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Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the in vitro susceptibility of known dermatophytes to Musa paradisiaca leaf extract. Methodology: The antifungal activity of the methanol extract, aqueous fraction and cream formulation of Musa paradisiaca leaf was established by agar well diffusion method while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by broth microdilution and broth macrodilution methods respectively. Results: Results obtained show that all the test organisms had varying degrees of susceptibility which is comparable to that of a standard drug, ketoconazole. Microsporum audounii exhibited the lowest MIC of 25 mg/mL for the aqueous fraction and 50 mg/mL for the cream formulation. The MFC/MIC ratio determined indicates the fungicidal potential of the plant. Conclusion: The in vitro susceptibility of M. paradisiaca leaf extract to known dermatophytes is an indication of the possible use of the leaf as a potential for the treatment of skin infections due to the tested organisms.

The ethanol extract of the stem bark of Blighia sapida was studied for its toxic effects on certain hematological and biochemical indices of the swiss albino mice. Three different concentrations of the extract were administered to different groups of the mice through their drinking water for 14 days in the sub-acute test and 28 days in the case of the chronic test. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the plant contains bioactive compounds such as saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, resins, alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. The LD50 of the extract was determined to be 500 mg/kg body weight using the Lorke method. Other results obtained showed a significant decrease in some haematological indices such as PCV, HB, RBC, MCV, WBC, lymphocytes and platelet levels as the doses administered increased from low to high. There was also, a significant decrease in the levels of certain biochemical indices such as total protein, albumin, globulin, urea and AST, while the levels of ALT and ALP were significantly increased. The ethanol extract of the stem bark of Blighia sapida showed a slight toxicity to the swiss albino mice. It also showed ability to precipitate some level of anaemia and hepatic damage. Result obtained also confirms that the extract has anticoagulant properties. The safety implications of these effects are highlighted.

The knowledge of the safety of a medicinal plant is important before it can be administered as a pharmacological agent in either animal or man. Thus, the effect of the aqueous fraction of the methanol extract of the leaf of Musa paradisiacal L. on the haematological and biochemical indices of experimental Swiss albino mice was studied. The dose of the extract that killed 50% of the animal population (LD50) was determined using the Miller and Tinter method while the effect of the extract on the biochemical and haematological indices of wistar rats was determined after 21 days of administration of three different doses of the extract namely low, medium and high doses which are 10, 20 and 30% of the obtained LD50. Results obtained showed an LD50 of 5754.40±694.25 mg/kg of body weight indicating that the leaf of Musa paradisiaca is nontoxic. Results further showed that the extract had no significant (p<0.05) effect on the total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, AST and ALP levels while creatinine and ALT levels were slightly decreased. Likewise, haematological parameters such as RBC, HB, PCV, RBC differentials and platelet counts were not significantly (p<0.05) affected while WBC level was slightly reduced. The body weights of the experimental animals taken on the first day of the test, ten days after and on the last day of the test showed that the changes in the body weight of the animals were directly proportional to the number of treatment days. It is concluded that the leaf of Musa paradisiaca has no toxic effect on the haematological and biochemical parameters of the test animals hence it can be safe for use as a pharmacological agent.