Clinical outcomes of Raw Banana Powder Capsules (Musa sapientum L.) and Norfloxacin in the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Diarrheal disease is a major global health concern, contributing to a significant number of illnesses and deaths, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of raw banana powder capsules (Musa sapientum L.) and norfloxacin in the treatment of acute diarrhea. A total of 175 volunteers were selectively recruited and divided into 5 groups, with 35 people in each group. The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, Group 1 received 500 mg of raw banana powder, Group 2 received 1,000 mg of raw banana powder, and Group 3 received 2,000 mg of raw banana powder. The first three groups consumed raw banana powder with oral rehydration solution (ORS) twice daily for 7 days. In the second stage, Group 4 received 1,000 mg of raw banana powder capsules, taking 1 capsule twice daily for 7 days and Group 5 received 400 mg of norfloxacin, taking 1 tablet twice daily for 7 days. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically One-way ANOVA. The study results found that when volunteers consumed raw banana powder in doses of 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg dissolved in 30 ml of boiled water with oral rehydration salt solution (ORS) for 7 days, the average number of stools before consumption was 5.51 ± 0.38, 4.48 ± 0.14, and 4.71 ± 0.22, respectively, indicating a moderate level of severity. After consuming the raw banana powder in different doses, there was a statistically significant decrease in the number of defecations (p < .05). When taking 1,000 mg raw banana capsules, the mean number of defecations was not statistically significant compared to 400 mg norfloxacin. Additionally, the adverse effects of using raw banana powder included flatulence in 17.14% and shortness of breath in 6.66%, with these effects being most common among volunteers who received 2,000 mg of raw banana powder. Therefore, consuming raw banana powder can help reduce the number of loose stools, but it should be taken in appropriate amounts.