Sub-Acute Toxicity of Banana (Musa Paradisiaca L.) Heart Extract on Haematological Parameters in Mice

Banana heart is a rich source of antioxidant compounds with numerous health benefits. The aim of the present study is to determine the sub-acute toxicity of banana heart extract on haematological parameters in vivo. Kepok banana heart extract was obtained by maceration in ethanol (70%). The extract was made into a suspension using 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC). Thirty-six (36) male albino mice were divided into four groups (1 – 4) of nine animals each. Group 1 was used as the control mice and were administered 0.5% Na CMC, while groups 2 – 4 served as the treatment groups, and were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg dose of kepok banana extract suspension, respectively. The extract suspension was administered orally once daily for 21 days. Blood samples were collected on weekly interval at 7, 14 and 21 days of extract administration, and were used for haematological analysis using a hematology analyzer. The parameter investigated were erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, platelet count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and erythrocyte indices which include mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The results showed that kepok banana extract administration did not cause significant variation in the haematological parameters. All the parameters were within normal values. This therefore indicates that kapok banana heart extract is relatively safe on sub-acute administration.