Acute and sub-chronic toxicological profile of Musa cavendishii (Musaceae) Lamb peel extracts in New Zealand rabbit

Musa cavendishii (banana) peel is a waste product of human daily consumable fruit used traditionally in the management of ulceration and scar. This study evaluates the toxic effects of its peel in New-Zealand rabbits after topical administration. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity study of the peel extracts were carried out in 116 randomly selected rabbits using methods described by Organization of Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) 402 (2017) and 410 (2018), respectively. Changes in body and relative organ weight, hematology, serum liver and renal enzyme were investigated. Vital body organs were also processed for histopathology to observe any alteration from normal architecture. No mortality was observed during the acute toxicity with no changes in body and relative organ weight of the organs tested when compared with the control. After 28 days of topical administration of the extracts, even at the highest dose (1500 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract, the histoarchitexture of the skin’s epidermis and dermis, and other biochemical markers of the rabbits were normal. However, mild adipocyte infiltration, glandular hyperplasia and distortions in the renal parameters were seen in the hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts portions at the highest dose (1500 mg/kg) after 28 days topical administration. The study indicates that M. cavendishii peel is not capable of causing toxic effects in rabbits. However, it’s prolong use at higher doses may result in some harmful effects.