Toxicological and Biochemical Studies of Myristica fragrans Hydroalcoholic Extracts in Albino Rats

Aims: Myristica fragrans is one of the plants used as a herbal medicine. This plant includes some components that can treat many diseases. This study was done to evaluate the M. fragrans hydroalcoholic effects on some hematological parameters, thyroid hormones, some liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine.

Study Design: This study was done on ninety adult male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200 to 220 g.

Place and Duration of Study: Nutmeg was authenticated in the Agriculture Faculty of Shiraz University (Shiras is a city in Fars province in the south -West of Iran). This study has been done in department of clinical sciences of faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Kazerun (Farsprovince, Iran) branch of Islamic Azad University, between March and September 2013.

Methodology: The Myristica fragrans hydroalcoholic extracts were administrated orally at 4 different doses (100, 200, 400 and 500 mg/kg BW /day) and in two terms (14 and 28 days) in experimental groups (groups A1, A2,A3, A4, B1, B2, B3 and B4). The control group did not receive extract. The Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume percentage (PCV%), erythrocyte (RBC) and total leukocyte count (WBC), iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, some liver enzymes, thyroid hormones, BUN and serum creatinine were assayed and compared to control group.

Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of M. fragrans have significantly increased effects on erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis in the long-term and have significantly increased on T4 concentration in short and long periods (P<0.05) and decreased serum iron and TIBC. This extract did not have any significant effects on ferritin, and WBC, in short and long term (P>0.05). Liver enzymes activities, BUN and creatinine concentrations were not increased in any of experimental groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of M. fragrans can be used for anemia, thrombocytopenia and hypothyroidism treatment with safe dosage and term, without any renal and hepatic side effects.