Banana contains two physiologically important compounds: Serotonin and nor-epinephrine , in addition to dopamine, 3, 4- dihydroxy phenyl alanine and an unidentified compound catecholamine. The concentration of some of the compounds in the pulp and peel of the ripe fruit found to be as follows: PULP: Serotonin 8- 50 mg per gram; Nor-epinephrine 1.9 mg per gm; Dopamine 7.9 micron per gm. PEEL: Serotonin 47- 93 microgram per gm; Nor-epinephrine 122 microgram per gm; Dopamine 700 microgram per gm. Serotonin inhibits gastric secretion and stimulates smooth muscle in the intestine and elsewhere. Nor-epinephrine is a mediator of autonomic function and is widely used as a vaso-constrictor agent. Serotonin is apparently well tolerated when administered orally to human beings; doses up to 20 mg of serotonin cause no adverse effect. The therapeutic uses of banana (in colon disease, constipation, peptic ulcer , etc.) may be due to the presence of these active principles.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:12:40 +0000
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