Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Effect of Ethanol Extract of the Unripe Fruit Peel of Musa Paradisiaca (Linn) on Alloxan Induced Hyperglyceamic Albino Rats

Diabetes Mellitus is a major public health problem that is associated with persistent high blood levels that can lead to life threatening complications such as retionopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy. The use of orthodox medicine for managing diabetes is often expensive and is associated with toxic effect. Therefore, the need for drugs from natural sources which are more effective, affordable and less toxic. In this study, the anti-hyperglycemic activity of ethanol whole plant extract of Musa paradisiaca was evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The ethanol extract of Musa paradisiaca (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) were administered to three groups each contain five rats each). The other two groups were administered water and Insulin (0.75 IU/Kg). The results showed that the ethanol extract of the peel of Musa paradisiaca has significant hypoglycemic activity which justifies its traditional use. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrate, saponnins, alkaloida, glycosides and flavonoids. The acute toxicity studies revealed that the plant is safe at dose ≥ 5000 mg/kg.