# Kadali

> Kadali (Musa paradisiaca L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Musaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs on medicinal plants specifically; recognized by FAO/WHO as a major staple food crop; banana stem and unripe fruit referenced in traditional pharmacopoeias of India and Southeast Asia.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Musa paradisiaca L.
- **Family:** Musaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on medicinal plants specifically; recognized by FAO/WHO as a major staple food crop; banana stem and unripe fruit referenced in traditional pharmacopoeias of India and Southeast Asia

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kadali |
| Latin/Botanical | *Musa paradisiaca L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Sitoindoside IV
- [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Cycloeucalenone
- 24-Methylene-cycloartanol
- [Leucocyanidin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#leucocyanidin)
- [Serotonin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#serotonin)
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
- [Pectin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pectin)

## How does it work?

- Sitoindoside IV (acylsteryl glycoside from unripe fruit) exhibits anti-ulcerogenic activity by stimulating mucus secretion, strengthening mucosal barrier, and inhibiting gastric acid-pepsin secretion
- Leucocyanidin and condensed [tannins](/reference/tannins/) from unripe banana pulp exert antidiarrhoeal effects by reducing intestinal motility and enhancing electrolyte and water reabsorption in the colon
- [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols) (stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol) reduce plasma cholesterol through competitive inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption and modulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Antidiarrhoeal activity of unripe banana (Apakva Kadali) validated through meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in children, confirming traditional Ayurvedic use for Atisara (diarrhea) and Grahani (IBS)
- Anti-ulcerogenic activity validated through isolation of sitoindoside IV and demonstration of gastroprotective effects, supporting traditional use for Amlapitta (gastric ulcers)
- Anti-urolithiatic effects (kidney stone prevention) validated through studies showing reduction of urinary oxalate excretion in hyperoxaluric animal models

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Kwok JJN, Chen MK, Ong CW and others 2025. [Antidiabetic Potential of Bananas (Musa spp.): A Systematic Review of Bioactive Compounds and Antihyperglycemic Activities](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40011287/). *Current nutrition reports*. PMID [40011287](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40011287/) · [doi:10.1007/s13668-025-00629-0](https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00629-0)  
  Systematic review documented that bioactive compounds across various banana parts demonstrate significant antihyperglycemic activities through multiple mechanisms.
- Gallo Ruelas M, Gomez-Herrera GP, Noa-Peralta KF and others 2024. [Role of green banana consumption in the treatment of acute and persistent diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38972965/). *European journal of pediatrics*. PMID [38972965](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38972965/) · [doi:10.1007/s00431-024-05679-0](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-024-05679-0)  
  Meta-analysis of RCTs confirmed green banana reduces duration and severity of both acute and persistent diarrhea in children, providing high-level evidence for this traditional use.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Banana is widely consumed as a staple food globally; GRAS status for food consumption with excellent safety profile
- High [potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) content requires caution in patients with hyperkalemia or chronic kidney disease; may interact with potassium-sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors
- Latex allergy cross-reactivity exists (banana-latex-avocado syndrome); individuals with latex allergy should be cautioned about potential allergic reactions to banana

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (stem juice), Churna (flower/unripe fruit powder), Capsule, Kshara (alkali preparation), Bhasma (ash preparation)

**Standard Dosage:** 20-40ml stem juice twice daily; 3-6g flower/fruit powder; 1-2g Kshara with water

**Bioavailability:** Musa paradisiaca (banana/plantain) contains [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (leucocyanidin), tannins, serotonin, dopamine, and potassium. Leucocyanidin has moderate oral bioavailability. Serotonin from banana is NOT orally bioavailable for CNS effects (does not cross BBB). Potassium and minerals are highly bioavailable. Resistant [starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) in unripe fruit acts as prebiotic. Stem juice [mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) acts locally in urinary tract.

**Optimal Timing:** Stem juice: morning on empty stomach for renal calculi. Flower powder: with buttermilk for menstrual disorders. Unripe fruit: as part of meals.

**Standardized Extract:** Stem juice (fresh or spray-dried); unripe fruit extract standardized to resistant starch content; flower extract with HPTLC fingerprint

**Shelf Life:** 1 day (fresh stem juice); 6 months (pasteurized juice); 2 years (powder); 3 years (Kshara)

**Storage:** Fresh preparations: refrigerate and use within 24 hours. Dried preparations: cool, dry place below 25°C. Kshara: airtight, moisture-proof containers.

**Marker Compounds:** Leucocyanidin, Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Gallic acid, Potassium content (mineral assay), Resistant starch (in unripe fruit)

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing/juicing of stem (Swarasa)
- Aqueous extraction of flowers
- Drying and powdering of unripe fruit
- Kshara (alkaline ash) preparation by incineration
- Ethanol extraction for flavonoid fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for kidney stone management (stem juice)
- With [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) for urinary calculi
- With Amalaki for gastric ulcer support
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for mucosal protection

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kadali/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.