Azeez Raji Sheidu
1, 2* 
, Bilkisu Bello Maiha
2, Mohammmed Garba Magaji
2, Abubakar Ahmed
3, Tijani Rabiu Giaze
4, Abdullahi Balarabe Nazifi
5, Saratu Bashiru Aminu
11 Department of Nursing Sciences, Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria
2 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
3 Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
4 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
5 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
Abstract
Introduction: Hypertrophic scars, a frequent outcome of abnormal wound healing, can lead to significant disfigurement and functional challenges, with no universally accepted treatment currently available. Research indicates that Musa cavendishii peel extract may play a role in controlling hypertrophic scar formation, though its mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the effects of different extracts from M. cavendishii peel on hydroxyproline and histamine deposition in a rabbit model of hypertrophic scars. Methods: The study employed a randomized design, including negative and positive controls (triamcinolone acetonide, 40 mg/kg) and three dose levels (375, 750, and 1500 mg/kg) of hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous extracts, with three rabbits per group. Dermal excisions were created on the ventral surface of the rabbits’ ears using an X-ray film template to allow consistent application of the treatments. Preventive and curative effects were assessed through hydroxyproline and histamine measurements using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: In the preventive study, the aqueous extract at 1500 mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) reduced hydroxyproline levels compared to the control groups, while the other extracts showed no significant impact. In the curative study, all extracts, except the hexane extract at lower doses (375 and 750 mg/kg), significantly (p<0.001) reduced hydroxyproline levels. Moreover, histamine concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by all extracts at doses of 750 and 1500 mg/kg in both preventive and curative settings, with the highest dose showing superior effects compared to the standard treatment. Conclusion: These results suggest that M. cavendishii peel extracts could offer potential benefits in managing hypertrophic scars, though further studies are required to confirm their efficacy and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Keywords: Collagen, Musa cavendishii, Histamine, Hypertrophic scar, Hydroxyproline