Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential: Ethanol Extract from Musa paradisiaca L. Var Sapientum Peel in the Modulation of CFA-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis and Immunomodulatory Responses

Immunomodulatory agents help maintain a balanced immune system by suppressing excessive immune response or by stimulating the immune system. This study aims to determine the antirheumatoid arthritis and immunomodulatory activities of ethanol extract of Musa paradisiaca L. Var Sapientum peel. Wistar rats were divided into five groups, and induced with rheumatoid arthritis by the intraplantar administration of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA). On day 17 following CFA-induction, the rats were treated as follows; Group 1 (Negative control): sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (1%), Group II (Positive control): diclofenac sodium, Groups III, IV, and V: banana peel extract at doses of 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were administered orally once daily for 14 days. Paw volume was measured on day 1, 17, and 31. Percentage reduction in paw edema and arthritis index was also measured. Immunomodulatory test was done using delayed-type hypersensitivity which was induced by intraperitoneally and intraplantar administration of 10% sheep red blood cells (SRBC) on 3rd and 7th day. Banana peel extract (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg) was administered orally for 7 days. Paw volume was measured at 4 h (T4), 24 h (T24), and 48 h (T48). Results show that banana peel extract had antirheumatoid arthritis effect. The 100 mg/kg dose was the most effective, with 37.93% reduction in paw edema and an arthritis index of 0.83. In addition, the extract showed activity as immunomodulator at all doses. Therefore, banana peel extract has potential for use as anti-rheumatoid arthritis and immunomodulatory agent.