| Abstract: |
Musa paradisiaca (banana plant) represents a largely underexplored botanical resource in reproductive pharmacology despite traditional ethnobotanical applications across South Asian medicinal systems. This empirical investigation systematically evaluated stem extract phytochemistry, acute toxicity profiles, and reproductive modulatory potential through controlled in vivo experimentation on Wistar albino rats. Phytochemical screening identified alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and saponins at concentrations of 12.4%, 8.7%, 15.3%, and 6.2% respectively. Acute toxicity assessment established LD50 at 2400 mg/kg body weight, permitting safe dosage escalation. Extract administration across three treatment groups (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) demonstrated significant dose-dependent alterations in reproductive hormones testosterone decreased by 23.4% at 1000 mg/kg, while estradiol showed biphasic modulation. Sperm count reduction reached 31.7% compared to controls, accompanied by testicular histoarchitectural changes characterized by germinal epithelium attenuation and interstitial edema. Serum alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase exhibited elevation patterns correlating with extract dosage. Ovarian follicle dynamics revealed follicular atresia in female cohorts with elevated apoptotic markers (caspase-3 activity increased 2.8-fold). These findings establish M. paradisiaca stem extract as a potent reproductive suppressant, suggesting therapeutic applications in fertility regulation while demanding cautionary guidelines for nutritional consumption patterns. |
