Kadali Pushpa

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Kadali Pushpa
Latin/Botanical	Musa paradisiaca L. (inflorescence/flower)

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin)
• Quercetin
• Catechin
• Myricetin
• Saponins
• Tannins
• Serotonin
• Umbelliferone
• Beta-sitosterol
• Ascorbic acid

How does it work?

• Inflorescence extract has been reported to reduce neutrophil activation through downregulation of TLR4/NF-kB signaling in an animal model of acute lung injury
• Quercetin and myricetin have been reported to inhibit adipogenesis through suppression of PPAR-gamma and C/EBP-alpha transcription factors in preadipocytes
• Saponins and tannins have been reported to inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the digestive tract

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Traditionally used to reduce excessive menstrual bleeding (anti-menorrhagic use). The flower contains astringent tannins and beta-sitosterol.
• Banana flower decoction is traditionally used for inflammatory conditions. Animal studies using acute lung injury models and in vitro studies have reported anti-inflammatory activity.
• Antidiabetic use: traditionally used for high blood sugar. Studies have reported alpha-glucosidase inhibition.

What do recent studies show?

• Gadelha FAAF, Cavalcanti RFP, Vieira CID and others 2024. Musa paradisiaca L. Inflorescence Abrogates Neutrophil Activation by Downregulating TLR4/NF-KB Signaling Pathway in LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39861071 · doi:10.3390/ph18010008
  Banana inflorescence extract reduced neutrophil activation and lung inflammation by downregulating TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway in acute lung injury, demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory potential.
• Widoyanti AAE, Chaikong K, Rangsinth P and others 2023. Valorization of Nam Wah Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) Byproducts as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: In Vitro and In Silico Studies. Foods (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 37959074 · doi:10.3390/foods12213955
  Banana flower extract showed promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obese effects attributed to significant total phenol content and flavonoid composition.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Banana flower is widely consumed as a vegetable in South and Southeast Asian cuisines with long history of safe dietary use
• No significant toxicity concerns reported; traditional culinary preparation (cooking/steaming) is the standard method of consumption
• May have mild uterotonic properties; some traditional practices use banana flower for menstrual regulation - exercise caution during pregnancy

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (flower powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Swarasa (fresh flower juice), Sabzi/food preparation (traditional)

Standard Dosage: 3-6g dried flower powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 10-20ml fresh juice; as food preparation

Optimal Timing: With meals (traditional food preparation with buttermilk); supplement form before meals

Storage: Fresh: refrigerate, use within 24 hours. Dried preparations: cool, dry place below 25°C in airtight containers. Protect from moisture and light.

Marker Compounds: Quercetin, Catechin, Gallic acid, Umbelliferone, Iron content (mineral assay), Saponins (hemolytic assay)

Synergistic Combinations

• With Ashoka bark for menstrual disorder management
• With Lodhra for leucorrhea
• With Shatavari for female reproductive health
• With Dadima (pomegranate) for iron-rich blood tonic