ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTY OF COMBINED ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF MANGO LEAF (MANGIFERA INDICA) AND UNRIPE PLANTAIN (MUSA PARADISIACA) IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

ABSTRACT This study investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties of combined ethanolic extracts of Mangifera indica (mango) leaves and Musa paradisiaca (unripe plantain) fruits in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The extracts were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus, combined in a 1:1 ratio, and administered at two concentrations (10% and 20%) over 21 days. In vitro assays demonstrated that the combined extract exhibited significant, dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity, evidenced by inhibition of hypotonicity-induced hemolysis (membrane stabilization) and proteinase activity, though its efficacy was lower than the standard drug diclofenac sodium. In vivo results revealed that treatment with the combined extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced elevated serum bilirubin levels, indicating a hepatoprotective effect against STZ-induced liver damage. Furthermore, the extracts markedly attenuated oxidative stress by significantly lowering hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a key marker of lipid peroxidation, in diabetic rats. These findings suggest that the observed biological activities are mediated through the synergistic action of bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins present in the plants. The study concludes that the combined ethanolic extract of M. indica and M. paradisiaca possesses substantial anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective potential, supporting its ethnomedicinal use in managing complications associated with diabetes.