ABSTRACT

The objective of this research was to investigate the anti-hyperglyceamic properties of the aqueous extract green peel of (Banana) musa acuminata 'nakitembe cultivar' in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The extract used was obtaned from the green banana dried and phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity study carried out. Alloxan was used to induce diabetes in experimental albino Rats at a dose of 140mg/kg body weight. After three days, the animals blood sugar levels was tested and those with BS above 7mmol/l were selected for the study. One group was the normal control with normal BS levels. Goup I was normal control treated with nonnal saline, Group II was diabetic control treated with normal saline 2mllkg body weight. Group III and IV recieved extract at a dose of 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight. Group V was treated with standard drug insulin at a dose of 0.03JU/kg body weight. The animals were treated daily and BS was determined every after three days. The project was carried out for 15 days. Blood for testing BS levels was obtained from tail vein. Results ; Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, alkaloids. steroids and terpenoids. The extract showed no signs of toxicity such as salivation, diarrhoea, depression, stimulation, vomiting, and comma and there was no mortality observed up to a dose of 4000mg/kg. Administration of the extract to GROUP III and GROUP IV did not show any significant changes blood sugar levels as compared to that of GROUP V which received the standard :!rug insulin. Conclusion; At the doses investigated, the aqueous extract of the green banana peel did not possess ;ignificant anti-hyperglycemic effect. However it contains phytochemicals which have antioxidant Jropetiies useful in preventing complication brought about by ·glucose toxicity in diabetic patients. The lavonoid content possess significant effect on normalization of serum creatinine level and lowering of -a and relative weight of liver, indicating possible presence of kidney and liver protective propetiy. The ,reen banana peels have an added advantage thus diabetic patients should continue boiling the banana rith the peels.