Evaluation of Proliferative Potential of Musa Paradisiaca Stem Juice on the Pancreatic Cells of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Musa paradisiaca commonly called plantain is a major part of human diet especially in West Africa. It is used as the main source of energy food for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of Musa paradisiaca stem juice to boost pancreatic cell proliferation in Wistar rats. Twenty-four adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six animals each. The first group (control) was administered normal saline, while groups 2 -4 were administered 10, 20, and 30 mL/kg orally of plantain stem juice, respectively once daily for 21 days. The effect of plantain stem juice on body weight and haematological indices were evaluated. The cell proliferative and/or cytotoxic potential of the juice was assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. The effect on interleukin-4 was also evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Administration of plantain juice resulted in a significant increase in the body weight of the rats. There was no significant effect on the haematological parameters except for an increase in white blood cell count. Plantain stem juice tends to increase pancreatic cell proliferation and improves the histomorphology of the pancreas after 21 days of administration. Therefore, Musa paradisiaca stem juice may serve as a protective agent against pancreatic cell damage or dysfunction.