Abstract:
Studies have demonstrated the potential of the fruit pulp of Musa paradisiaca in nutrition and in
the treatment of various ailments. However, there is a dearth of information on the efficacy of the
peels which are often discarded as waste. In the search for useful products from organic wastes,
the present study evaluated the phytochemical composition of the unripe peels of Musa
paradisiaca and investigated the effects of its methanol extract on some
haematological/biochemical indices in male albino wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of the
unripe peels was carried out using standard methods. Twenty (20) male albino wistar rats were
randomly assigned into 4 groups of 5 rats per group. Treatment involved the administration of
44.72 mg/kg, 89.44 mg/kg and 134.16 mg/kg body weight respectively of methanol extract of the
unripe peels for 14 days. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and used for
hematological and biochemical studies. Phytochemical screening of the unripe peel extract
indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins and cardiac glycosides. Administration of the extract
caused a dose dependent decrease in white blood count, hemoglobin concentration, mean cell
volume and mean cell hemoglobin levels. Platelets were high compared to control. Total
cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein fractions were
increased while the high density lipoprotein decreased. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline exhibited a dose dependent increase across the treatment groups.
These findings suggest that the unripe peels of M. paradisiaca are toxic, with pro-inflammatory
potentials and can induce anemia. |
