SEARCH · Search PubMed
Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
OBJECTIVE: To directly and accurately identify Myristica fragrans and Myristica sp. METHODS: Fourier transform infrare(FTIR) spectrum method was used. RESULT: There were obvious differences between the FTIR spectrums of above-mentioned plants. CONCLUSION: Myristica fragrans and Myristica sp. were identificated by FTIR directly, fast and accurately.
BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer is mostly produced due to the over production of gastric acid. This study was undertaken to find out the effects of extract from Myristica fragrans which contains documented natural Calcium channel blocker and Verapamil on volume and acidity of Carbacol induced gastric section. Their effects were also compared to find out any difference in their efficacy. METHODS: Thirty rabbits of local breed, weighing 1-1.5 kg were used. The animals were kept on fasting for 48 hours, after which the pylorus of each animal was ligated. Verapamil 10 mg/kg, Myristica fragrans 500 mg/kg and Carbachol 600 microg/kg body weight were administered intraperitoneally. RESULTS: It was found that extract from Myristica fragrans reduced the volume, free and total acidity of gastric secretion, which were statistically highly significant when compared with Carbachol (P<0.001). Verapamil had also the same effects. When the difference of mean for verapamil was compared with that of extract, all these differences were found statistically non significant indicating that extract has similar effect as that of Verapamil on all parameters included in study. CONCLUSION: The effect of Myristica fragrans is similar to Verapamil and therefore it can be used effectively in the treatment of peptic ulcer and all other conditions that require calcium channel blockers for the treatment of these disorders.
The effect of different processing conditions on contents of myrisiticin, volatile oil and fatty lipid in Semen Myristicae was studied by orthogonal design. The result shows that these processing conditions could not influence the contents of myrisiticin, volatile oil and fatty lipid in the processed products of Semen Myristicae, suggesting that processing does not necessarily lower toxicity.
The ethanolic extract of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) was studied in albino rabbits for its effects on experimentally induced hyperlipidaemia. After inducing hyperlipidaemia in 12 rabbits a dose of 500 mg/kg of the extract was administered orally daily for a period of 60 days in 6 rabbits (experimental group); the rest of the rabbits were observed as controls. When compared with the control of rabbits the levels of lipoprotein lipids were significantly lower in the experimental group after 60 days; total cholesterol 573 +/- 61 vs. 209 +/- 27 mg/dl, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 493 +/- 57 vs. 131 +/- 25 mg/dl, and triglycerides 108 +/- 14 vs. 67 +/- 9 mg/dl P < 0.001). High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were not significantly different (59 +/- 7 vs. 65 +/- 4 mg/dl, P = n.s.). Total cholesterol:HDL ratio and LDL:HDL ratio were significantly lower in the experimental group. The Myristica fragrans extract showed platelet anti-aggregatory ability. There were significantly lower levels of total cholesterol in heart (3.7 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.5 mg/100 g) and liver (11.9 +/- 1 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.4 mg/100 g). The toxicity studies showed absence of any adverse effects on various haematological and biochemical parameters.
OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Myristica yunnanensis. METHOD: Compounds were isolated using silica gel and reversed-phase C18 column chromatography, their structure were identified by means of spectral method. RESULT: Five known compounds were identified as otobain(I), beta-sitosterol(II), ergosterol(III), afzelin(IV) and quercetrin(V). CONCLUSION: Compounds IV and V were isolated first from Myristica.
This paper reports the determination of myristicin and safrol in the volatile oil of Semen Myristicae and its processed products by TLC-Scanning. The results showed that in the processed products myristicin decreased markedly and safrol decreased slightly. The quantity of myristicin roasted with paste less than with wheat bran less than with talcum powder less than the unprocessed one. The toxicity of Semen Myristicae is related to the quantities of myristicin.
Myristica seed extr. administration to hypercholesterolemic rabbits reduced serum cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol by 69.1% and 76.3% respectively and also lowered cholesterol/phospholipid ratio by 31.2% and elevated the decreased HDL-ratio significantly. Myristica seed extr. feeding also prevented the accumulation of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in liver, heart and aorta and dissolved atheromatous plaques of aorta by 70.9-76.5%. Fecal excretion of cholesterol and phospholipid were significantly increased in seed extract fed rabbits.
Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been proposed as one of the drug targets for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Bioassay-guided fractionation of a MeOH extract of the semen of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) afforded PTP1B inhibitory compounds, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (1) and otobaphenol (2). Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited PTP1B with IC(50) values of 19.6 +/- 0.3 and 48.9 +/- 0.5 microM, respectively, in the manner of non-competitive inhibitors. Treatment with compound 1 on 32D cells overexpressing the insulin receptor (IR) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of IR. These results indicate that compound 1 can act as an enhancing agent in intracellular insulin signaling, possibly through the inhibition of PTP1B activity.
The occurrence of dental caries is mainly associated with oral pathogens, especially cariogenic Streptococcus mutans. Preliminary antibacterial screening revealed that the extract of Myristica fragrans, widely cultivated for the spice and flavor of foods, possessed strong inhibitory activity against S. mutans. The anticariogenic compound was successfully isolated from the methanol extract of M. fragrans by repeated silica gel chromatography, and its structure was identified as macelignan by instrumental analysis using 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR and EI-MS. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of macelignan against S. mutans was 3.9 microg/ml, which was much lower than those of other natural anticariogenic agents such as 15.6 microg/ml of sanguinarine, 250 microg/ml of eucalyptol, 500 microg/ml of menthol and thymol, and 1000 microg/ml of methyl salicylate. Macelignan also possessed preferential activity against other oral microorganisms such as Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei in the MIC range of 2-31.3 microg/ml. In particular, the bactericidal test showed that macelignan, at a concentration of 20 microg/ml, completely inactivated S. mutans in 1 min. The specific activity and fast-effectiveness of macelignan against oral bacteria strongly suggest that it could be employed as a natural antibacterial agent in functional foods or oral care products.
In the present study, the n-hexane extract of Myristica fragrans (MF) seeds, acetone-insoluble part of the n-hexane extract (AIMF) and trimyristin (TM) were assessed for their anxiogenic activity. The MF (10 and 30 mg/kg), AIMF (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), and TM (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally exhibited anxiogenic activity in elevated plus-maze (EPM) paradigm. The open-field test and hole-board test were also used to assess anxiogenic activity of AIMF and TM. In the EPM test, MF, AIMF, and TM decreased the time spent by mice in the open arm and the entries in the open arm. Further, the effect of diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.), serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron (1 mg/kg i.p.), and 5-HT1A receptor agonist, buspirone (1 mg/kg i.p.), on the occupancy in open arm and entries in open arm was significantly reduced by TM. In the open-field test, AIMF as well as TM reduced the number of rearing and locomotion. Both TM and AIMF reduced the number of head pock in the hole-board test. Inhibition of anxiolytic activity of ondansetron (5-HT3 receptor antagonist), buspirone (5-HT1A receptor agonist), and diazepam [acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor] suggests a nonspecific anxiogenic activity of TM and also a link between 5-HT and GABA systems in the anxiogenic activity of TM.
The effect of gamma-irradiation on the lipid constituents of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) was examined at radiation doses between 2.5 and 10 kGy. The fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerol, the major lipid component, was found to be made up of myristic (90%), palmitic (6%), lauric (3%), petroselinic (0.13%), and stearic acids (0.5%) as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A dose-dependent decrease in the triacylglycerol content and a concomitant increase in free fatty acids characterized the lipid profile of the irradiated spice. This suggested a breakdown of acylglycerols during radiation processing, resulting in the release of free fatty acids. These changes were found to be significant at doses above 5 kGy. The impact of the above changes on the flavor of the spice is discussed. These studies suggest that radiation processing of nutmeg should be limited to a dose of 5 kGy.
Memory is one of the most complex functions of the brain and involves multiple neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Myristica fragrans (MF) seeds on learning and memory in mice. The n-hexane extract of MF was administered orally in three doses (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg p.o.) for 3 successive days to different groups of young and aged mice. The learning and memory parameters were assessed using elevated plus-maze and passive-avoidance apparatus. The effect of MF extract on scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg i.p.)- and diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.)-induced impairment in learning and memory was also studied. MF extract at the lowest dose of 5 mg/kg p.o. administered for 3 successive days significantly improved learning and memory of young and aged mice. This extract also reversed scopolamine- and diazepam-induced impairment in learning and memory of young mice. MF extract enhanced learning and retention capacities of both young and aged mice. The exact mechanism of the memory-improving effect of MF extract was not explored in the present study. But, the observed memory-enhancing effect may be attributed to a variety of properties (individually or in combination) the plant is reported to possess, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or perhaps procholinergic activity.
The central cholinergic pathways play a prominent role in the learning and memory processes. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that inactivates acetylcholine. The present study was undertaken to estimate the acetylcholinesterase- inhibiting activity of extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Myristica fragrans seeds, and ascorbic acid and compare these values with a standard acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting drug, metrifonate. Aqueous extract of G. glabra (150 mg/kg p.o. for 7 successive days), n-hexane extract of M. fragrans seeds (5 mg/kg p.o. for 3 successive days), ascorbic acid (60 mg/kg i.p. for 3 successive days), and metrifonate (50 mg/kg i.p.) were administered to young male Swiss albino mice. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme was estimated in brains of mice. G. glabra, M. fragrans, ascorbic acid, and metrifonate significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase activity as compared with their respective vehicle-treated control groups.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is used in food preparations for its aromatic flavor. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial activity of constituents of M. fragrans seeds. Seeds of M. fragrans were powdered and extracted with chloroform to obtain trimyristin, which on saponification yielded myristic acid. The mother liquor remaining after separation of trimyristin was concentrated and column-chromatographed with petroleum ether to separate myristicin. Antibacterial activity of these isolated constituents was evaluated by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. All the constituents isolated from nutmeg exhibited good antibacterial activity. This study shows the potential of natural compounds in replacement of synthetic preservatives.
The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of an n-hexane extract of Myristica fragrans seeds on depression in mice by using the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). M. fragrans extract (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was administered orally for 3 successive days to different groups of Swiss male young albino mice. M. fragrans extract significantly decreased immobility periods of mice in both the FST and the TST. The 10 mg/kg dose was found to be most potent, as indicated by the greatest decrease in the immobility period compared with the control. Furthermore, this dose of the extract was found to have comparable potency to imipramine (15 mg/kg i.p.) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg i.p.). The extract did not have a significant effect on locomotor activity of mice. Prazosin (62.5 microg/kg i.p.; an alpha (1)-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (50 mg/kg i.p.; a selective D(2) receptor antagonist), and p-chlorophenylalanine (100 mg/kg i.p.; an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis) significantly attenuated the M. fragrans extract-induced antidepressant-like effect in the TST. Thus, extract of M. fragrans elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice, when assessed in both the TST and the FST. The antidepressant-like effect of the extract seems to be mediated by interaction with the adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems.
BACKGROUND: Spices are considered as sexual invigorators in the Unani System of Medicine. In order to explore the sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) and Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry. (clove) an experimental study was conducted in normal male mice. METHODS: The extracts (50% ethanolic) of nutmeg and clove were administered (500 mg/kg; p.o.) to different groups of male Swiss mice. Mounting behaviour, mating performance, and general short term toxicity of the test drugs were determined and compared with the standard drug Penegra (Sildenafil citrate). RESULTS: The extracts of the nutmeg and clove were found to stimulate the mounting behaviour of male mice, and also to significantly increase their mating performance. The drugs were devoid of any conspicuous general short term toxicity. CONCLUSION: The extracts (50% ethanolic) of nutmeg and clove enhanced the sexual behaviour of male mice.
BACKGROUND: Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) has been mentioned in Unani medicine to be of value in the management of male sexual disorders. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the aphrodisiac effect of 50% ethanolic extract of nutmeg along with its likely adverse effects and acute toxicity using various animal models. METHODS: The suspension of the extract was administered (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) to different groups of male rats daily for seven days. The female rats involved in mating were made receptive by hormonal treatment. The general mating behaviour, libido and potency were studied and compared with the standard reference drug sildenafil citrate. Likely adverse effects and acute toxicity of the extract were also evaluated. RESULTS: Oral administration of the extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg, produced significant augmentation of sexual activity in male rats. It significantly increased the Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency, Intromission Latency and caused significant reduction in the Mounting Latency and Post Ejaculatory Interval. It also significantly increased Mounting Frequency with penile anaesthetization as well as Erections, Quick Flips, Long Flips and the aggregate of penile reflexes with penile stimulation. The extract was also observed to be devoid of any adverse effects and acute toxicity. CONCLUSION: The resultant significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats without any conspicuous adverse effects indicates that the 50% ethanolic extract of nutmeg possesses aphrodisiac activity, increasing both libido and potency, which might be attributed to its nervous stimulating property. The present study thus provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of nutmeg in the management of male sexual disorders.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the constituents of the essential oils extracted from nine samples of commercial seeds of Myristica fragrans Houtt respectively and to provide qualities control foundations. METHOD: Water steam distillation and GC-MS were used. RESULT: 95-118 compounds were separated respectively. 79 Compounds being identified which were 95.18%-98.70% of the total essential oil. CONCLUSION: Myristicin (39.63%) and terpene series were the main compounds.