Phytochemical Screening and Effect of <em>Musa paradisiacal</em> Stem Extrude on Rat Haematological Parameters

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical composition and effect of various concentrations of <em>Musa paradisiacal</em> stem extrude on haematological parameters in Albino Wistar rats. Twenty rats (62-121 g) were randomly assigned into 5 groups of 4 rats each. Group 1 the control group, were given ordinary water while the test groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were given 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the aqueous extract, respectively without water for 28 days. Rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture then used for the haematological studies. Phytochemical tests were carried out using standard laboratory techniques. The results of the study show the presence of tannins and glycosides in abundance in the stem extrude while saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols and reducing sugars were present in moderate amounts but phlobatannins was absent. There was a significant (p>0.05) increase in rat RBC, PCV, Hb and WBC counts at concentrations of 75 and 100% when compared with the control and a significant (p>0.05) decrease in MCH and MCHC. The levels of MCV were not significantly altered at all extract concentrations. It can therefore be concluded that <em>Musa paradisiacal</em> stem extrude has a haematopoietic and immunomodulatory effect consistent with its ethnomedicinal use.