Secondary metabolites, nutritional, and pharmacological profile of red banana as functional food: a scoping review

Red banana is a cultivated, edible, and seedless variety. It is also considered a functional food due to its nutritional, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties. This scoping review aims to answer the following research question: What are the secondary metabolites, nutritional, and pharmacological properties of the Musa cultivar red banana? This study followed the guidelines set by the Joanna Briggs Institute, and data were reported using the PRISMA-ScR. A wide search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and gray literature. Two reviewers independently screened the articles, and a third reviewer resolved any conflicts. A total of 36 articles were included in the data extraction. Based primarily on the findings from the included preclinical studies, we concluded that the red banana variety demonstrates promising pharmacological properties, including anticholesterolemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-aging, anticancer, and antidiabetic, suggesting the need for further investigation to validate its therapeutic application. Nutritionally, red bananas are suitable for different age groups, including children and adults. They contain a rich array of secondary metabolites and other bioactive compounds. Additionally, this study explored factors such as maturity stages, plantation sites, plant parts, and cooking methods, and how these elements influence the quality of bananas and their suitability for consumers. The promotion of red bananas also favors Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2- zero hunger and 3- good health and well-being. Thus, red bananas can be considered a nutritionally rich and pharmacologically active food source.