BANANA MUSA SAPIENTUM PEEL EXTRACT AS A POTENTIAL AGENT THAT ATTENUATE LEAD AND CADMIUM CO-INDUCED TOXICITY IN RATTUS NORVEGICUS

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the potential of Musa sapientum (banana) peel extract as a mitigating agent against the combined toxicity of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in Wistar rats. Lead and cadmium are pervasive environmental pollutants known to induce a range of adverse health effects. The antioxidantrich properties of Musa sapientum peel extract have shown promise in ameliorating oxidative stress and cellular damage. The Musa sapientum fruits were separated from the pulp and air dried for a period of three weeks until they become brittle. The brittle peels were dried in the incubator at 40-45°C for about two hours then pulverized. Twenty-five (25) healthy adult male albino rats with weight ranging from 100g-200g were divided into Five (5) groups of five (5) animals each. The first group was given distilled water. The second group was administered lead acetate (5 mg/kg) and cadmium chloride (10 mg/kg) mixture. The Third group was given lead acetate (5 mg/kg) and cadmium chloride (10mg/kg) mixture and zinc sulphate (20mg/kg). Fourth and fifth groups were given 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the extract of Musa sapientum dissolved in tween80 followed concomitantly by lead acetate and cadmium chloride mixture. The analysis carried out included antioxidant analysis (Superoxide dismustase, catalase and Malondialdehyde), heavy metal analysis, lipid profile. The effect of ethanolic extract of Musa sapientum peel on lead in the blood of lead and cadmium induced toxicity in albino rat. Zinc and control significantly reduce the level of lead in blood when compared to lead and cadmium control group (*p<0.05). 100mg/kg, 75mg/kg and control significantly reduce the level of lead in feces when compared to lead and cadmium control group (***p<0.01, *p<0.05). 100mg/kg,75mg/kg,zinc and distilled water significantly reduce the level of cadmium in feces when compared to lead and cadmium control group (***p<0.01, *p<0.05). The effect of ethanolic extract of Musa sapientum peel extract on lead in the heart of lead and cadmium induced toxicity in albino rat, all parameters analyzed were not significant when compared to the control at p<0.05. After careful interpretation of the results gotten, it was observed that Musa sapientum had an effect on lead and cadmium on the heart and as it would be safe to say that Musa sapientum can be used to reduced toxicity of cadmium and lead in heart. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms of action and evaluate the safety and efficacy of avocado peel extract as a potential therapeutic agent for heavy metal-induced cardiotoxicity.