Abstract

ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF MUSA SAPIENTUM FRUIT SKINS IN GLUCOSE-CHALLENGED MICE

Imam Hossain*, Sharmin Akter*, Jannatul Ferdoes Shoma, Md. Shahadat Hossan, Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

Background. As part of our ongoing anti-diabetic project to identify local plant species and plant parts which can lower blood glucose levels, the objective of the present study was to determine the antihyperglycemic effects of methanol extract of Musa sapientum (banana) fruit skins in glucose-challenged mice. Methods. Antihyperglycemic activity was determined through oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in mice. Results. Administration of methanol extract of Musa sapientum fruit skins (MEMS) at doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg per kg body weight each to glucose-loaded mice reduced blood glucose levels by 21.9, 29.3, 33.0 and 40.7%, respectively compared to control (untreated) mice. By comparison, a standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide, when administered at a dose of 10 mg per kg body weight, reduced blood glucose level by 46.1%. Conclusion. Methanolic extract of fruit skins of Musa sapientum can effectively lower elevated blood glucose levels, which at the highest dose tested was nearly as effective as glibenclamide.

Keywords: Antihyperglycemic, Musa sapientum, glibenclamide, OGTT.