Effect of Acute and Subchromic Administration of Nutmeg Seeds Extracton Mice Behavioure, Histological Structure and Biochemical Functions

Whole or ground nutmeg, the dried seed of the evergreen nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans Houtt), is readily and widely available. It is commonly used as a spice for many and for many other medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigating the effects of acute and subchronic intraperitoneal administration of nutmeg extract on MFI-mice behavioural functions. It also aimed at illustrating the effects on the histological structure and biochemical functions of the heart, the liver and the kidneys in MFI-mice. An aqueous extract of nutmeg seeds was injected intra peritoneally to male- MFl mice as a single dose for the acute toxicity study and daily for 6 weeks for the subchronic toxicity study. Three dose levels equivalent to 20, 40 and 80 mg extract/kg the mice body weight were used. The acute toxicity showed no statistically Significant alteration in any of the behavioural parameters. Regarding the subchronic study, results of the three tested dose levels, indicated absence of any statistically Significant effects on body weight of nutmeg treated mice. Concerning behavioural parameters, results indicated absence of any statistically Significant variation in the locomotor activity measures in the nutmeg-treated mice. However, compared to the control, nutmeg-treated mice showed statistically significant alteration in the biochemical indicators of liver function including reduction of total protein and serum albumin and Significant elevation of sePT and SCOT. Examination of the liver tissue confirmed a potential histopathological effects for nutmeg as evidenced by hydropiC and fatty degeneration in nutmeg treated mice. These hepato toxic effects of nutmeg were corrected structurally to some extent and not functionally by vitamin C administration. Blood urea, an index of the kidney function exhibited statistically Significant elevation in nutmeg treated mice compared to the control. Histologicalnutmeg induced no evident pathological effects on kidney. Myocardial indices notably SCOT and LDH showed significant elevation in the nutmeg treated mice even after treatment with vitamin C. in conclusion, aqueous extract of nutmeg seeds was not deleterious to the mice behaviour at the tested doses. Meanwhile, the extract was toxic to the liver and carriers a potential toxicity to kidneys and cardiac muscle, of MFI-mice a the tested dose levels. Vitamin C corrected the toxic effects of nutmeg extract on the liver functions and structure, however, it failed to improve the indices of myocardial toxicity and failed to restore the blood urea to normal levels. Further investigations are required to evaluate the effects of the different components of the nutmeg essential oil separately and to test other antidotes for nutmeg toxic effects. Clinical study among nutmeg users may be of great value.