Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Musa acuminata Corm (Rhizome) for its Anti-diabetic Potential in Streptozotocin (STZ) Induced Diabetic Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model

Background Information: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is spiking substantially in both emerging and developed countries and the use of a nutritional approach to diabetes control has recently attracted a lot of attention. The banana (Musa spp.) is ubiquitously favourite in the tropical areas of the world. The wild plant species Musa acuminata, also referred to as the Cavendish banana, is found in tropical and subtropical climates. The health advantages of M. acuminata have drawn a lot of attention in recent years. Every component of the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat numerous diseases. While the anti-diabetic potential of various parts of Musa acuminata has been reported, the corm has not been extensively studied. Objectives: Considering the lack of data on the anti-diabetic potential of M. acuminata corm, we proposed to evaluate the same using a zebra fish model. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in zebrafish by intraperitoneal administration of Streptozotocin (STZ). The fishes were maintained in 2% sucrose solution for 48 hr for induction of diabetes after which they were transferred to the respective treatment tanks containing the corm extract at 10, 20 or 30 µg/mL; on Day 8, they were all euthanized and used for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: Musa acuminata Corm Extract (MACE), at 10, 20 and 30 µg/mL caused significant glucose lowering action in diabetic zebra fish model. This is evident from the enzyme analysis. The histopathological analysis also revealed the enhanced growth of villi and increased number of goblet cells in the intestine of MACE treated group. Conclusion: The role of MACE in preventing diabetic complications like hypercholesteremia and hyperlipidaemia supports its claim that it can be used as an adjuvant or as an alternative to other diabetic medications. The precise mode of action of the antidiabetic potential of MACE identified in this study could not be completely deciphered at this point. Additional research is required to narrow down on the active phytoconstituents responsible for this effect and also the mechanism by which it exerts this effect.