed that the respective IC₅₀ values of KEP-NE and TAN-NE were 0.64 μg/mL and 1.97 μg/mL. At the same time, the values with the ABTS method were 1.10 μg/mL and 1.72 μg/mL, respectively. The IC₅₀ of KEP-NE on acetylcholinesterase inhibition was 108.80 μg/mL, and that on tyrosinase inhibition was 251.47 μg/mL. The study of short-term memory in the Y-maze revealed that the groups Kepok peel extracts 100 and 300 mg/kg b.w and KEP-NE 100 and 300 mg/kg b.w significantly (P < 0.05) improved short-term memory.

Conclusion: This study suggests that the nanoemulsion dosage form of Kepok banana peel extract has antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition and tyrosinase inhibition activities and could potentially be an adjunct alternative treatment for memory disorders. Modifying the smaller drug particle size contributes to the delivery system. The nanoemulsion can increase pharmacological activity.

Keywords: Banana peels extract; Y-maze; acetylcholinesterase; antioxidant; mice.; nanoemulsion; short-term memory; tyrosinase.