EFFECTS OF PROLONGED ADMINISTRATION OF MUSA-PARADISIACA L (BANANA), AN ANTIULCEROGENIC SUBSTANCE, IN RATS

In Brazil, unripe banana as well as the latex obtained from the top of the inflorescence are popularly used in the treatment of gastroduoden al ulcers, especially in the poorest regions. However, adverse effects In fasted subjects treated with unripe banana have been described. Th us, the antiulcerogenic effects of Brazilian banana samples and possib le toxic effects of prolonged administration of unripe banana in rats were studied. The analysed samples of Musa paradisiaca showed antiulce r effects in all models employed. Moreover, following 5 weeks of oral treatment with unripe powdered banana, small alterations in some haema tologic and biochemical parameters were observed. No significant diffe rences were observed on evaluated physiological parameters. These resu lts provide evidence that treatment with unripe banana is acceptable a nd could be recommended by official health authorities. (C) 1997 by Jo hn Wiley & Sons, Ltd.