​Musa textilis — Manila Hemp / Abacá

Musa textilis — Manila Hemp / Abacá

Product Name: Банан текстильный, Musa textilis, Manilahanf, abacá, bananier textile, موز المنسوجات, กล้วยตานี, абака, банан таластык, банан lif, банани бофандагӣ, tekstilinis bananas, tekstilinis banāns, банан текстильний, موز טקסטיל

Synonyms: абака, манильская пенька, manila hemp, Abacá, Manilahanf, cáñamo de Manila, chanvre de Manille, قنب مانيلا, กล้วยตานีป่า

Used Parts: leaves, petioles, stem fiber, rhizomes, fruits, seeds.

Main Indications for Use of Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá): chronic dermatitis, trophic ulcers, superficial bacterial skin infections, chronic inflammatory oral diseases, periodontitis, gum bleeding, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, chronic gastritis, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic constipation.

Use of Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá) in Mixtures and Complexes: chronic renal failure, chronic pyelonephritis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome.

Pharmacological Properties of Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá): antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, astringent, immunostimulating, antifungal, regenerative, tonic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Powder — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Powder): chronic dermatitis, trophic ulcers, superficial bacterial skin infections, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, chronic gastritis, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic constipation.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 2–3 grams of powder twice a day, orally, after meals, taken with 200 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 3–4 grams of powder three times a day for trophic ulcers, hyperlipidemia, chronic colitis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 5 grams of powder three times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin lesions and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1–2 grams of powder once a day, in courses of 30 days, every 6 months for chronic gastritis, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children over 7 years old and weighing more than 25 kilograms — 0.5–1 gram of powder 1–2 times a day; for body weight up to 25 kilograms — 0.25–0.5 grams of powder 1–2 times a day.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Powder): Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá) — overdose may increase intestinal peristalsis, diarrhea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — increase by 20%.

Preparation Method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of powder: dried stem fibers — 100 grams. Fibers are thoroughly washed with running water, impurities are removed, and cut into pieces 2–3 centimeters long. Dry at a temperature not exceeding 45 °C to a residual moisture content of 8–10%. Grind in a mill to a powder state with particle size not exceeding 0.3 millimeters. Sieve through a No. 50 sieve. The finished powder is packed in airtight containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in tightly closed containers made of dark glass or food-grade plastic, at a temperature from 10 to 25 °C, in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening the package, use within 3 months.

Dry Extract — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic dermatitis, trophic ulcers, periodontitis, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300–500 milligrams of dry extract twice a day, orally, taken with 150 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500–700 milligrams of dry extract three times a day for trophic ulcers, hyperlipidemia, chronic colitis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1 gram of dry extract three times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin and intestinal diseases.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 200 milligrams of dry extract once a day in courses of 30 days every 6 months for hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children over 10 years old and weighing more than 30 kilograms — 100–200 milligrams 1–2 times a day; for children under 30 kilograms — 50–100 milligrams 1–2 times a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 10 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá) — overdose: diarrhea, abdominal pain.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — increase by 20%.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): To prepare 100 grams of dry extract, take 500 grams of dried stem fibers. Grind to particles of 3–5 millimeters. Pour with 70% ethanol in a ratio of 1:10 (mass:volume). Infuse for 7 days at room temperature, stirring daily. Filter through dense fabric. Ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation. Evaporate on a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a thick mass, then dry in a vacuum drying oven at 40 °C to obtain a dry powder. The control sign of solvent removal is the complete disappearance of the ethanol odor. Permissible residual content is not more than 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Dry Extract Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá) — store in an airtight container made of dark glass or a metallized bag, at a temperature from 10 to 25 °C, in a dry place, protected from light and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Tincture — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Tincture): chronic dermatitis, trophic ulcers, periodontitis, chronic gastritis, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20–25 drops of tincture twice a day, orally, 30 minutes before meals, taken with 100 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 25–30 drops three times a day for trophic ulcers, periodontitis, hyperlipidemia.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 35 drops three times a day for pronounced chronic inflammatory skin and vascular diseases.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops once a day in courses of 20 days every 6 months for hyperlipidemia, hypertension, chronic gastritis.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children over 12 years old and weighing more than 35 kilograms — 5–10 drops 1–2 times a day, diluted in 100 milliliters of water.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, alcoholism, acute liver diseases; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Tincture): Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá) — overdose: nausea, dizziness, diarrhea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dose by 15%; for body weight above 90 kilograms — increase by 15%.

Preparation Method (Tincture): To prepare 100 milliliters of tincture, 20 grams of crushed dry stem fibers and 100 milliliters of 70% ethanol are required. Place the raw material in a glass jar, pour ethanol, close tightly with a lid. Infuse for 10 days in a dark place at a temperature of 18–22 °C, shaking daily. Ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation. After infusion, filter the mixture, evaporate on a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to the required volume, monitoring the complete disappearance of the ethanol odor. Permissible residual content is not more than 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in tightly closed bottles made of dark glass at a temperature from 10 to 20 °C, in a place protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Oil Infusion — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Oil Infusion): chronic dermatitis, trophic ulcers, superficial bacterial skin infections, periodontitis, gum bleeding, chronic inflammatory oral diseases.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally, apply a thin layer to the affected area 2–3 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally, apply a thick layer under an occlusive dressing twice a day for trophic ulcers, pronounced dermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): for long-term chronic ulcers — application every 4 hours under a sterile dressing.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): apply a thin layer to the skin once a day in courses of 15 days every 3 months for chronic dermatitis, tendency to gum inflammation.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): allowed for children over 3 years old; apply a thin layer to the skin no more than twice a day.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): overdose — local skin irritation, itching, redness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external application.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 grams of infusion, use 20 grams of dry crushed stem fibers and 100 milliliters of coconut oil. Place the raw material in a glass container, pour coconut oil, infuse in a water bath at a temperature of 50 °C for 6 hours. Filter through dense fabric. Store in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass at a temperature from 10 to 20 °C, in a place protected from direct sunlight and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Cream — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Cream): chronic dermatitis, trophic ulcers, superficial bacterial skin infections, chronic inflammatory oral diseases (external application), periodontitis (external application on gums), I–II degree burns.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply a thin layer to the affected area twice a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply a thick layer under a sterile dressing 2–3 times a day for trophic ulcers, pronounced dermatitis, II degree burns.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): application every 4 hours for extensive dermatitis or when it is necessary to maintain a constant moist therapeutic environment on the wound.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply a thin layer once a day in courses of 14 days every 3 months for chronic dermatitis, tendency to inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): allowed for children over 3 years old; apply a thin layer to the skin no more than twice a day.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Cream): overdose — local skin irritation, itching, redness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external application.

Preparation Method (Cream): To prepare 100 grams of cream: coconut oil — 40 grams, shea butter — 20 grams, beeswax — 10 grams, dry extract of textile banana — 5 grams, distilled water — 25 grams. Melt the oil phase (coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax) in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 70 °C. Heat the aqueous phase (distilled water) to the same temperature. Pour the aqueous phase into the oil phase with constant stirring, add the dry extract. Stir until homogeneous, cool to 40 °C, package in sterile containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass or opaque plastic at a temperature from 5 to 15 °C, in a place protected from light. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Lotion — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Lotion): chronic dermatitis, superficial bacterial skin infections, periodontitis (rinses), chronic inflammatory oral diseases, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

Standard Dosage (Lotion): apply to the skin or mucous membrane using a cotton pad or gauze swab 2–3 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Lotion): apply to affected areas every 3–4 hours for pronounced dermatitis, gingivitis, seborrheic dermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Lotion): for acute inflammatory processes — up to 6 times a day on limited areas of skin or mucous membranes.

Preventive Dosage (Lotion): apply once a day in courses of 10–14 days every 3 months for chronic dermatitis, tendency to inflammation of gums and mucous membranes.

Pediatric Dosage (Lotion): allowed for children over 6 years old; apply 1–2 times a day.

Contraindications (Lotion): individual intolerance; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Lotion): overdose — local skin irritation, itching, dryness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external application.

Preparation Method (Lotion): To prepare 100 milliliters of lotion: distilled water — 80 milliliters, chamomile hydrosol — 10 milliliters, alcohol tincture of textile banana (previously completely evaporated to remove ethanol, residue not more than 500 ppm) — 5 milliliters, vegetable glycerin — 5 milliliters. Mix components at a temperature of 25 °C, filter, pour into sterile bottles with a dispenser.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Lotion): store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass at a temperature from 5 to 15 °C, in a place protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Serum — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Serum): chronic dermatitis, dry skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, superficial bacterial skin infections, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, premature skin aging.

Standard Dosage (Serum): apply 3–5 drops to cleansed facial skin or affected areas 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): apply 5–7 drops twice a day for pronounced dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, hyperpigmentation.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): up to 10 drops twice a day on limited areas for pronounced pigmentation or chronic skin inflammations.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): apply 2–3 drops once a day in courses of 20–30 days every 4 months for dry skin, tendency to dermatitis, for the prevention of age-related skin changes.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): allowed for children over 12 years old; apply 1–2 drops once a day on limited areas.

Contraindications (Serum): individual intolerance; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Serum): overdose — local skin irritation, hyperemia, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external application.

Preparation Method (Serum): To prepare 100 milliliters of serum: lavender hydrosol — 60 milliliters, vegetable glycerin — 10 milliliters, dry extract of textile banana — 2 grams, fractionated coconut oil — 20 milliliters, natural vitamin E — 0.5 milliliters, xanthan gum — 0.5 grams, distilled water — 9 milliliters. Mix all components at a temperature of 25–30 °C, stir until homogeneous, filter, pour into sterile bottles with a dropper.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): store in tightly closed bottles made of dark glass at a temperature from 5 to 15 °C, in a place protected from light. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Mask — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Mask): chronic dermatitis, dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, premature skin aging.

Standard Dosage (Mask): apply an even layer 1–2 millimeters thick to cleansed facial skin or scalp, leave for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water; twice a week.

Enhanced Dosage (Mask): apply a layer 2–3 millimeters thick under film or a warm towel three times a week for pronounced dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Mask): for intensive treatment — up to 5 times a week in a course of no more than 3 weeks for severe dry skin and chronic dermatitis.

Preventive Dosage (Mask): once a week in courses of 1 month every 4 months for dry skin, tendency to inflammation, to maintain skin elasticity.

Pediatric Dosage (Mask): allowed for children over 10 years old; apply a thin layer once a week on limited skin areas.

Contraindications (Mask): individual intolerance; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 10 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Mask): overdose — skin irritation, itching, redness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external application.

Preparation Method (Mask): To prepare 100 grams of mask: textile banana powder — 20 grams, white cosmetic clay — 30 grams, coconut oil — 15 grams, rose hydrosol — 25 milliliters, vegetable glycerin — 5 milliliters, xanthan gum — 0.5 grams, distilled water — up to 100 grams. Mix dry components, then introduce the oil phase, mix until homogeneous, gradually add hydrosol and water. Stir to a creamy consistency, package in sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Mask): store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass or opaque plastic at a temperature from 5 to 10 °C, in a place protected from light. Shelf life — 3 months. After opening, use within 14 days.

Conditioner — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Conditioner): seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, dry hair, brittle hair, thinning hair, chronic inflammatory scalp diseases, scalp itching.

Standard Dosage (Conditioner): apply to damp hair after washing, evenly distributing along the length, leave for 3–5 minutes, then rinse with warm water; 2–3 times a week.

Enhanced Dosage (Conditioner): apply to hair and scalp, leave under a cap for 10–15 minutes 3–4 times a week for pronounced dryness and brittleness of hair, seborrheic dermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Conditioner): daily use for 2 weeks for intensive treatment of dryness and hair damage.

Preventive Dosage (Conditioner): 1–2 times a week in courses of 1 month every 3 months for the prevention of dryness, brittleness, and hair loss.

Pediatric Dosage (Conditioner): allowed for children over 6 years old; once a week in standard dosage.

Contraindications (Conditioner): individual intolerance; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Conditioner): overdose — scalp irritation, itching, dry skin.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external application.

Preparation Method (Conditioner): To prepare 100 grams of conditioner: coconut oil — 10 grams, lavender hydrosol — 50 milliliters, dry extract of textile banana — 3 grams, cetearyl alcohol — 7 grams, vegetable conditioning agent (BTMS) — 6 grams, glycerin — 5 milliliters, distilled water — up to 100 grams. Heat the aqueous and oil phases separately to 70 °C, then combine with constant stirring, add extract and glycerin, stir until homogeneous, cool to 35 °C and package in sterile containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Conditioner): store in a tightly closed container made of opaque plastic or dark glass at a temperature from 5 to 15 °C. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Shampoo — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Indications (Shampoo): seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, dry hair, brittle hair, scalp itching, chronic inflammatory scalp diseases.

Standard Dosage (Shampoo): apply to wet hair, massage the scalp for 2–3 minutes, rinse with warm water; 2–3 times a week.

Enhanced Dosage (Shampoo): for pronounced manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis — apply shampoo 4–5 times a week, leaving the lather on the scalp for 5 minutes.

Maximum Dosage (Shampoo): daily use for 2 weeks for intensive therapy of seborrheic dermatitis or chronic scalp itching.

Preventive Dosage (Shampoo): 1–2 times a week in courses of 1 month every 3 months for the prevention of dryness and brittleness of hair.

Pediatric Dosage (Shampoo): allowed for children over 6 years old; once a week in standard dosage.

Contraindications (Shampoo): individual intolerance; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not available.

Side Effects (Shampoo): overdose — dry scalp, irritation, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required for external application.

Preparation Method (Shampoo): To prepare 100 grams of shampoo: chamomile hydrosol — 40 milliliters, distilled water — 40 milliliters, dry extract of textile banana — 2 grams, gentle surfactant based on coconut oil (coco-glucoside) — 12 grams, glycerin — 4 milliliters, xanthan gum — 0.5 grams, lavender essential oil — 0.5 milliliters, vitamin E — 0.5 milliliters. Mix the aqueous phase with the surfactant at a temperature of 35–40 °C, add dry extract, glycerin and gum, stir to a gel-like consistency, add essential oil and vitamin E, pour into sterile bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Shampoo): store in a tightly closed container made of opaque plastic at a temperature from 5 to 15 °C. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Studies conducted using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA) showed that both ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Musa textilis leaves have an LC₅₀ (concentration causing death of 50% of nauplii) above 1000 ppm, allowing them to be considered non-toxic EWG+10StuartXchange+10ResearchGate+10

No data on LD₅₀ (lethal dose for 50% of animals in in vivo studies) were found in the available literature.

Additionally, analysis of toxicity data confirms a low level of toxicity, also in the context of skin safety assessment in cosmetic applications (EWG Skin Deep), where Abacá Leaf Fibers (Musa textilis) are classified with low risks in terms of carcinogenicity, allergies, reproductive toxicity, and immune toxicity EWG

These results indicate high biosafety of Musa textilis extracts for external and cosmetic use.

Reference: Balangiao M. V. O., & Walag A. M. P. «Phytochemical Content and Toxicological Potentials of Musa textilis ... Leaf Extracts...» UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 2022.

Pharmacodynamics of Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Musa textilis extracts contain various biochemically active components, including flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, phenols, and terpenoids sciencedirect.com+13MB International Media+13ResearchGate+13. These substances exhibit pronounced antioxidant properties, as evidenced by the results of DPPH and FRAP tests on pseudostem extracts: significant free radical scavenging and ferric reducing capacity ajbls.com.

Thus, the key pharmacodynamic effects are antioxidant and antimicrobial action (for extracts obtained with organic solvents). The antioxidant effect contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, potentially modulating the function of the immune and skin systems by reducing pro-oxidant load and stabilizing membranes. Topical application of extracts may also have restorative and regenerative effects on the epidermis and mucous membranes, stimulating tissue regeneration processes.

It is assumed that the target systems include antioxidant enzymes, oxygen free radicals, as well as cell membranes and inflammatory mediators involved in skin and immune regulation. The actions can be both local (when applied to the skin or mucous membranes) and systemic (with oral consumption of extracts).

In summary, the pharmacological properties of Musa textilis extracts include:

• antioxidant;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antimicrobial (spectrum depends on the type of extract and solvent).

These effects are supported by experimental data using standard analytical methods and reflect the potential of the plant's active components for pharmacological effects on the immune, skin, and gastroenterological systems.

Additional in-vivo studies aimed at identifying precise targets (enzymes, receptors, mediators) and levels of impact are currently lacking.

References: Balangiao M. V. O. & Walag A. M. P. — data on flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoid-terpenoid composition sciencedirect.com+12MB International Media+12ResearchGate+12 Rodero J. C. F. et al. — antioxidant properties (DPPH, FRAP) of pseudostem extracts ajbls.com

Pharmacokinetics of Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

No reliable data on the pharmacokinetics of individual components of Musa textilis have been found in the scientific literature to date. Therefore, one can refer to the general characteristics of the classes of active substances and their routes of administration.

With oral administration of forms such as powders and dry extracts, active components (flavonoids, phenols, triterpenoids, steroids) likely undergo partial hydrolysis and are absorbed in the small intestine, with the involvement of microflora, which can modify phenolic conjugates. Further metabolism in the liver (cytochrome P450 enzymes, glucuronidation, sulfation) is possible, with excretion via the urinary system (urine) and liver (bile).

With transdermal or topical application (creams, serums, masks), components may penetrate into the epidermis and dermis, exerting local effects without significant systemic absorption. Metabolism in the skin may include local detox enzymes (esterases, oxidoreductases), and excretion — through superficial desquamation or through microcirculation.

With inhalation or mucosal application (e.g., mouthwashes), rapid local action and partial systemic absorption through mucosal capillaries are possible, followed by metabolism in the liver and elimination through the kidneys.

For antioxidant and polyphenolic compounds, accumulation primarily in plasma and tissues of the liver and kidneys is typical, with a short half-life and rapid excretion of metabolites. The gut microbiome plays an important role in the metabolism of phenols, forming active metabolites.

Thus, although precise kinetic parameters (bioavailability, T½, etc.) are unknown, the general profile suggests:

• no significant accumulation with oral use;
• local action with topical application;
• metabolism via liver and kidneys;
• excretion via urine and bile.

References are absent for specific data on Musa textilis; the description is based on the generalized pharmacokinetic properties of compound classes.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in extracts of plants of the genus Musa have the ability to inhibit the activity of the acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase enzyme systems, indicating potential modulation of neurotransmitter and carbohydrate signaling cascades. The ethyl acetate fractional extract of Musa acuminata leaves, a related taxon, showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (including strong activity in DPPH and FRAP tests), as well as significant inhibitory activity towards acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase PubMed.

Flavonoids, including quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin), act by inhibiting receptor tyrosine kinases and associated intracellular signaling cascades (e.g., NF-κB, MAPK), exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects at the cellular level. These components can modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppress the activation of endothelial and immune cells PMCFrontiers.

Antioxidant action, characteristic of polyphenols and carotenoids, is observed through direct free radical scavenging, as well as through protection of skin and mucous membrane cell membranes. This can enhance regenerative processes at the epidermal level, increasing cell resistance to oxidative stress Наука США+14ResearchGate+14sciencedirect.com+14.

Thus, for Musa textilis, the following key mechanisms of action can be hypothetically identified:
— inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase (neuromodulation, carbohydrate pathways);
— suppression of NF-κB and MAPK cascades (anti-inflammatory action);
— antioxidant suppression of free radical processes (membrane protection, cellular stabilization);
— modulation of immune and skin cellular targets (endothelium, macrophages, epithelium).

These mechanisms are confirmed by belonging to the classes: flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids.

References: PubMed/PMC — data on Musa acuminata (inhibition of AChE, α-glucosidase, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect) ijprajournal.com+12PubMed+12ResearchGate+12 Frontiers in Pharmacology — mechanisms of flavonoid action (inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases, NF-κB, MAPK signaling cascades) Frontiers ResearchGate — antioxidant activity of polyphenols and carotenoids of the genus Musa ijprajournal.com+7ResearchGate+7ResearchGate+7

Synergy of Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Direct data on the synergy of Musa textilis with other plants or substances are absent in the available pharmacological literature. However, one can refer to the general principles of interaction of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. It is known that flavonoids can enhance antioxidant action in combination with other natural antioxidants, for example, vitamins C and E, through additive or potentiating suppression of free radical cascades. This is possible with joint action on a single signaling target, such as the NF-κB cascade, or synergistic modulation of enzyme systems (e.g., joint inhibition of COX enzymes) ResearchGateFrontiers.

hus, the potential synergy of Musa textilis may manifest when combined with other polyphenols (from citrus fruits, berries) in enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systemic- and tissue-specific effects. From the perspective of cellular mechanisms, this may be expressed as additive suppression of NF-κB or enhanced stabilization of cell membranes of immune and epithelial cells.

Such formulations are based on the generalized pharmacodynamic principles of flavonoids and polyphenols, confirmed in scientific publications.

References: ResearchGate (antioxidant activity of Musa with mention of polyphenols, vitamins, and other antioxidants) ResearchGate Frontiers in Pharmacology (mechanisms of flavonoid action and interaction with other natural products) ijprajournal.com+5Frontiers+5PMC+5

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Musa textilis (Manila Hemp / Abacá)

Textile Banana (Musa textilis), also known as abacá, is traditionally cultivated and used in the Philippines, Indonesia, southern Malaysia, some areas of Papua New Guinea, and island regions of the Pacific Ocean. The strongest historical connection of the plant with folk medicine and craft traditions is recorded among the Filipino peoples of Tagalogs, Visayans, and Bicolanos, where abacá is valued not only as a source of strong fiber but also as a plant possessing health-promoting properties.

In traditional practices, leaves and pseudostems were used to prepare decoctions and infusions applied externally as wraps and compresses. Fibers were sometimes applied directly to the skin as protective bandages. Juice squeezed from fresh parts of the plant was applied to the skin surface in some regions as part of ritual cleansing procedures.

In the ethnocultural context, Musa textilis is mentioned in Filipino rural rites as a symbol of resilience and durability. In some areas of Mindanao and the Visayan Islands, abacá fibers were used in the manufacture of ritual objects and woven amulets, considered protective talismans for the home. Historical mentions of abacá cultivation date back to the period of Spanish colonization of the Philippines (16th–17th centuries), when the plant was described in chronicles as a valuable economic crop with multifunctional applications.

In addition to medical and economic significance, in some areas the plant was associated with symbolism of protection and purification. In some communities, it was used in smoke rituals, believing that the smoke of burning dry leaves helps cleanse space of "bad energy." Similar practices are described in other regions of Southeast Asia, where abacá was used for both medicinal and cultural-ritual purposes.