Radioprotection of Swiss Albino Mice by Myristica fragrans houtt.

Sharma M, Kumar M.

Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan.

Nutmeg, the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans, MF (Family: Myristicaceae)
possesses antifungal, hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Its
radioprotective effect against 6, 8 and10 Gy gamma radiation was evaluated by 30
day survival assay. Regression analysis yielded LD(50/30 )as 6.83 Gy and 8.89 Gy
for irradiated only and (MF + radiation) groups, respectively. The dose
reduction factor was computed as 1.3. Administration of MF significantly
enhanced hepatic glutathione (GSH) and decreased testicular lipid peroxidation
(LPO) level whereas acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
activity did not show any significant alteration. Irradiation resulted in
significant elevation in LPO level and ACP activity, and decreased the GSH
content and ALP activity. MF pretreatment effectively protected against
radiation induced biochemical alteration as reflected by a decrease in LPO level
and ACP activity, and an increase in GSH and ALP activity. The present study has
implications for the potential use of MF as a radioprotector.

PMID: 17314471 [PubMed /​ as supplied by publisher]

2: J Med Food. 2006 Fall;9(3):395/​9.

Antibacterial principles from Myristica fragrans seeds.

Narasimhan B, Dhake AS.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar,
Haryana, India.

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.

PMID: 17004905 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

3: Ther Drug Monit. 2006 Aug;28(4):568/​75.

Abuse of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.): studies on the metabolism and the
toxicologic detection of its ingredients elemicin, myristicin, and safrole in
rat and human urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Beyer J, Ehlers D, Maurer HH.

Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental
and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland, Homburg
(Saar), Germany.

Seeds of nutmeg are used as spice, but they are also abused because of
psychotropic effects described after ingestion of large doses. It was postulated
that these effects could be attributable to metabolic formation of amphetamine
derivatives from the main nutmeg ingredients elemicin (EL), myristicin (MY), and
safrole (SA). In a case of a suspected nutmeg abuse, neither such amphetamine
derivatives nor the main nutmeg ingredients could be detected in urine. The
metabolites of EL, MY, and SA were identified using gas chromatography/​mass
spectrometry in rat urine and their presence in human urine of the nutmeg abuser
was confirmed. The identified metabolites indicated that EL, MY, and SA were
once and twice hydroxylated at the side chain. In addition, EL was
O/​demethylated at 2 positions followed by side chain hydroxylation. MY and SA
were demethylenated and subsequently methylated. In the human urine sample, the
following metabolites could be identified: O/​demethyl elemicin, O/​demethyl
dihydroxy elemicin, demethylenyl myristicin, dihydroxy myristicin, and
demethylenyl safrole. As in the human urine sample, neither amphetamine
derivatives nor the main nutmeg ingredients could be detected in the rat urine
samples. Finally, toxicologic detection of nutmeg abuse was possible by
identification of the described metabolites of the EL, MY, and SA in urine
applying the authors' systematic toxicologic analysis procedure using full/​scan
gas chromatography/​mass spectrometry after acid hydrolysis, liquid/​liquid
extraction of analytes, and microwave/​assisted acetylation of extracted
analytes.

PMID: 16885726 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

4: J Med Food. 2006 Summer;9(2):281/​3.

Comparative brain cholinesterase/​inhibiting activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra,
Myristica fragrans, ascorbic acid, and metrifonate in mice.

Dhingra D, Parle M, Kulkarni SK.

Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar
University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India.
din_dhingra@rediffmail.com

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.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16822217 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

5: Phytother Res. 2006 Aug;20(8):680/​2.

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B by lignans from Myristica
fragrans.

Yang S, Na MK, Jang JP, Kim KA, Kim BY, Sung NJ, Oh WK, Ahn JS.

Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 52 Eoeun/​dong,
Yusong/​gu, Daejeon 305/​333, Korea.

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.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16752372 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

6: J Med Food. 2006 Spring;9(1):84/​9.

Antidepressant/​like activity of n/​hexane extract of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
seeds in mice.

Dhingra D, Sharma A.

Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar
University, Hisar, Haryana, India. din_dhingra@rediffmail.com

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.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16579733 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

7: Phytomedicine. 2006 Mar;13(4):261/​6. Epub 2005 Jun 28.

Anticariogenic activity of macelignan isolated from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg)
against Streptococcus mutans.

Chung JY, Choo JH, Lee MH, Hwang JK.

Department of Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul,
South Korea.

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.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16492529 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

8: J Chromatogr A. 2006 Mar 10;1108(2):252/​7. Epub 2006 Jan 30.

Estimation of aroma glycosides of nutmeg and their changes during radiation
processing.

Ananthakumar A, Variyar PS, Sharma A.

Food Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400
085, India.

Glycosidically bound volatile compounds of nutmeg were identified as
glyco/​conjugates of p/​cymene/​7/​ol, eugenol, methoxyeugenol and alpha/​terpineol.
Using phenyl/​beta/​glucoside as external standard the contents of these
glycosidic precursors were estimated based on the measurement of TLC spot
density on a densitometer. p/​Cymene/​7/​ol rutinoside was the major aroma
glycoside (3.15 mg/100 g), followed by glucosides of methoxyeugenol (0.61 mg/100
g), eugenol (0.50 mg/100 g) and alpha/​terpineol (0.51 mg/100 g). A
dose/​dependent breakdown of these glycosidic precursors was observed during
gamma/​radiation processing. Among the four glycosides, alpha/​terpineol glucoside
was the most sensitive to radiation while p/​cymene/​7/​ol rutinoside was the least
sensitive. A reduction in the content of total glycosides by almost 50% was
noted at a dose of 5kGy. Partitioning of aroma glycoside into n/​butanol from
aqueous extracts was found to result in rapid isolation of aroma glycosides,
avoiding time consuming pre/​purification on Amberlite XAD/​2 column. A routine
method based on extraction into n/​butanol and subsequent quantification of
post/​irradiation changes in aroma glycosides on a TLC plate using a densitometer
is proposed.

PMID: 16445922 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

9: Hum Exp Toxicol. 2005 Nov;24(11):563/​6.

Nutmeg intoxication in Texas, 1998/​2004.

Forrester MB.

Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit, Texas Department of State Health
Services, Austin 78756, USA. mathias.forrester@dshs.state.tx.us

Nutmeg is a spice that contains volatile oils comprised of alkyl benzene
derivatives (myristicin, elemicin, safrole, etc.), terpenes and myristic acid.
Nutmeg has a long history of abuse. This study describes the nutmeg ingestion
calls received by Texas poison centers from 1998 to 2004. There were 17 calls
involving nutmeg ingestion, of which 64.7% involved intentional abuse. When
abuse and non/​abuse ingestions were compared, abuse ingestions were more likely
to involve males (100 versus 66.7%) and adolescents (55.6 versus 16.7%). The
majority of both abuse and non/​abuse calls were managed outside of health care
facilities (54.5 and 66.7%, respectively). None of the ingestions resulted in
more than moderate clinical effects or death.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16323572 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

10: Phytother Res. 2005 Nov;19(11):988/​91.

In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used
traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Mahady GB, Pendland SL, Stoia A, Hamill FA, Fabricant D, Dietz BM, Chadwick LR.

Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street M/C 877, 60612, USA. mahady@uic.edu

The gram/​negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori (HP), identified in 1982, is now
recognized as the primary etiological factor associated with the development of
gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. In addition, HP infections are also
associated with chronic gastritis, gastric carcinoma and primary gastric B/​cell
lymphoma. For centuries, herbals have been used in traditional medicine to treat
a wide range of ailments, including gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as
dyspepsia, gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). However, the mechanism of
action by which these botanicals exert their therapeutic effects has not been
completely elucidated. As part of an ongoing screening program, the study
assessed the in vitro susceptibility of 15 HP strains to botanical extracts,
which have a history of traditional use in the treatment of GI disorders.
Methanol extracts of Myristica fragrans (seed) had a MIC of 12.5 microg/mL;
Zingiber officinale (ginger rhizome/root) and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary
leaf) had an MIC of 25 microg/mL. Methanol extracts of botanicals with a MIC of
50 microg/mL included Achillea millefolium, Foeniculum vulgare (seed),
Passiflora incarnata (herb), Origanum majorana (herb) and a (1:1) combination of
Curcuma longa (root) and ginger rhizome. Botanical extracts with a MIC of 100
microg/mL included Carum carvi (seed), Elettaria cardamomum (seed), Gentiana
lutea (roots), Juniper communis (berry), Lavandula angustifolia (flowers),
Melissa officinalis (leaves), Mentha piperita (leaves) and Pimpinella anisum
(seed). Methanol extracts of Matricaria recutita (flowers) and Ginkgo biloba
(leaves) had a MIC > 100 microg/mL.

PMID: 16317658 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

11: Przegl Lek. 2005;62(6):357/​60.

Drug abuse in Slovak Republic.

Kresanek J, Plackova S, Caganova B, Klobusicka Z.

Toxicological Information Centre, University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovak
Republic. psisi@pobox.sk

The drug abusing structure has dramatically changed since 1989. While in 1989
the sniffing of the fluid drugs represented 98% of the global drug abuse, the
most abused drugs were: heroin, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine and its
derivatives. During last 10 years situation with drug abuse has changed.
Currently the most abused drugs: cannabinoides, amphetamines. The plant drugs
(Datura stramonium, hallucinogenic mushrooms Psilocybe semilanceata, nutmeg/​/​the
seed of Myristica fragrans) combined with the alcohol are popular among the
young abusers. According to an analysis of the phone consultations in our
Toxicological Information Centre (TIC) we found out, that the number of
intoxications with the plant drugs has increased five times during the last year
(comparing with the year 2000), because of their easy availability, low price
and quick spreading of information.

PMID: 16225068 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

12: J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2005 Apr/​Jun;17(2):69/​71.

Comparison of effects of extract of Myristica fragrans and verapamil on the
volume and acidity of carbachol induced gastric secretion in fasting rabbits.

Jan M, Faqir F, Hamida, Mughal MA.

Department of Pharmacology SMC, Swat, Saidu Sharif, Pakistan.

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.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16092656 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

13: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2005 Jul 20;5:16.

An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans
Houtt. (nutmeg).

Tajuddin, Ahmad S, Latif A, Qasmi IA, Amin KM.

Department of Ilmul Advia (Unani Pharmacology), Faculty of Unani Medicine,
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh/​202002, India. tajuddin_amu@rediffmail.com

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.

PMID: 16033651 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

14: Planta Med. 2005 May;71(5):393/​8.

meso/​dihydroguaiaretic acid from Machilus thunbergii down/​regulates TGF/​beta1
gene expression in activated hepatic stellate cells via inhibition of AP/​1
activity.

Park EY, Shin SM, Ma CJ, Kim YC, Kim SG.

College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul
National University, Seoul, Korea.

meso/​dihydroguaiaretic acid (DGA), naturally occurring in plants such as
Machilus thunbergii and Myristica fragrans, exhibits a neuroprotective effect
and also exerts cytotoxicity to certain cancer cells. Activated hepatic stellate
cells (HSCs) play an important role in liver fibrogenesis through the production
of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF/​beta1) after injuries. TGF/​beta1
mediates the deposition of extracellular matrix and the inhibition of
collagenase activity in the liver. This study has investigated the inhibitory
effect of DGA on the activation of rat HSCs in culture and TGF/​beta1 production
from HSCs. The level of alpha/​smooth muscle actin (alpha/​SMA), a representative
marker of stellate cell transdifferentiation, was decreased upon treatment of
activated HSCs with DGA (1 /​ 10 microM). Immunoblot analysis revealed that DGA
inhibited the expression of TGF/​beta1 in activated HSCs. Consistently, DGA
down/​regulated the transactivation of the TGF/​beta1 promoter linked to the
luciferase reporter gene in HSCs. Promoter deletion analysis revealed that the
region located between /​731 bp and /​323 bp in the TGF/​beta1 promoter, which is
comprised of AP/​1 response elements, conferred the inhibition of TGF/​beta1
expression by DGA. DGA also inhibited AP/​1/​mediated gene transactivation in HSCs
to a comparable extent, indicating that down/​regulation of the TGFbeta1 gene by
DGA might result from its inhibition of AP/​1 activity. We found in addition that
DGA inhibited DNA synthesis in HSCs stimulated by platelet/​derived growth
factor. The data provide evidence that DGA directly inhibits activation of HSCs
and down/​regulates TGF/​beta1 gene expression through inhibition of AP/​1
activity.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15931574 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

15: J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jul 14;99(3):403/​7.

In vitro anti/​rotavirus activity of some medicinal plants used in Brazil against
diarrhea.

Goncalves JL, Lopes RC, Oliveira DB, Costa SS, Miranda MM, Romanos MT, Santos
NS, Wigg MD.

Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes,
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Centro de Ciencias da Saude (CCS), Bloco
I, Caixa Postal 68040, CEP 21941/​590, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Acute diarrhea, especially in children, is a very common disease with worldwide
distribution and with a significant public health impact. Rotaviruses have been
recognized as the major agents of diarrhea in infants and young children in
developed as well as developing countries. In Brazil, diarrhea is one of the
principal causes of death, mainly in the infant population. To fight diarrhea,
traditional Brazilian medicine uses a great variety of plants. In this work, 12
medicinal plant species were screened for simian (SA/​11) and human (HCR3)
rotaviruses inhibition in vitro. At non/​cytotoxic concentrations, the extracts
from Artocarpus integrifolia L. (Moraceae) bark (480 microg/ml) and Spondias
lutea L. (Anacardiaceae) leaves (160 microg/ml) had antiviral activity against
both viruses. They showed inhibition of 99.2% and 97%, respectively, for human
rotavirus, and 96.4% and 96.2% for simian rotavirus. The extracts from Myristica
fragrans Houtt (Myristicaceae) seeds (160 microg/ml) and Spongias lutea bark (40
microg/ml) inhibited human rotavirus (90% and 82.2% inhibition, respectively),
whereas the extracts from Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) leaves (4
microg/ml) and Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) leaves (8 microg/ml) showed
activity only against simian rotavirus (82.2% and 93.8% inhibition,
respectively). Our results indicate that the extracts of Artocarpus
integrifolia, Myristica fragrans and Spongias lutea can be useful in the
treatment of human diarrhea if the etiologic agent is a rotavirus.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15876501 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

16: Acta Univ Carol [Med] (Praha). 2000;41(1/​4):105/​18.

Assortment of the plants in the Medieval diet in Czech countries (based on
archaeobotanical finds).

Culikova V.

Institute of Archeology, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Department of
Archaeobotany, Opava.

The finds of remains of useful plants in archaeological objects were drawing
attention already in the last century. However, it was not until after the World
War II, in relation with renovation of historical cores of the towns, when a
separate branch of the botany/​/​archaeobotany constituted. In the Czech Republic
it was E. Opravil who was the first to become engaged in a systematic
archaeobotanical research at the beginning of the 60's. All the vegetal
remains/​/​fruits and seeds on the first place as well as pollen grains from
prehistoric times to the post/​medieval period, are the subjects of
archaeobotany. The medieval waste pits are the richest sources of the vegetal
remains. They contain a lot of diasporas of cultural as well as wild plants. The
remains of useful plants are an authentic document of the vegetal component of
diet. Even though some vegetal species, such as for example garlic, onion or
stalk/​plants, about whose cultivation we are informed from literature, occur
only seldom, there appeared also the species not mentioned in literature. All
the basic cereals have been known in our country already since the early Middle
Ages. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rye (Secale cereale), as well as millet
(Panicum miliaceum) that, along with buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), were
replaced by potatoes in the modern times were the most important. Also
leguminous plants were of great importance in the diet even though their charred
seeds seldom preserved. Remains of oil plants such as hemp (Cannabis sativa),
flax (Linum usitatissimum) and poppy (Papaver somniferum) preserved well. It was
successfully proved that cucumber (Cucumis sativus), among other numerous kinds
of vegetables, was introduced by the Slavs already in the 8th century in Moravia
and in the 9th century in Bohemia. The assortment of fruit was rich/​/​especially
the assortment of cultivated fruit. Among the imported kinds of fruit the first
place occupied figs (Ficus carica), from the numerous finds it can be said that
they formed a common part of the diet. Among imported fruit and spices from the
peak period of the Middle Ages we succeeded in finding a date/​tree (Phoenix
dactylifera), nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans) and, by means of pollen analysis,
maybe a clove tree (Eugenia caryophyllata).

Publication Types:
Historical Article

PMID: 15828207 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

17: Zhong Yao Cai. 2004 Nov;27(11):823/​6.

[Study on chemical constituents of the essential oil from Myristica fragrans
Houtt. by supercritical fluid extraction and steam distillation]

[Article in Chinese]

Qiu Q, Zhang G, Sun X, Liu X.

School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan.

Essential oils were extracted from Myristica fragrans Houtt. by supercritical
fluid extraction (SFE) and steam distillation (SD). Their components were
analyzed by gas chromatography/​mass spectrometry and compared. 48 compounds were
identified for the essential oil extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide, and
its main components have been found to be myristic acid, myristicin,
terpinen/​4/​ol, alpha/​pinene and safrole. 38 compounds were identified for the
essential oil obtained by SD, and its main components have been found to be
beta/​pinene, terpinen/​4/​ol, alpha/​pinene, gamma/​terpinene and beta/​phellandrene.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 15810588 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

18: Emerg Med J. 2005 Mar;22(3):223/​5.

Low cost, high risk: accidental nutmeg intoxication.

Demetriades AK, Wallman PD, McGuiness A, Gavalas MC.

Department of Accident and Emergency, University College London Hospital, London
WC1E 6AU, UK. andreas.demetriades@doctors.org.uk

Nutmeg poisoning is rare but probably underreported and should be considered in
recreational substance users with acute psychotic symptoms as well as central
nervous system neuromodulatory signs that may mimic in part an anticholinergic
hyperstimulation.

Publication Types:
Case Reports

PMID: 15735280 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

19: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Apr;29(4):339/​42.

[GC/​MS analysis of essential oils from seeds of Myristica fragrans in Chinese
market]

[Article in Chinese]

Wang Y, Yang XW, Tao HY, Liu HX.

The State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of
Pharmaceutical Sciences of Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.

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.

Publication Types:
English Abstract
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15706872 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

20: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Aug;29(8):753/​9.

[Preliminary attempt at the speciation of 25/​elements in the Chinese medicinal
herbs]

[Article in Chinese]

Wang JY, Li O, Liu YQ, Xie Q, Huang Z, Tu PF, Guo XL, Liu HS.

School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
wjy@bjmu.edu.cn

OBJECTIVE: To make an attempt at the multi/​element speciation in the Chinese
medicinal herbs by determining the concentrations of 25 elements in different
extraction solutions. METHOD: Firstly, five Chinese medicinal herbs (Buddleja
officinalis, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Myristica fragrans, Albizia judibrissin and
Inula japonica) from the same region of China were treated to obtain
water/​soluble phase, lipid/​soluble phase and non/​soluble phase by water
extraction, organic solvent extraction and acid digestion, respectively.
Secondly, Phytolacca acinosa, a Chinese medicinal herb collected from 9 regions
of China, was extracted by 0% EtOH, 50% EtOH, 75% EtOH, 95% EtOH, respectively,
referring the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Finally, the concentrations of 25 elements,
such as Be, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ge, Sr, Y, Mo, Cd, Tl, Pb and REEs, in the above three
phases were determined by ICP/​MS. RESULT: Under the optimal conditions, all the
25 elements could be determined with detection limits ranged from 0.003 to 0.71
ng x g(/​1). The average recoveries of the elements in P. acinosa were 88%
approximately 119%, with the relative standard deviations 1.7% approximately
13.3%. It was observed that the determined 25 elements distributed in all the
water/​soluble, lipid/​soluble and non/​soluble phases, indicating that the
inorganic species, organicspecies, as well as the protein bound species were
coexisted in the herbs. Big differences of the element extraction rates could be
found by using different ethanol solutions. CONCLUSION: With the aid of the
obtained results, we may increase the extraction of necessary elements while
decrease that of the toxic elements from the herbs by choosing a suitable
solvent during the drug production.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 15506286 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

21: Phytother Res. 2004 Aug;18(8):670/​3.

Antimicrobial evaluation of some medicinal plants for their anti/​enteric
potential against multi/​drug resistant Salmonella typhi.

Rani P, Khullar N.

Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh/​160 014, India.

Screening was done of some plants of importance in the Ayurvedic system of
traditional medicine used in India to treat enteric diseases. Fifty four plant
extracts (methanol and aqueous) were assayed for their activity against
multi/​drug resistant Salmonella typhi. Strong antibacterial activity was shown
by the methanol extracts of Aegle marmelos, Salmalia malabarica, Punica
granatum, Myristica fragrans, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Terminalia arjuna and
Triphal (mixture of Emblica of fi cinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia
belerica). Moderate antimicrobial activity was shown by Picorhiza kurroa, Acacia
catechu, Acacia nilotica, Cichorium intybus, Embelia ribes, Solanum nigrum,
Carum copticum, Apium graveolens, Ocimum sanctum, Peucedanum graveolens and
Butea monosperma.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15476301 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

22: J Med Food. 2004 Summer;7(2):157/​61.

Improvement of mouse memory by Myristica fragrans seeds.

Parle M, Dhingra D, Kulkarni SK.

Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar
University, Hisar/​125001, Haryana, India. mparle@rediffmail.com

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.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15298762 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

23: Eur J Emerg Med. 2004 Aug;11(4):240/​1.

Acute nutmeg poisoning.

McKenna A, Nordt SP, Ryan J.

Emergency Department, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4,
Ireland.

We present a case of acute nutmeg poisoning in a 16/​year/​old youth who had
ingested the substance for recreational purposes. He developed a number of
neurological symptoms and signs along with non/​specific electrocardiographic
changes and anti/​cholinergic/​type symptoms. We describe the pharmacology of
nutmeg and its constituents, discuss its metabolism, and make recommendations
about the management of nutmeg poisoning. Emergency staff should be aware of the
effects of nutmeg, which may present in marijuana users who seek alternative
substances.

Publication Types:
Case Reports

PMID: 15249817 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

24: Indian J Pathol Microbiol. 2003 Jul;46(3):524/​5.

Myristica fragrans [nutmeg] and its activity against the enteric pathogens.

Ballal M, Pradeep, Shivananda PG.

Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka.
mamatha_98@yahoo.com

Publication Types:
In Vitro

PMID: 15025331 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

25: In Vivo. 2003 Nov/​Dec;17(6):541/​4.

Extracts of spice and food plants from Thai traditional medicine inhibit the
growth of the human carcinogen Helicobacter pylori.

Bhamarapravati S, Pendland SL, Mahady GB.

Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama IV
Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10400.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a gramnegative bacterium and well
recognized as being the primary etiological agent responsible for the
development of gastritis, dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. In
developing countries, a high prevalence of HP infection is associated with an
increased incidence of gastric cancer. Thailand, however, while having a high
prevalence of HP infections, has a lower than expected gastric cancer rate than
other developing countries. It has been suggested that the diet and life style
in Thailand may explain this discrepancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro
susceptibility of 18 strains of HP to 20 extracts of spice and food plants used
in Thai traditional medicine for the treatment of GI disorders was assessed.
RESULTS: Methanol extracts of Myristica fragrans (aril) inhibited the growth of
all HP strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5
micrograms/ml; extracts from Barringtonia acutangula (leaf) and Kaempferia
galanga (rhizome) had an MIC of 25.0 micrograms/ml; Cassia grandis (leaf),
Cleome viscosa (leaf), Myristica fragrans (leaf) and Syzygium aromaticum (leaf)
had MICs of 50.0 micrograms/ml. Extracts with an MIC of 100.0 micrograms/ml
included Pouzolzia pentandra (leaf), Cycas siamensis (leaf), Litsea elliptica
(leaf) and Melaleuca quinquenervia (leaf). CONCLUSION: Plants used in Thai
traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal ailments inhibit the growth of
HP. These data indicate that these plants may have chemopreventative activities
and thus may partly explain the reduced incidence of gastric cancer in Thailand.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

PMID: 14758718 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

26: Food Addit Contam. 2004 Jan;21(1):76/​84.

Atmospheric pressure photo/​ionization liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric
determination of aflatoxins in food.

Takino M, Tanaka T, Yamaguchi K, Nakahara T.

Yokogawa Analytical Systems Inc., Osaka, Japan. masahiko_takino@agilent.com

A comparison between electrospray ionization (ESI) and the recent introduced
atmospheric pressure photo/​ionization (APPI) technique is described for the
liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric (LC/MS) determination of aflatoxin B1,
B2, G1 and G2 in food. For the optimization of APPI, several APPI ion source
parameters were examined. Furthermore, the chemical noise and signal suppression
of ESI and APPI by sample matrix interference were investigated. The results
indicated that APPI has the low chemical noise and the little signal suppression
in comparison with ESI. The mean recovery of each aflatoxin from peanuts, corn,
nutmeg and red pepper sample spiked at 1 ng g(/​1) ranged from 89 to 105% with
relative standard deviations of 3.3/​5.1%. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) in
all food was in the range 0.11/​0.5 ng g(/​1). From these studies, it is suggested
that APPI can be used as an additional tool in food residue analysis.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 14744683 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

27: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2003 Oct 20;3:6.

Aphrodisiac activity of 50% ethanolic extracts of Myristica fragrans Houtt.
(nutmeg) and Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry. (clove) in male mice: a
comparative study.

Tajuddin, Ahmad S, Latif A, Qasmi IA.

Department of Ilmul Advia (Unani Pharmacology), Faculty of Unani Medicine,
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh/​202002, India. tajuddin@rediffmail.com

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.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 14567759 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

28: J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Oct 22;51(22):6502/​4.

Effect of gamma/​irradiation on the lipid profile of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans
Houtt.).

Niyas Z, Variyar PS, Gholap AS, Sharma A.

Food Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400
085, India.

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.

PMID: 14558769 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

29: J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2003;17(2):85/​90.

Element analysis and biological studies on ten oriental spices using XRF and
Ames test.

Al/​Bataina BA, Maslat AO, Al/​Kofahil MM.

Physics Department, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.

Ten oriental spices were analyzed for their element composition using X/​ray
fluorescence (XRF): nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), coriander (Coriandrum sativum),
safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), caraway (Carum carvi), Sicilian sumac (Rhus
coriaria), aniseed (Anisum vulgare), black pepper (Piper nigrum), cardamom
(Elettaria cardamomum), cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and nigella (Nigella sativum).
The spices were found to contain the following elements: Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl,
K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn, with varying concentrations. Mutagenic studies
using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97a, TA98, TA100, and TA102 showed that
the above spices have no base pair substitution mutagenic activity. However, a
weak frameshift mutagenicity has been shown by nutmeg and a very weak oxidative
mutagenic action has been revealed by cumin.

PMID: 14531636 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

30: Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Jan;26(1):14/​5.

[Direct identification of Myristica fragrans and Myristica sp. by FTIR]

[Article in Chinese]

Wang Y, Cheng C, Li B.

Jinhua Institute for Drug Control, Zhejiang Province, Jinhua 321000.

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.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 12858766 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

31: J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Mar 12;51(6):1560/​5.

Hepatoprotective effect of myristicin from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) on
lipopolysaccharide/d/​galactosamine/​induced liver injury.

Morita T, Jinno K, Kawagishi H, Arimoto Y, Suganuma H, Inakuma T, Sugiyama K.

Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka
University, 836 Ohya, Japan.

To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of spices, 21 different spices were
fed to rats with liver damage caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus
d/​galactosamine (D/​GalN). As assessed by plasma aminotranferase activities,
nutmeg showed the most potent hepatoprotective activity. Bioassay/​guided
isolation of the active compound from nutmeg was carried out in mice by a single
oral administration of the respective fractions. Myristicin, one of the major
essential oils of nutmeg, was found to possess extraordinarily potent
hepatoprotective activity. Myristicin markedly suppressed LPS/D/​GalN/​induced
enhancement of serum TNF/​alpha concentrations and hepatic DNA fragmentation in
mice. These findings suggest that the hepatoprotective activity of myristicin
might be, at least in part, due to the inhibition of TNF/​alpha release from
macrophages. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the
hepatoprotective mechanism(s) of myristicin.

PMID: 12617584 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

32: Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2002 Dec;24(10):675/​80.

Pharmacological studies on Myristica fragrans/​/​antidiarrheal, hypnotic,
analgesic and hemodynamic (blood pressure) parameters.

Grover JK, Khandkar S, Vats V, Dhunnoo Y, Das D.

Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,
India. jkgrover@hotmail.com

Recurrent diarrhea is prevalent in developing countries, particularly in
tropical regions. A natural based antidiarrheal home remedy can serve as an
ideal health tool to limit diarrhea/​related morbidity and mortality. In the
traditional Indian medical science of Ayurveda, nutmeg is one such plant said to
possess antidiarrheal activity. A study was therefore planned to assess the
various pharmacological effects (antidiarrheal, sedative, analgesic and blood
pressure) of nutmeg. Both Nutmeg crude suspension (NMC) and petroleum ether
(PE), but not aqueous extract (Aq), decreased the mean number of loose stools or
increased the latency period. NMC increased intestinal tone while PE had no such
effect. PE had no effect on guinea pig ileum, but inhibited the contraction
produced by acetylcholine, histamine and prostaglandin. NMC but not PE extract
showed a significant but weak analgesic effect. While PE effectively potentiated
both phenobarbitone and pentobarbitone/​induced sleeping time, NMC was
considerably less effective. NMC administered intraduodenally did not produce
much effect on blood pressure (BP), but potentiated the action of exogenously
administered adrenaline and nor/​adrenaline. On the other hand, PE in higher, but
not lower, doses caused a precipitous fall in BP not blocked by atropine. Thus,
overall extracts of nutmeg showed a good antidiarrheal effect, with a
significant sedative property. The extracts possessed only a weak analgesic
effect, with no harmful effects on blood pressure and ECG.

PMID: 12616960 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

33: J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Feb 12;51(4):927/​34.

Effects of gamma/​irradiation on the free radical and antioxidant contents in
nine aromatic herbs and spices.

Calucci L, Pinzino C, Zandomeneghi M, Capocchi A, Ghiringhelli S, Saviozzi F,
Tozzi S, Galleschi L.

Istituto per i Processi Chimico/​Fisici del CNR, Area della Ricerca, via G.
Moruzzi 1, I/​56124 Pisa, Italy.

Nine spice and aromatic herb samples (i.e., basil, bird pepper, black pepper,
cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and sage) were gamma/​irradiated at
a dose of 10 kGy according to commercial practices. The effects of the
disinfection treatment on the content of organic radicals and some nutrients
(namely, vitamin C and carotenoids) in the samples were investigated by
chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Irradiation resulted in a general
increase of quinone radical content in all of the investigated samples, as
revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The fate of these
radicals after storage for 3 months was also investigated. The cellulose radical
was clearly observed in a few samples. Significant losses of total ascorbate
were found for black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, and sage, whereas a
significant decrease of carotenoids content was observed for cinnamon, oregano,
parsley, rosemary, bird pepper, and sage.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12568551 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

34: Schizophr Res. 2003 Mar 1;60(1):95/​6.

Nutmeg and psychosis.

Kelly BD, Gavin BE, Clarke M, Lane A, Larkin C.

Publication Types:
Case Reports
In Vitro
Letter

PMID: 12505144 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

35: J Med Microbiol. 2002 Jul;51(7):567/​74.

Inhibition of listeriolysin O and phosphatidylcholine/​specific production in
Listeria monocytogenes by subinhibitory concentrations of plant essential oils.

Smith/​Palmer A, Stewartt J, Fyfe L.

Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences, Queen Margaret
University College, Edinburgh.

Successful infection by Listeria monocytogenes is dependent upon a range of
bacterial extracellular proteins including a cytolysin termed listeriolysin O
and phosphatidylcholine/​specific phospholipase C. Five plant essential
oils/​/​bay, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and thyme/​/​significantly reduced the
production of listeriolysin O by L. monocytogenes. The greatest change was
observed after culture with oil of thyme, which reduced haemolysis to 52.1
haemolytic units (HU)/ml compared with 99.8 HU/ml observed with the control. Oil
of clove was the only oil that also significantly reduced
phosphatidylcholine/​specific phospholipase C activity. These changes were
observed despite the oils causing no change to the final bacterial concentration
or total extracellular protein concentration.

PMID: 12132773 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

36: Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2001 Nov/​Dec;(6):35/​6.

[Balneological use of bath concentrate containing xidifon and essential oils
from ginger, nutmeg, and sandal]

[Article in Russian]

Grigor'eva VD, Dashina TA, Iur'eva EA, Matkovskaia TA.

PMID: 11868534 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

37: Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002 Jan/​Feb;71(1/​2):239/​44.

Anxiogenic activity of Myristica fragrans seeds.

Sonavane GS, Sarveiya VP, Kasture VS, Kasture SB.

Natural Products Laboratory, M.V.P. Samaj's College of Pharmacy, Nashik 422/​002,
India.

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.

PMID: 11812528 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

38: Yakushigaku Zasshi. 2001;36(1):76/​9.

[The nutmeg story]

[Article in Japanese]

Uchibayashi M.

Takada Science Foundation, Juso, Yodogawa/​ku, Osaka.

A brief historical account of the spice islands, the Moluccas, in the Age of
Discovery with particular reference to the Dutch monopoly of nutmeg is
presented. The etymologies of such English terms as nutmeg (nut+musk), mace,
myristica, date, and phoenix, as well as Chinese rou dou kou (Engl. nutmeg) and
Japanese natsume (Engl. jujube) and natsume/​yashi (Engl. date palm) are given.

Publication Types:
English Abstract
Historical Article

PMID: 11777001 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

39: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Apr;23(4):217/​9, 255.

[Effect of different processing conditions on content of myrisiticin, volatile
oil and fatty lipid in semen Myristicae]

[Article in Chinese]

Zhou Y, Tan J.

Guangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530001.

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.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 11596247 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

40: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Apr;23(4):215/​7, 255.

[Quality standards of processed nutmegs]

[Article in Chinese]

Jia T, Xia F, Wang Z.

Liaoning College of TCM, Shenyang 110032.

The quality standards of nutmeg and its processed products were studied in such
aspects as volatile oil content, extract determination, moisture content,
microscopic characteristics, thin/​layer chromatography, and so on. This provided
a basis for drawing up the quality standards.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 11596246 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

41: J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Oct;77(2/​3):209/​17.

Screening of Chinese herbal drug extracts for inhibitory activity on nitric
oxide production and identification of an active compound of Zanthoxylum
bungeanum.

Tezuka Y, Irikawa S, Kaneko T, Banskota AH, Nagaoka T, Xiong Q, Hase K, Kadota
S.

Institute of Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University,
2630/​Sugitani, Toyama 930/​0194, Japan.

Sixty/​eight water and methanol extracts from 34 Chinese herbal drugs, most of
which are used for inflammatory diseases, were screened for their inhibitory
effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/​stimulated
J774.1 macrophages and in LPS/interferon (IFN)/​gamma/​stimulated mouse peritoneal
exudate macrophages. Among the extracts, methanol extracts of Myristica
fragrans, Plantago asiatica, Rubia cordifolia, and Zanthoxylum bungeanum showed
significant inhibition in J774.1 macrophages, while in mouse peritoneal exudate
macrophages, water extracts of Ru. cordifolia and Scutellaria baicalensis and
methanol extracts of Angelica megaphylla, My. fragrans, and Z. bungeanum
inhibited the NO production. Among them, inhibition of water extract of Sc.
baicalensis was found to be mainly due to direct scavenging of NO radicals,
through an examination of its scavenging activity on PAPA NONOate/​generated NO
radicals, while water extract of Ru. cordifolia and methanol extracts of An.
megaphylla, My. fragrans, P. asiatica, and Z. bungeanum showed inhibition on
iNOS mRNA expression. At last, an inhibitory compound on iNOS mRNA expression
was isolated from a methanol extract of Z. bungeanum and identified as
4/​O/​beta/​D/​glucopyranosyldihydroferulic acid by NMR spectral analyses and
chemical synthesis.

PMID: 11535366 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

42: Fitoterapia. 2000 Aug;71 Suppl 1:S131/​7.

Preventive effect of eugenol on PAF and ethanol/​induced gastric mucosal damage.

Capasso R, Pinto L, Vuotto ML, Di Carlo G.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Via Ponte Don Melillo, 84084, Fisciano,
Salerno, Italy.

This study examines the anti/​ulcerogenic activity of eugenol, a natural compound
obtained from many natural sources. Gastric ulcers, induced by administration of
two ulcerogenic agents, i.e. platelet activating factor (PAF) and ethanol, were
dose/​dependently and significantly reduced by eugenol (10/​100 mg/kg, p.o.)
pre/​treatment. Eugenol was able to reduce not only the number of ulcers but also
the gravity of lesions.

PMID: 10930724 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

43: J Nat Prod. 2000 Jun;63(6):866/​70.

Simple synthesis of benzofuranoid neolignans from Myristica fragrans.

Juhasz L, Kurti L, Antus S.

Department of Organic Chemistry, Lajos Kossuth University, P.O. Box 20, H/​4010
Debrecen, Hungary.

The total synthesis of four neolignans/​fragnasols A (1), B (2), and C (3) and
dehydrodiisoeugenol (4)/​starting from the readily available phenol derivative
isoeugenol (5) was accomplished. The key step of the synthesis of these natural
products is a novel type of dimerization of 5 into 4 with iodobenzene diacetate.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10869224 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

44: J Appl Microbiol. 2000 Feb;88(2):308/​16.

Antimicrobial agents from plants: antibacterial activity of plant volatile oils.

Dorman HJ, Deans SG.

Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Group, Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive,
South Ayrshire, UK.

The volatile oils of black pepper [Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae)], clove
[Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry (Myrtaceae)], geranium [Pelargonium
graveolens L'Herit (Geraniaceae)], nutmeg [Myristica fragrans Houtt.
(Myristicaceae), oregano [Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Letsw.
(Lamiaceae)] and thyme [Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae)] were assessed for
antibacterial activity against 25 different genera of bacteria. These included
animal and plant pathogens, food poisoning and spoilage bacteria. The volatile
oils exhibited considerable inhibitory effects against all the organisms under
test while their major components demonstrated various degrees of growth
inhibition.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10736000 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

45: Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1999 Aug;63(8):1475/​7.

Arg/​gingipain inhibition and anti/​bacterial activity selective for Porphyromonas
gingivalis by malabaricone C.

Shinohara C, Mori S, Ando T, Tsuji T.

Sagami Chemical Research Center, Kanagawa, Japan.

Effects of malabaricon C, isolated from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), on
Arg/​gingipain activity and growth of several kinds of anaerobic and aerobic
microorganisms were investigated. Malabaricone C irreversibly inhibited
Arg/​gingipain by 50% at a concentration of 0.7 microgram/ml and selectively
suppressed Porphyromomas gingivalis growth.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10501006 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

46: Phytother Res. 1999 Jun;13(4):344/​5.

Biological effects of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) extract.

Olajide OA, Ajayi FF, Ekhelar AI, Awe SO, Makinde JM, Alada AR.

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of
Ibadan, Nigeria.

The chloroform extract of nutmeg has been evaluated for antiinflammatory,
analgesic and antithrombotic activities in rodents. The extract inhibited the
carrageenan/​induced rat paw oedema, produced a reduction in writhings induced by
acetic acid in mice and offered protection against thrombosis induced by
ADP/adrenaline mixture in mice.

PMID: 10404545 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

47: J Food Prot. 1998 Jun;61(6):725/​7.

Microbial stability of mango (Mangifera indica L.) juice preserved by combined
application of mild heat and extracts of two tropical spices.

Ejechi BO, Souzey JA, Akpomedaye DE.

Department of Microbiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

The microbial stability of mango (Mangifera indica L.) juice (pH 4.9)
supplemented with extracts of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and nutmeg (Myristica
fragrans) was investigated during 3 months of ambient/​temperature storage.
Heating at 55 degrees C for 15 min markedly reduced the levels of
non/​spore/​forming bacteria and produced a product with acceptable taste.
Supplementing mango juice with an agueous extract of ginger (15%, vol/vol) or
nutmeg (20%, vol/vol) inhibited the growth of challenge microorganisms, but
produced a product with unacceptable taste. Heating the mango juice at 55
degrees C for 15 min and supplementing with nutmeg (4%, vol/vol) markedly
inhibited microbial growth and produced a product with acceptable taste.
Tropical spices may prove useful in preservation of fruit juices by hurdle
technology.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 9709257 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

48: Cancer Lett. 1998 May 15;127(1/​2):23/​8.

Inhibition of fos/​jun/​DNA complex formation by dihydroguaiaretic acid and in
vitro cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.

Park S, Lee DK, Yang CH.

Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, South Korea.

The effect of dihydroguaiaretic acid (DHGA), isolated from the aryls of
Myristica fragrans, on the transcription factor (fos/​jun dimer) action was
investigated via in vitro assay. DHGA showed an inhibitory effect against the
complex formation of the fos/​jun dimer and the DNA consensus sequence with an
IC50 value of 0.21 micromol. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and curcumin also
inhibited fos/​jun dimer action showing IC50 values of 7.9 and 6.9 nmol,
respectively. DHGA and NDGA suppressed leukemia, lung cancer and colon cancer in
an in vitro bioassay. The in vitro experiment suggested that inhibition of
fos/​jun/​DNA complex formation could be due to the direct interference of fos/​jun
dimer binding onto the DNA consensus sequence by NDGA and curcumin.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 9619854 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

49: Plant Physiol. 1997 Jun;114(2):669/​77.

Broad/​range and binary/​range acyl/​acyl/​carrier protein thioesterases suggest an
alternative mechanism for medium/​chain production in seeds.

Voelker TA, Jones A, Cranmer AM, Davies HM, Knutzon DS.

Calgene, Inc., Davis, California 95616, USA. tvoelker@ccmail.calgene.com

In the current model of medium/​chain (C8/​14) fatty acid biosynthesis in seeds,
specialized FatB acyl/​acyl/​carrier/​protein (ACP) thioesterases are responsible
for the production of medium chains. We have isolated and characterized FatB
cDNAs from the maturing seeds of elm (Ulmus americana) and nutmeg (Myristica
fragrans), which accumulate predominantly caprate (10:0)/​ and myristate
(14:0)/​containing oils, respectively. In neither species were we able to find
cDNAs encoding enzymes specialized for these chain lengths. Nutmeg FatB
hydrolyses C14/​18 substrates in vitro and expression in Brassica napus seeds
leads to an oil enriched in C14/​18 saturates. Elm FatB1 displays a binary
specificity: one activity is centered on 10:0/​ACP, and a second is centered on
palmitate (16:0)/​ACP. After expression in B. napus seeds the oil is enriched in
C10/​18 saturates, predominantly 16:0, 14:0, and 10:0. The composition of free
fatty acids produced by elm FatB1 in Escherichia coli shifts from C14/​16 to
mostly C8/​10 by increasing the rate of chain termination by this enzyme. These
results suggest the existence of an alternative mechanism used in the evolution
of medium/​chain production, a model of which is presented.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 9193098 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

50: Nat Toxins. 1997;5(5):186/​92.

Toxicological evaluation of myristicin.

Hallstrom H, Thuvander A.

Division of Toxicology, National Food Administration, Uppsala, Sweden.
heha@msmail.slv.se

Myristicin, or methoxysafrole, is the principal aromatic constituent of the
volatile oil of nutmeg, the dried ripe seed of Myristica fragrans. Myristicin is
also found in several members of the carrot family (Umbelliferae). Several
intoxications have been reported after an ingestion of approximately 5 g of
nutmeg, corresponding to 1/​2 mg myristicin/kg body weight (b.w.). Although these
intoxications may be ascribed to the actions of myristicin, it is likely that
other components of nutmeg may also be involved. The metabolism of myristicin
resembles that of safrole. No information is available, however, concerning the
quantitative importance of the different metabolic pathways. The acute toxicity
of myristicin appears to be low. No toxic effects were observed in rats
administered myristicin perorally at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w., while 6/​7 mg/kg
b.w. may be enough to cause psychopharmacological effects in man. A weak
DNA/​binding capacity has been demonstrated, but there are no indications that
myristicin exerts carcinogenic activity in short/​term assays using mice. Intake
estimations indicate that nonalcoholic drinks may be the most important single
source of myristicin intake. Based on available data, it seems unlikely that the
intake of myristicin from essential oils and spices in food, estimated to a few
mg per person and day in this report, would cause adverse effects in humans. It
is, however, at present not possible to make a complete risk assessment, as
studies regarding genotoxicity and chronic toxicity, including reproductive
toxicity and carcinogenicity, are still lacking.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 9496377 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

51: J Ethnopharmacol. 1996 Dec;55(1):49/​53.

Hypolipidaemic effect of Myristica fragrans fruit extract in rabbits.

Ram A, Lauria P, Gupta R, Sharma VN.

Department of Pharmacology, S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur, India.

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.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 9121167 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

52: Allergy. 1996 Feb;51(2):117/​20.

Occupational asthma due to different spices.

Sastre J, Olmo M, Novalvos A, Ibanez D, Lahoz C.

Servicios de Alergia e Inmunologia, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain.

We describe a 27/​year/​old subject who developed rhinitis and asthma symptoms 1
year after starting to prepare a certain kind of sausage. He was previously
diagnosed as having allergy to coconut, banana, and kiwi and allergic rhinitis
to horse, cat, dog, and cow. A positive immediate skin prick test (SPT) for
paprika (dry powder of Capsicum annuum [Solanaceae]), coriander (Coriandrum
sativum [umbelliferous]), and mace (shell of nutmeg, Myristica fragrans
[Myristicaceae]) at a concentration of 10% (w/v) was obtained. SPT with other
sausage ingredients, mites, pollens, and molds were negative. By ELISA, specific
IgE antibodies to paprika, coriander, and mace were demonstrated. By
ELISA/​inhibition assays, a partial cross/​reactivity was found among IgE/​binding
components from paprika and mace. The immunoblot analysis showed two
IgE/​reactive protein bands able to bind to IgE from mace of 20 and 40 kDa and
two other bands from coriander extract of 50 and 56 kDa. No bands were detected
from paprika extract. Specific bronchial inhalation challenges showed an
immediate asthmatic reaction to extracts from paprika, coriander, and mace with
a maximum fall in FEV1 of 26%, 40%, and 31%, respectively, with no late
asthmatic reactions. In summary, we demonstrate that inhalation of dust from
paprika, coriander, and mace can result in an IgE/​mediated reaction to these
spices. In this patient, occupational asthma was due to spices from botanically
unrelated species.

Publication Types:
Case Reports

PMID: 8738518 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

53: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1995 Oct;39(4):407/​10.

Prevention of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in rabbits after
supplementation of Myristica fragrans seed extract.

Sharma A, Mathur R, Dixit VP.

Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

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.

PMID: 8582756 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

54: J Ethnopharmacol. 1994 May;42(3):169/​77.

Transmammary modulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in liver of mouse
pups by mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt.).

Chhabra SK, Rao AR.

Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi, India.

The present study examines the possible transfer of the active principle(s) of
mace (aril of the plant Myristica fragrans) through the transmammary route and
its ability to modulate hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in the F1
progeny of mice. An aqueous suspension of mace at the dose levels of 0.025 or
0.1 g/animal/day was administered by oral gavage to dams from day 1 of lactation
and continued daily for 14 or 21 days. Dams receiving mace treatment and their
F1 pups showed significantly elevated hepatic sulfhydryl content, glutathione
S/​transferase and glutathione reductase activities and cytochrome b5 content.
Hepatic cytochrome P450 content decreased in dams (P < 0.05) receiving the lower
mace dose for 21 days and the F1 pups (P < 0.001), but increased in dams
receiving the higher dose for both time periods (P < 0.001) and the lower dose
for 14 days (P < 0.05). Only the 14/​day/​old pups of dams receiving either mace
dose showed significantly elevated (P < 0.001) levels of hepatic glutathione
peroxidase.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 7934086 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

55: J Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Apr;42(2):117/​24.

Ethnobotany of nutmeg in the Spice Islands.

Van Gils C, Cox PA.

Department of Botany and Range Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
84602.

Nutmeg, endemic to the Maluku Province of Indonesia (formerly known as the Spice
Islands), has long been of importance both as a spice and as a commodity that
was once of geopolitical significance. Although its botany, cultivation, and
history have been studied, ethnobotanical studies of nutmeg in its place of
origin are noticeably lacking. The ethnobotany of nutmeg, Myristica fragrans
Houtt. (Myristicaceae), was studied in the Indonesian provinces of Maluku and
Central and East Java. Historical and current indigenous uses of the fruit and
seed are described. Information regarding medicinal aspects was gathered from
vendors of herbal remedies, healers, and midwives. It was found that M.fragrans
is still used for both culinary and medicinal purposes in its area of origin.
M.fragrans is used for diarrhea, mouth sores, and insomnia. In addition, no
evidence was found to support previously published reports of nutmeg's
hallucinogenic or other psychoactive properties other than a mild sedative
action. A renewed suggestion is made that anecdotal reports of nutmeg use as a
hallucinogen be revaluated more critically.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't
Review

PMID: 8072304 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

56: Food Chem Toxicol. 1993 Jul;31(7):517/​21.

Modulatory effect of Areca nut on the action of mace (Myristica fragrans, Houtt)
on the hepatic detoxification system in mice.

Singh A, Rao AR.

Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi, India.

The present paper reports the modifying potential of areca nut (Areca catechu),
an ingredient of the habitual masticatory betel quid, on the induction of the
hepatic detoxification system in mice by mace (the aril of nutmeg, Myristica
fragrans) a known chemopreventor of chemically induced carcinogenesis. The
modulatory effect of areca nut was assessed by determining the levels of enzymes
of the hepatic detoxification system, such as glutathione S/​transferase (GST),
cytochrome b5 and cytochrome P/​450, and the content of acid/​soluble sulphhydryl
(/​SH). Mice were fed either control diet or diet containing 0.25, 0.5 or 1%
areca nut for 45 days. During the last 10 days the diet was supplemented with
0.5 or 1% mace. At 0.5 and 1% in the diet, areca nut decreased mace/​induced
increases in hepatic GST and /​SH levels and elevated further increases in the
levels of cytochrome b5 and cytochrome P/​450.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 8340031 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

57: Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1993 Apr 15;192(1):61/​8.

Flavor constituents in cola drinks induce hepatic DNA adducts in adult and fetal
mice.

Randerath K, Putman KL, Randerath E.

Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.

Mice given one of several widely consumed cola drinks in place of drinking water
for up to 8 weeks developed significant levels of covalent liver DNA adducts in
a time dependent manner, as measured by 32P/​postlabeling. These adducts were not
detected in mice given tap water or one of 3 non/​cola beverages. Adducts
chromatographically identical to those induced by cola drinks were detected in
mice treated with extracts of nutmeg or mace, spices from the nutmeg tree
(Myristica fragrans Houttuyn), or with myristicin
(1/​allyl/​5/​methoxy/​3,4/​methylenedioxybenzene), the major spice constituent of
nutmeg. In addition, small amounts of adducts derived from the hepatocarcinogen
safrole (1/​allyl/​3,4/​methylenedioxybenzene), a minor constituent of nutmeg, were
observed. Liver DNA adducts were also detected in fetal liver when pregnant mice
were intubated with myristicin. Possible implications of these findings for
human health are discussed.

Publication Types:
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

PMID: 8476434 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

58: J Nat Prod. 1991 May/​Jun;54(3):856/​9.

Isolation and characterization of two antimicrobial agents from mace (Myristica
fragrans).

Orabi KY, Mossa JS, el/​Feraly FS.

Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal, College of Pharmacy, King Saud
University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The two antimicrobial resorcinols malabaricone B [1] and malabaricone C [2] were
isolated from mace, the dried seed covers of Myristica fragrans. Both compounds
exhibited strong antifungal and antibacterial activities. Structure
modifications by methylation or reduction resulted in diminished activity.

PMID: 1955885 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

59: Arch Pharm Res. 1991 Mar;14(1):1/​6.

The crystal structure of licarin/​B, (C20H20O4), a component of the seeds of
Myristica fragrans.

Kim YB, Park IY, Shin KH.

College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Korea.

The crystal structure of licarin/​B, a component of Myristicae Semen was
determined by single crystal X/​ray diffraction analysis. Crystal of the
compound, which was recrystallized from the mixture of hexane and ether, is
monoclinic with a = 12.740 (1), b = 7.219(1), c = 9.284(1) A, beta = 94.75(1)
degrees, Dx = 1.26, Dm = 1.27 g/cm3, space group P2l, and Z = 2. The structure
was solved by direct method and refined by least/​squares procedure to the final
R value of 0.040 for 1532 independent reflections inverted question markF > or
= 3 sigma (F) inverted question mark. The compound is a dimeric phenylpropanoid,
and belongs to the neolignan analogues. The molecules are arranged along with
the screw axis. The intermolecular contacts appear to be the normal van der
Waals' forces.

PMID: 10319112 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

60: Cancer Lett. 1991 Mar;56(3):231/​4.

Chemopreventive action of mace (Myristica fragrans, Houtt) on
methylcholanthrene/​induced carcinogenesis in the uterine cervix in mice.

Hussain SP, Rao AR.

Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi, India.

The present paper reports the chemopreventive action of mace (aril covering the
testa of the seed of Myristica fragrans) on 3/​methylcholanthrene (MCA)/​induced
carcinogenesis in the uterine cervix of virgin, young adult, Swiss albino mice.
Placement of cotton/​thread impregnated with beeswax containing MCA
(approximately 600 micrograms) inside the canal of the uterine cervix results in
the appearance of precancerous and cancerous lesions in the cervical epithelium.
In this experiment using the cervical carcinogenesis model system, if mace was
administered orally at the dose level of 10 mg/mouse per day for 7 days before
and 90 days following carcinogen thread insertion, the cervical carcinoma
incidence, as compared with that of the control (73.9%), was 21.4%. This decline
in the incidence of carcinoma was highly significant (P less than 0.001). The
incidence of precancerous lesions did not display any definite association with
different treatments.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 2021927 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

61: Cancer Lett. 1991 Jan;56(1):59/​63.

Chemopreventive action of mace (Myristica fragrans, Houtt) on DMBA/​induced
papillomagenesis in the skin of mice.

Jannu LN, Hussain SP, Rao AR.

Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi, India.

The present paper reports the chemopreventive property of mace (aril covering
the seed of Myristica fragrans) on DMBA/​induced papillomagenesis in the skin of
male Swiss albino mice. When a single topical application of DMBA (150
micrograms in 100 microliters of acetone) was followed, 2 weeks later, by
repeated applications of croton oil (1% in acetone, three times/week) skin
papillomas appeared in 100% animals and the average tumors per tumor/​bearing
animal was 5.67. On the other hand, when animals receiving similar treatments
were put on a diet containing 1% mace during the periinitiational phase of
tumorigenesis, the skin papilloma incidence was reduced to 50% and the average
tumor per tumor/​bearing mouse was only 1.75. This decline in papilloma was
significant (P less than 0.05).

PMID: 1900737 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

62: Gaoxiong Yi Xue Ke Xue Za Zhi. 1989 Nov;5(11):621/​4.

Studies on several naturally occurring lignans.

Kuo YH.

Form the bark of Taiwania cryptomerioides, the flower buds of Magnolia fargesii,
the wood of Juniperus formosana, and the nutmeg of Myristica fragrans and
Myristica cagayanensis, eleven new kinds of lignans and neoli gnans were
isolated. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by physical and
chemical methods.

PMID: 2561293 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

63: Cancer Lett. 1989 Jul 15;46(2):87/​91.

Effects of mace (Myristica fragrans, Houtt.) on cytosolic glutathione
S/​transferase activity and acid soluble sulfhydryl level in mouse liver.

Kumari MV, Rao AR.

Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi, India.

The aril of plant Myristica fragrans Houtt. commonly known as mace, which is
consumed as a spice as well as used as a folk/​medicine, was screened for its
effects on the levels of cytosolic glutathione S/​transferase (GST) and
acid/​soluble sulfhydryl (SH) groups in the liver of young adult male and female
Swiss albino mice. Animals were assorted into 4 groups comprised of either sex
and received either normal diet (negative control), 1%
2,3/​tert/​butyl/​4/​hydroxyanisole (BHA) diet (positive control), 1% mace diet or
2% mace diet for 10 days. There was a significant increase in the GST activity
in the liver of mice exposed to BHA or mace. In addition, there was a
significant increase in the SH content in the liver of mice fed on 1% BHA and 2%
mace diets.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 2752386 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

64: Jpn J Pharmacol. 1989 Feb;49(2):155/​63.

Antiinflammatory effect of mace, aril of Myristica fragrans Houtt., and its
active principles.

Ozaki Y, Soedigdo S, Wattimena YR, Suganda AG.

Division of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, National Institute of Hygienic
Sciences, Tokyo, Japan.

Mace which is the aril of the fruit of Myristica fragrans HOUTT, has been used
in Indonesian folk medicine as aromatic stomachics, analgesics, a medicine for
rheumatism, etc. The present study was carried out to elucidate the
antiinflammatory effect of methanol extract obtained from Mace and its active
principles. The methanol extract was extracted with ether, and then the ether
soluble fraction was extracted with n/​hexane. The n/​hexane soluble fraction was
fractionated by silica gel column chromatography (Fr/​l/​Fr/​V), and the active
principle was isolated from Fr/​II by thin layer chromatography (Fr/​VI/​Fr/​VII).
The antiinflammatory activity of these fractions was investigated on
carrageenin/​induced edema in rats and acetic acid/​induced vascular permeability
in mice. All fractions and indomethacin were suspended in 2% C.M.C. solution and
administered p.o. The methanol extract (1.5 g/kg), ether fraction (0.9 g/kg),
n/​hexane fraction (0.5 g/kg), Fr/​II (0.19 g/kg) and Fr/​VI (0.17 g/kg) showed a
lasting antiinflammatory activity, and the potencies of these fractions were
approximately the same as that of indomethacin (10 mg/kg). Fr/​VI was determined
to be myristicin. These results suggest that the antiinflammatory action of Mace
is due to the myristicin that it contains.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 2487032 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

65: Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1988 Jul;36(7):2685/​8.

Studies on crude drugs effective on visceral larva migrans. V. The larvicidal
principle in mace (aril of Myristica fragrans).

Nakamura N, Kiuchi F, Tsuda Y, Kondo K.

PMID: 3240490 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

66: Indian J Med Res. 1984 May;79:694/​6.

Antienterotoxic effect of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) on enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli.

Rashid A, Misra DS.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 6392087 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

67: J Ethnopharmacol. 1982 Jul;6(1):61/​6.

The pharmacological effects of the ligroin extract of nutmeg (Myristica
fragrans).

Sherry CJ, Ray LE, Herron RE.

A ligroin extract of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) caused a significant increase
in the duration of light and deep sleep in the young chicken. The presence of
trimyristin tended to increase the effect of the extract. The extract did not
contain detectable amounts of myristicin, elemicin, safrole, or eugenol, which
either individually or collectively have been suggested to be the active agent
of nutmeg.

PMID: 7202086 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

68: J Chromatogr. 1974 Feb 13;89(1):113/​7.

A chromatographic comparison of the constituents of nutmeg and mace (Myristica
fragrans Houtt.) with those of marihuana and hashish (Cannabis sativa L.).

Forrest JE, Heacock RA.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 4361171 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

69: J Chem Soc [Perkin 1]. 1974;2:205/​9.

Diarylpropanoids from nutmeg and mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt.).

Forrest JE, Heacock RA, Forrest TP.

PMID: 4856212 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

70: Lloydia. 1972 Dec;35(4):440/​9.

Nutmeg and mace, the psychotropic spices from Myristica fragrans.

Forrest JE, Heacock RA.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 4581623 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

71: Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 1971 Jun;10(6):370/​4.

Nutmeg as a narcotic. A contribution to the chemistry and pharmacology of nutmeg
(Myristica fragrans).

Kalbhen DA.

PMID: 4996769 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

72: Psychopharmacol Bull. 1967 Dec;4(3):13.

Myristica fragrans (nutmeg). Introduction.

Truitt EB Jr.

PMID: 5615545 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]