Protective effect of nutmeg aqueous extract against experimentally-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.
BACKGROUND
Nutmeg a well-known spice used as a folk medicine in India to treat stomach ailments. Worldwide it is commonly used for food preservation and fragrance. Abundant references were given for nutmeg in ayurveda, unani, and siddha as a single drug or as an important constituent in formulations.


OBJECTIVE
In the present study, nutmeg aqueous extract (NMAET) was evaluated against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress.


METHODS
Antioxidant enzymes, liver functions tests, and lipid profile tests were performed using standard procedures. Histological examination of liver was done by fixing in formaldehyde solution and hematoxylin staining.


RESULTS
Oral administration of NMAET effectively inhibited the ISO-induced changes in the activities of hepatic marker and antioxidant enzymes in plasma and heart tissue along with lipid peroxidation levels. The liver sections of ISO administered rats showed massive fatty changes, necrosis, ballooning degeneration, and broad infiltration of the lymphocytes and the loss of cellular boundaries; these changes were completely absent in groups treated with extract. Analysis of variance and Duncan's Multiple Range tests were used to perform statistical analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that the NMAET possess significant potential as hepatoprotective and antioxidative agent against ISO-induced damage in rats.
Department of Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India ; Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Mohammed Abdul
MA
Kareem
Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA ; Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Saayi Krushna
SK
Gadhamsetty
Department of Biochemistry, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea.
Althaf Hussain
AH
Shaik
Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
E Maruthi
EM
Prasad
Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Lakshmi Devi
LD
Kodidhela
Antioxidant enzymes; isoproterenol; lipid peroxidation; marker enzymes and hepatoprotective agent