Comparative Evaluation of Peeled and Unpeeled Unripe Plantain on Liver Function Indices and Oxidative Stress Markers in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is attracting significant research interest for its medicinal and nutritional properties. However, empirical information on the biochemical effects of a plantain peel-based diet is limited. In the current study, we carried out a comparative evaluation of the biochemical effects of peeled and unpeeled unripe plantain-based diets (UPBD&PPBD) on liver function indices and redox status in Wistar rats. Three groups of six male Wistar rats each were created. Group A was the control diet group, while Group B consisted of a peeled unripe plantain diet group, and Group C consisted of an unpeeled unripe plantain diet group. Proximate analysis of the unripe plantain-based diets showed that the percentage of moisture, ash, carbohydrates (CHO), lipid, crude fiber, and protein were 10.21%, 6.50%, 60.23%, 7.44%, 1.03%, and 14.59%, respectively while UPBD was 12.66%, 4.59%, 59.99%, 7.62%, 4.53% and 11.59%, respectively. The liver function analysis revealed no significant increase in liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels among the groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels did, however, significantly rise in the unpeeled unripe plantain group indicating the presence of lipid peroxidation. While catalase activity increased for the group exposed to PPBD, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activity did not change substantially across the groups. Collectively, the findings suggest that both peeled and unpeeled unripe plantain could serve as functional food or sources of antioxidant nutrients to promote good health.