Medicinal uses of Bananas and Plantains in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Most people are unaware that Banana or plantain is the world’s largest herb with valuable medicinal properties. ‘Banana’ is a general term embracing a number of species or hybrids in the genus Musa of the family Musacea. It is used as a food, symbol of prosperity and in medicine. Bananas are starchier and mostly consumed after cooking, whereas Plantains are sweeter and generally consumed as a dessert. In Sri Lanka, different varieties of plantains such as Alu Kesel, Kithala and bananas such as Kolikuttu, Suwandel, Puvalu, Embul, Anavalu, Nethra Palam, Embun, Bim Kesel, Nadi, Pulathisi, Kandula, Sudu Kochchi, Prasad, Rata Horadavalu, Wal Suwandel, Ratel and Rathanavalu are available. Traditional and Ayurvedic physicians use most parts of the herb in medicine. The commonest variety used medicinally is Musa sapientum. The aim of this study was to collect and preserve the scattered knowledge on medicinal uses of bananas and plantains in Sri Lanka. Data was gathered from olla manuscripts and transcriptions, Ayurvedic and traditional texts and local knowledge on traditional medicine in Southern, Western, Northwestern and Sabaragamuva provinces. Formulae were sorted to show medicinal values of parts such as the root, corm, pseudo-stem, leaves, leaves sheath, pith, inflorescence, fruits and suckers. These are used to treat ailments like diabetes mellitus, diarrhoea, constipation, warts, heart-burn, impaired appetite, menorrhagia, poisoning, dysuria, leucorrhoea and eye diseases. Some recent uses are haemoptysis, cough, renal calculi, urinary obstructions, weight reduction, infant’s dietary supplement, dandruff, anaemia, stress, depression, control nicotine withdrawal symptoms and to reduce risk of hypertension and stroke.