MUSA PARADISIACA (KADALI) PSEUDOSTEM AS A POTENT NUTRACEUTICAL IN KIDNEY DISORDERS- A REVIEW

Musa paradisiaca, is a tropical plant widely recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. While the fruit is celebrated for its carbohydrate-rich composition and essential vitamins, the pseudostem-often treated as agricultural waste-has garnered attention for its remarkable therapeutic potential. This review compiles and critically analyzes current evidence on the pharmacological effects of the banana pseudostem, emphasizing its role as a nutraceutical in managing diseases such as urolithiasis, diabetes, and nephropathy. The pseudostem exhibits anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-urolithiatic, and nephroprotective properties, with studies demonstrating its ability to reduce stone-forming markers, such as glycollic acid oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase, while preventing kidney stone deposition. In diabetes management, the pseudostem shows anti-hyperglycemic effects by modulating advanced glycation end-products and improving kidney function, positioning it as a potential plant-based alternative for diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, its nutraceutical applications extend to the development of functional foods and supplements, leveraging its rich nutritional profile of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and essential minerals. By transforming the pseudostem from an underutilized byproduct into a valuable resource, Musa paradisiaca offers sustainable solutions for healthcare and agriculture. This review underscores the pseudostems potential in Ayurveda medicine, advocating its inclusion in dietary regimens and therapeutic formulations to address chronic conditions effectively.