Myristica fragrans seed extract protects against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.
Nutmeg (seed of Myristica fragrans [MF]) is one of the most commonly used spices in the world and also a well-known herb for the treatment of various intestinal diseases, including colitis in traditional Korean medicine. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether water extract of MF (MFE) can protect against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis in a mouse model. Colitis was induced by 5% DSS in balb/c mice. MFE (100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg) was orally administered to the mice twice a day for 7 days. Body weight, colon length, clinical score, and histological score were assessed to determine the effects on colitis. Proinflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6) were measured to investigate the mechanisms of action. MFE dose dependently inhibited the colon shortening and histological damage to the colon. However, it did not prevent weight loss. MFE also inhibited proinflammatory cytokines. The current results suggest that MFE ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines. Further investigation, including the exact mechanisms is needed.
1 College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Hyojung
H
Kim
Youngmin
Y
Bu
Beom-Joon
BJ
Lee
Jinhyun
J
Bae
Sujin
S
Park
Jinsung
J
Kim
Kyungjin
K
Lee
Jae-Myung
JM
Cha
Bongha
B
Ryu
Seok-Jae
SJ
Ko
Gajin
G
Han
Byungil
B
Min
Jae-Woo
JW
Park
D000818:Animals; D003092:Colitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D016264:Dextran Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D026323:Myristica / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry
D016207:Cytokines; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D016264:Dextran Sulfate