Evaluation of Anthelmintic and Thrombolytic Activity of Leaves of Musa acuminata

Abstract

Musa acuminata (Banana) is a large, fast-growing, suckering evergreen perennial boasting huge, paddle-shaped leaves. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic and thrombolytic activity of the methanolic extract of Musa acuminata and to perform a preliminary phytochemical screening. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, steroids, phenols, carbohydrates, gums, and reducing sugars, while saponins and flavonoids were absent. The thrombolytic activity of the extract was compared with a standard (Streptokinase) and control (water), with Musa acuminata showing 77.63% clot lysis, compared to 75.38% for the standard. The anthelmintic activity of the extract was evaluated at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mg/mL) using Pheretima posthuma. The extract demonstrated significant anthelmintic activity, with paralysis and death times decreasing as the concentration increased. At 20 mg/mL, the extract induced paralysis within 13 minutes and caused death in 47 minutes, comparable to the standard drug Albendazole (paralysis: 16 minutes 48 seconds, death: 44 minutes). These findings suggest that Musa acuminata methanolic extract has potential anthelmintic and thrombolytic properties, supported by its diverse phytochemical composition. Further studies are needed to isolate the active compounds responsible for these activities