In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Musa Paradisiaca L. (Plantain) Pseudo-Stem

Abstract

nflammation is a protective biological response to tissue injury and infection; however, its dysregulation contributes to chronic diseases such as asthma, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, and cancer. The adverse effects associated with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) necessitate the search for safer alternatives from natural sources. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca pseudo-stem using in vitro and in vivo models. The pseudo-stem was air-dried, pulverized, and macerated in 95% ethanol for 72 h, followed by concentration under reduced pressure at 40 °C to obtain the crude extract. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the protein denaturation inhibition assay, while in vivo activity was evaluated using egg-albumin and carrageenan-induced paw edema models in Wistar rats. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test at p < 0.05. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation, with percentage inhibitions of 47.6%, 52.3%, 55.8%, and 60.1% at 100, 200, 300, and 400 μg/mL, respectively, compared to aspirin (49.2%, 53.1%, 58.7%, and 63.9%). The IC₅₀ values were 154 μg/mL for the extract and 116 μg/mL for aspirin. In the egg-albumin-induced model, the extract produced dose-dependent inhibition of paw edema, with a peak inhibition of 39.76% at 400 mg/kg, compared to 43.75% for diclofenac (50 mg/kg). In the carrageenan-induced model, the extract showed significant inhibition ranging from 23.00% to 42.37%, demonstrating activity in both early and late phases of inflammation. These findings indicate that the ethanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca pseudo-stem possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity, likely mediated through inhibition of protein denaturation and suppression of inflammatory mediators. The results provide scientific support for its traditional use and highlight its potential as a source of safer, plant-based anti-inflammatory agen