Nutmeg Research Articles

Exploring the mechanism of action of huoermai essential oil for plateau insomnia based on the camp/CREB/BDNF/gabaergic pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe traditional Huoermai therapy is a treatment for insomnia used by the Tibetan people living on the Tibetan plateau in China. This therapy involves the use of Myristica fragrans Houtt. and Carum carvi L., along with fomentation and massage, and has shown significant clinical effects. However, the mechanism of how Huoermai therapy treats plateau insomnia needs further clarification. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of Huoermai essential oil (HEO) in treating plateau insomnia, focusing on the cAMP/CREB/BDNF/GABAergic pathway. MethodsThe major components of Huoermai essential oil were identified by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for subsequent network pharmacology analysis. Proteomics techniques were employed to pinpoint disparities in brain tissue protein expression in a mouse model of plateau insomnia following Huoermai therapy administration, in conjunction with network pharmacology to forecast pathways related to hypoxia and insomnia. Plateau insomnia mouse model was established and the therapeutic impact of Huoermai essential oil was evaluated. Hematoxylin & Eosin staining(HE) was conducted to observe pathological damage to the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and hypothalamus structures. Changes in serotonin (5-HT), melatonin (MT), adenosine (AD), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in mouse brain tissue were gauged through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess sleep status and oxidative stress levels in mice. Molecular docking was employed to anticipate the target binding energy of Huoermai essential oil constituents. ELISA and Western Blot (WB) were used to ascertain the expression of cAMP/CREB/BDNF/GABAergic pathway. ResultsThe results indicated that HEO positively impacted intermittent hypobaric hypoxia-induced plateau insomnia in mice. Histological examination results showed that HEO ameliorated neuronal damage in specific regions of the brain affected by plateau insomnia, such as the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus. Through GC-MS analysis, 56 volatile oil components were identified. Subsequently, a combined network pharmacology and proteomics analyses led to selecting the cAMP/CREB/BDNF/GABAergic pathway for further study. ELISA experiments demonstrated that HEO treatment increased GABA and MT levels while significantly reducing 5-HT and adenosine levels in brain tissue of mice with plateau insomnia. WB results revealed that HEO ameliorated plateau insomnia by suppressing the hyperactivation of the cAMP pathway, increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) expression, and alleviating hypoxia-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, molecular docking results showed strong binding affinity of all pharmacological components to their targets and proteins in the brain. ConclusionThese results indicate that HEO significantly prolongs sleep duration in plateau insomniac mice and treats plateau insomnia by modulating levels of sleep-related regulators, modulating the cAMP pathway, increasing GABA receptor expression, and improving neuronal survival and anti-apoptosis.

PENGGUNAAN PENGETAHUAN MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMANFAATAN TANAMAN UNTUK PANGAN DAN OBAT DI AGROFORESTRY GUNUNG DAMAR GORONTALO

The practice of agroforestry in the Gunung Damar area, managed by the local community, is based on knowledge passed down through generations. The survival of agroforestry systems in the tropics, including the Gunung Damar agroforestry system, is due to the experience inherited from generation to generation. This accumulated experience shapes the knowledge of the people around Mount Damar in determining how to utilize agroforestry. This study aims to identify how community knowledge is applied in the use of plants for food and medicinal purposes in the Gunung Damar agroforestry garden. The data was collected through surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs), while data analysis was conducted using the Importance Value Index (LUVI). The results showed that 16 plant species were identified for medicinal use, and 10 plant species as food sources in the Gunung Damar agroforestry system. Four medicinal plants with the highest LUVI indices were Myristica fragrans (0.57), Zingiber officinale (0.46), Curcuma longa (0.46), and Cinnamomum verum (0.41). Meanwhile, the food sources with the highest indices were Arenga pinnata (3.16), Syzygium aromaticum (2.26), and Aleurites moluccana (0.90)

Antioxidant effect and acaricidal potential against camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii of the essential oil hydrodistilled from Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Nutmeg)

Nowadays, ticks are considered to be one dangerous blood-sucking ectoparasite for poultries, livestocks and even some wild animals. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the insecticidal activity of the essential oil extracted from Myristica fragrans Houtt. with the popular name nutmeg (NEO) against the camel ticks, Hyalomma dromedarii. When the engorged female ticks were immersed in 10 mL of NEO solution of the concentration 800 mg/mL for 5 min, the essential oil could not only decrease the viability and mobility of them, but also decrease their blood digestion. Meanwhile, the acaricide efficacy of NEO against the engorged female ticks was demonstrated as well. When the eggs produced collected, weighed, deposited in the bottles covered by cotton gauze and subjected to the incubator for hatching, the essential oil was demonstrated to have the prominent inhibitory effect against the oviposition, hatchability and fertility of the engorged female ticks, when the engorged female ticks were immersed in 10 mL of NEO solution of the concentration 400 and 800 mg/mL for 5 min. In consequence, the employment of NEO as the potential insecticide against the ticks, H. dromedarii, is prospective in the future.

Effectiveness of co-cultured Myristica fragrans Houtt. seed extracts with commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis and its metabolites in antimicrobial activity and biofilm formation of skin pathogenic bacteria

BackgroundSkin commensal bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) can help defend against skin infections, and they are increasingly being recognized for their role in benefiting skin health. This study aims to demonstrate the activities that Myristica fragrans Houtt. seed extracts, crude extract (CE) and essential oil (EO), have in terms of promoting the growth of the skin commensal bacterium S. epidermidis and providing metabolites under culture conditions to disrupt the biofilm formation of the common pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.MethodsThe culture supernatant obtained from a co-culture of S. epidermidis with M. fragrans Houtt. seed extracts in either CE or EO forms were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in silico investigations, and applied to assess the survival and biofilm formation of S. aureus.ResultsThe combination of commensal bacteria with M. fragrans Houtt. seed extract either CE or EO produced metabolic compounds such as short-chain fatty acids and antimicrobial peptides, contributing to the antimicrobial activity. This antimicrobial activity was related to downregulating key genes involved in bacterial adherence and biofilm development in S. aureus, including cna, agr, and fnbA.ConclusionThese findings suggest that using the culture supernatant of the commensal bacteria in combination with CE or EO may provide a potential approach to combat biofilm formation and control the bacterial proliferation of S. aureus. This may be a putative non-invasive therapeutic strategy for maintaining a healthy skin microbiota and preventing skin infections.

Evaluation of Feed Additive Nutmeg Seed Powder (Myristica fragnans Houtt) on Egg Quality Characteristics and Egg Production

Evaluation of Feed Additive Nutmeg Seed Powder (Myristica fragnans Houtt) on Egg Quality Characteristics and Egg Production

Identification of morphological and variety diagnostic molecular markers for commercial varieties of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Abstract Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt; family: Myristicaceae) is an important tree spice of great export value due to the presence of secondary metabolites with scope in health, wellness and cosmetic industries. Its dioecious in nature due to which it is propagated by budding and grafting which requires specialised skill and as a result authentic planting material production is very expensive. Based on the constant demand from farmers and stakeholders for a suitable, fast and easy technique for determining the authenticity of nutmeg varieties, an attempt was made to develop morphological and molecular markers for the identification of three commercial varieties that are in high demand in India; viz. IISR Vishwashree, IISR Keralashree, Sindhushree and a monoecious nutmeg (MN) accession, along with their biochemical profiles. Among the various morphological characters as per distinctiveness, uniformity and stability guidelines, the varieties showed distinctness mainly in leaf shape, shape of female flowers, fruit shape and seed shape. Out of 35 ISSR primers screened, six primers viz., IS 02, ISSR 12, ISSR 05, ISSR 14, ISSR 01 and UBC 834 generated clear, unique reproducible polymorphic bands capable of distinguishing the varieties. Among the varieties analysed, MN was found to be superior in terms of seed butter and essential oil in nut, mace and leaves. IISR Vishwashree was on par with MN in nut essential oil content. IISR Keralashree was superior in terms of oleoresin in nuts and mace. The morphological and molecular markers identified may be used for effective checking of authenticity of planting materials of commercially grown nutmeg varieties.

Evaluating the Antidote Action of Nimbuk Swarasa and Peya in Jayapala Toxicity: A Critical Review

Jayapala (Myristica fragrans), a plant-based toxin, is recognized for its therapeutic importance despite its toxic properties. Improper administration or insufficient purification can lead to adverse effects, including gastrointestinal irritation, salivation, and even death. The management of Jayapala poisoning is well-documented in classical Ayurvedic texts, with specific antidotes such as Nimbuk Swarasa (lemon juice) and Peya (rice water) being highlighted. This review critically evaluates the mode of action of Nimbuk Swarasa and Peya in Jayapala poisoning, to establish their therapeutic efficacy and practical applicability as antidotes. The study highlights the antidotal potential of Nimbuk Swarasa and Peya in enhancing digestive function, alleviating symptoms, and providing a cost-effective solution for managing Jayapala toxicity. The findings indicate that these preparations not only mitigate harmful effects but also embody a practical approach to addressing accidental poisoning

Molecular Networking, Docking, and Biological Evaluation of Licarin A from Myristica fragrans as a Potential Cancer Chemopreventive Agent.

Currently, clinically available cancer chemopreventive drug options are limited to mostly tamoxifen and its derivatives, such as raloxifene, and approved specifically for breast cancer. Thus, the availability of chemopreventive drug molecules for other types of malignant cancers would be desirable. In previous reports, the arils of Myristica fragrans (mace) have been found to exhibit cancer chemopreventive activity. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to identify a natural product from this species with potential chemopreventive activity guided by chemoinformatic sample analysis via Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) molecular networking and molecular docking. The neolignan licarin A (1) was identified as a potential chemopreventive constituent, and subsequently submitted to several in vitro bioassays and a zebrafish toxicity evaluation. In this work, 1 afforded superior phosphoNF-κBp65 phosphorylation activity in DU-145 prostate cancer cells compared to isoliquiritigenin (2), which was used as a natural product chemopreventive control. Both 1 and 2 showed a longer-lasting reduction in cellular stress in a cell oxidative stress real-time dose-response assay than the positive control using Hepa1c1c7 mouse hepatoma cells. In addition, 1 displayed similar activities to 2, while also being less toxic to zebrafish (Danio rerio) than both this chalcone and the clinically used chemopreventive drug tamoxifen.

A new herbal anesthetic agent for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) sedation and anesthesia: nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) essential oil.

In aquaculture, interest in natural essential oils is increasing alongside synthetic anesthetic agents. In this context, the anesthetic efficacy of nutmeg essential oil, which had not been previously tested, was investigated in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The study, conducted using three different concentrations (800 μL/L "LC", 1,200 μL/L "MC", and 1,400 μL/L "HC"), found that induction times were <3 min for MC and HC, while LC had a longer induction time, exceeding acceptable levels. Within the first 4 h, white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels increased to >5 103/μL, >1 106/μL, >6 g/dL, and >12%, respectively. However, they returned to control levels after 8 h. Histological signs were more severe with higher concentrations, and necrosis was only observed in the HC group. Alkaline comet assay results showed DNA migration only in the HC group. According to the PROMETHEE multi-criteria decision-making model, the LC concentration is suitable for sedation, while the MC concentration should be used for deep anesthesia. The current study demonstrates that nutmeg essential oil can be used as an alternative to commercial synthetic anesthetic agents.

Myristica Fragrans: A Potent Antibacterial Agent against Food Borne Pathogens

Myristica Fragrans: A Potent Antibacterial Agent against Food Borne Pathogens

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Extracts Accelerate Oral Mucosal Wound Healing In Vivo

Background: Oral mucosal pain and sores are common concerns in dental care, often resulting from surgeries, infections, trauma, or autoimmune disorders. Conventional treatments like NSAIDs offer relief but carry adverse side effects. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) has been traditionally used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, its potential in oral mucosal wound healing remains underexplored. Methods: This study utilized male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) to assess the wound healing effects of nutmeg extracts and fractions. Nutmeg was extracted using maceration, and the fractions were obtained through liquid-liquid extraction. Rats were divided into control and treatment groups, and topical nutmeg treatments were applied daily to incised gingival mucosa. Wound closure time was monitored daily, and healing rates were analyzed. Results: The ethyl acetate fraction of nutmeg exhibited the fastest wound healing, achieving an average healing rate of 88.79%, closely matching the positive control (94.65%). Other fractions also demonstrated efficacy, with the aqueous fraction achieving 82.46% and the ethanol fraction 75.54%. The hexane fraction showed the slowest healing at 63.67%. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the groups (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Nutmeg extracts, particularly the ethyl acetate fraction, significantly accelerated wound healing in the oral mucosa of Wistar rats, highlighting its potential as a natural wound-healing agent. Further research is needed to isolate the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and to explore their clinical applications in dental care.

The principal component analysis of antioxidant activities of Songgak, a traditional herbal drink in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Songgak is a traditional herbal tea of the Sasak Tribe in Lombok Island, Indonesia, formulated to strengthen people's stamina. Songgak is composed of seven kinds of roasted spices: Piper nigrum L., Coriandrum sativum L., Piper retrofractum Vahl, Myristica fragrans Houtt, Syzygium aromaticum, Elaeocarpus grandiflorus, and Helicteres isora. This study aimed to assess the benefits of Songgak and its constituent spices by evaluating their antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TPC). Antioxidant activity tests were performed on the water extract of Songgak, ethanolic extract of Songgak, and ethanolic extract of seven spices of Songgak including 2,2′- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The antioxidant activity using DPPH method showed that the water extract of Songgak has a strong categorisation of antioxidant activity with DPPH IC50 value of 63.78±4.29 µg/mL. The constituent species of Songgak with the strongest antioxidant activity was S. aromaticum. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of Songgak tea were 26.85±4.29 mg GAE/g and 6.99±0.29 mg RE/gram, respectively. The correlation between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities was determined using principal component analysis (PCA). The loading plot showed that TPC and TFC were strongly correlated with the antioxidant activity (FRAP method) of Songgak tea and its constituent spices. These results revealed that the presence of flavonoid and phenolic compounds in the seven herbal medicinal plants were responsible for the antioxidant properties of Songgak as a healthy herbal drink. Therefore, consuming Songgak every day can be beneficial for preventing various diseases involving free radicals.

Nutmeg vs mace: Evaluation of functional, nutritional, antioxidant and antimicrobial traits to employ as a food preservative

Nutmeg and mace from Myristica fragrans Houtt. are renowned for their culinary significance and medicinal properties. This study was designed to analyze the functional properties, proximate and mineral composition of nutmeg and mace, phytochemical estimation, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of nutmeg and mace essential oils and oleoresins. The study was further elaborated by testing their synergistic interaction with streptomycin and antibiofilm potential of the most effective treatment. Results revealed better functional properties, higher fiber (35.2%) and mineral (K, Mg, P, Ca, Mn, Zn) content in nutmeg than mace. Nutmeg and mace essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and their respective oleoresins were prepared by the Soxhlet extraction method. Phytochemical screening showed a greater phenolic content in mace oleoresin (43.85 mg GAE/g of dw) and terpenoid content in mace essential oil (75.4%). Among all the treatments, mace oleoresin revealed best antioxidant potential against mustard oil degradation during its accelerated oxidation at 70 °C when stored for 7–28 days with minimum increase in peroxide, anisidine, thiobarbituric acid and total oxidation values of mustard oil. Mace oleoresin also revealed the maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica (MIC values; 180–530 μg/ml). It also revealed synergistic interaction with streptomycin against all the test bacteria along with a notable decrease in biofilm formation (50% of MIC.) GC-MS studies of mace oleoresin showed the presence of terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, phenols and fatty acids and their esters. Hence, mace oleoresins may be used as a natural and safe food preservative.

Isolation of Nutmeg Essential Oil (Myristica fragrans houtt) From Aceh Indonesia and Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities

This study aims to isolate the nutmeg essential oil (Myristica fragrans Houtt) from Aceh Indonesia and evaluate their biological activity. The antioxidant activity of the nutmeg essential oils (Myristica fragrans Houtt) was determined by DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-pikrihidrazil) assay. The DPPH assay showed that arillus essential oil (AMFH) has the highest antioxidant activity with the IC50 values was 216,695 ppm. The chemical composition of the AMFH was perfomed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), and the results showed that AMFH contains Terpinen-4-ol (T-4-ol), α-Terpineol (α-T), Safrole (Saf) and Myristicin (Myr) with the percentage area of 11.20%; 1.83%; 5.10%; and 27.80% respectively. The AMFH was isolated by column chromatography and four fractions were obtained, namely AMFH1; AMFH2; AMFH3; and AMFH4 fractions. The DPPH assay showed that the AMFH3 fraction showed excellent antioxidant activity with the IC50 values of 59.329 ppm. The AMFH3 fraction was than reisolated by using by column chromatography to obtain four subfractions namely AMFH3A; AMFH3B; AMFH3C; and AMFH3D. The DPPH assay showed that the subfraction of AMFH3A has the highest antioxidant activity with the IC50 values of 98.993 ppm. The antibacterial activity of AMFH3A subfractions was evaluated by Kirby Bauer-Disc diffusion method, and the results showed that AMFH3A subfraction showed slightly higher activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus with the diameter inhibition of 14.28 mm and 12.26 mm respectively. The chemical composition of the AMFH3A subfraction was performed by GC-MS, and the results showed that AMFH3A subfraction contains Terpinen-4-ol (T-4-ol), α-Terpineol (α-T), Safrole (Saf) and Myristicin (Myr) with the percentage area of 14.37%; 2.16%; 7.36%; and 54.77% respectively.

Phytochemical Analysis and Nanoparticle Formulations of Extracts Myristica fragrans Houtt Leaves as Antibacterial

Myristica fragrans Houtt leaves contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids, which have antibacterial properties. At the nanoscale, the particles have a bigger surface contact area, resulting in increased amounts and solubility of the active chemical. This leads to a stronger antibacterial activity. This study aims to examine the influence of several chitosan variations on particle size, antibacterial properties and the form of nanoparticles produced from Myristica fragrans leaves ethanol extract. Ethanol extract was analyzed using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method to quantify total flavonoid content. Nanoparticles were synthesized using the ionic gelation technique with several ratios of chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate, specifically 8:1, 10:1 and 12:1. Nanoparticles were analyzed with a Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Agar diffusion test for bacteria germs using a paper backer. Myristica fragrans leaves ethanol extract was 50, 40 and 30 %, while nanoparticle extract was 5, 4 and 3 %. The overall flavonoid concentration in the QE/ethanol extract was 39.7252 ± 1.9596 mg. Antibacterial test results against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria and Myristica fragrans leaves extract limit inhibition area at 30 % (13.35 mm), 40 % (13.68 mm) and 50 % (13.93 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus and 30 (13.28), 40 (13.45) and 50 % (13.81 mm) for Escherichia coli. Myristica fragrans leaves extract chitosan nanoparticles included 3 (14.70), 4 (15.30) and 5 % (15.56 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus and 3 (14.60), 4 (14.65) and 5 % (15.05 mm) for Escherichia coli. Ionic gelation can create nanoparticles of Myristica fragrans leaves ethanol extract with chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate. Myristica fragrans leaves nanoparticle ethanol extract exhibits better antibacterial activity than ethanol extract. Increasing chitosan concentration affects particle size. The ethanol extract of Myristica fragrans nanoparticle leaves showed slightly better antibacterial activity than the ethanol extract. HIGHLIGHTS Nanoparticles of extracts and extracts have proven excellent antibacterial activity against human pathogens through paper disc diffusion method. Antibacterial test results against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria and Myristica fragrans leaves extract limit inhibition area at 30 % (13.35 mm), 40 % (13.68 mm), and 50 % (13.93 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus and 30 % (13.28 mm), 40 % (13.45 mm), and 50 % (13.81 mm) for Escherichia coli. Myristica fragrans leaves extract chitosan nanoparticles included 3 % (14.70 mm), 4 % (15.30 mm), and 5 % (15.56 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus and 3 % (14.60 mm), 4 % (14.65 mm), and 5 % (15.05 mm) for Escherichia coli. The synthesized extract nanoparticles can be used against human pathogens acts as antibacterial drugs. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

ASSESSMENT OF GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE), GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM), BLACKSEED (NIGELLA SATIVA), CLOVE (SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM) AND NUTMEG (MYRISTICA FRAGRANS) OILS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, AND MORPHOMETRIC INDICES OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS JUVENILES

Medicinal plant extracts, have been demonstrated to be efficient to replace chemical additives or antibiotics, decreasing metabolic waste production, and improving fillet quality. Thus, plants extracts have been widely studied to discover their potential use in aquaculture. Thus, this study was carried out to determine effect of essential oils extracted from Zingiber officinale (ginger, ZO), Allium sativum (garlic, AS), Nigella sativa (Black seed, NS), Myristica fragrans (nutmeg, AF) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove, SA) on growth performance and morphometric indices of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. Two hundred and fifty (250) juveniles of Clarias gariepinus of average weight 17.05 ± 0.02g were used for the experiment with 20 fish per treatment, replicated twice and fed at 3% body weight. Effects of the therapeutic oils were assessed using growth performance such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio and production productive index and morphometric parameters (standard length, total length, height, dorsal width) for the period of 56 days. Results indicated that dietary group T3 had the highest growth performance (30.34g) and survival rate (95%) among the treatments. Diets containing AS, SA, and MF oils had higher total length, standard length and heights when compared to the oil. The oils were observed to have positive effects on growth performance, and morphometric indices. By harnessing the benefits of these oils, fish farmers can improve the growth rates and reduce the reliance on synthetic additives and antibiotics, thus promoting environmentally friendly and health-conscious aquaculture practices.

Mechanism of apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma promoted by cardamonin through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Currently, surgical resection remains the primary approach for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with limited options for effective drug therapy. Cardamonin, a principal compound derived from Myristica fragrans of the Zingiberaceae family, has garnered attention for its potential to suppress the onset and progression of various malignancies encompassing breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ovarian cancers. Nevertheless, the involvement of cardamonin in the treatment of OSCC and its underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. This research explored the possible target of cardamonin in treating OSCC via network pharmacological analysis. Subsequently, this research investigated the impact of cardamonin on OSCC cells via in vitro experiments, revealing its capacity to impede the migration, proliferation, and invasion of OSCC cells. Additionally, western blotting analysis demonstrated that cardamonin facilitates apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. The findings suggest that MMP9 and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may serve as the target and pathway of cardamonin in treating OSCC. To summarize, the research findings suggest that cardamonin may facilitate apoptosis in OSCC cells by inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway activation. These outcomes offer a theoretical basis for the utilization of cardamonin as a natural drug for treating OSCC.

Fabrication, catalytic activity, metal sensing ability and electrochemical evaluation of nano silver particles for supercapacitor applications

In this work, stable, spherical silver nanoparticles (MAgNp) were prepared via a green synthesis method using flowers of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg). This flower is abundant in phytochemicals such as saponins that can be utilized as reductants to produce silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were examined using a variety of physico-chemical methods, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), elemental dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and UV–VIS spectrometer. EDX study confirmed the crystalline and face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of AgNP. The majority of particles are present with a higher percentage intensity at an average size of 58.77 nm as revealed in the TEM image, PDI was found to be 0.055. MAgNPs demonstrated perfect activity in the catalytic degradation of methylene blue dye (88 %) and para-nitrophenol (98 %), both anthropogenic pollutants. These nanoparticles were further used as plasmonic sensors to detect heavy metals like Fe(II) and Hg(II) in an aqueous solution. The minimum detection limit was found to be 0.2 mM for Hg(II) and 10 μM for Fe(II) with good linearity. The electrochemical properties of MAgNPs were studied using a carbon supercapacitor electrode coated with MAgNPs. Results from cyclic voltammetry were also determined, and they showed a high specific capacitance of 41 F/gm at 5 mV/s scan rate.

Myristica fragrans Houtt. methanol extract as a promising treatment for Cryptosporidium parvum infection in experimentally immunosuppressed and immunocompetent mice.

Cryptosporidiosis is a major waterborne disease affecting ruminants and humans worldwide. It causes diarrhea and neonatal mortality in buffalo calves, and watery diarrhea and mortality in children and immunodeficient patients. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Myristica fragrans methanolic extract in treatment of C. parvum infection in comparison with nitazoxanide (NZX) (a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug control) in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent mice. One hundred laboratory-bred male Swiss albino mice were equally divided into immunocompetent and immunosuppressed groups. Each group was further divided into five subgroups: (1) non-infected and non-treated control, (2) infected and non-treated control (infected with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts 3 × 103), (3) NZX-treated (100 mg/kg, 200 μL/mouse), (4) M. fragrans Houtt. methanol extract-treated (500 mg/kg), and (5) combination-treated (NZX + M. fragrans extract). Number of oocysts/g of feces, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G level, and interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-4 levels were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. C. parvum oocyst shedding in stool samples was significantly decreased in all treatment groups, with 79.7%, 81.2 %, and 85.5 % reduction in immunocompetent mice treated with NZX, M. fragrans, and their combination, respectively. In immunosuppressed mice, oocyst shedding was reduced by 77.7%, 80.5 %, and 83.7 % upon NZX, M. fragrans, and their combination treatments, respectively. The serum IgG level was lowest in mice treated with a mixture of M. fragrans and NZX, followed by those treated with NZX, and was highest in mice treated with M. fragrans alone. Regarding cytokine levels, all groups treated with M. fragrans had low levels of IFN-γ and IL4 on day 21 post-infection. Collectively, the treatment of cryptosporidiosis with M. fragrans extract was successful in mice, as demonstrated by the measured parameters. M. fragrans reduced C. parvum oocyst shedding and serum IgG, IFN-γ, and IL-4 levels in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice.

Nutritional and safety assessment of aqueous extract of nutmeg seeds, Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg, Myristica fragrans is used as a spice or medicinal plant to manage ailments. This study evaluated the nutritional and safety assessment of an aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans in Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 180 - 240 g were randomly distributed into five groups: Control received distilled water, while 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight represented the treatment groups, respectively. The extract was orally administered to the animals for 28 days and then euthanized under anesthesia. Blood, serum, and liver homogenates from rats were used for biochemical analysis. The phytate and tannin contents were 0.38 mg/100 g and 0.15 mg/100 g, respectively. The calculated phytic acid to zinc ratio was 0.12. The respective percentage proximate components of the extract include moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrates: 10.61%, 45.42%, 5.95%, 1.81%, 13.78%, and 22.43%, respectively. Sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and lead were present in the extract. There was a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and acid phosphatase (ALP) activity in the groups treated with the extract compared to the control groups. Similarly, there was a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in serum total bilirubin and albumin concentrations in the extract treatment groups compared to control groups. On the contrary, there was a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the liver AST and ALP activity in the treatment groups compared to the control. The liver total protein and albumin concentrations showed a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the extract treatment groups compared to the control. There was a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the pack cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), Mean cell volume (MCV), and platelet (PLT) levels in the animals in the extract treatment groups compared to the control group. Myristica fragrans is abundant in essential nutrients crucial for maintaining optimal physiological functions within the body, however, it is important to avoid excessive dosage or prolonged consumption which might be toxic to liver cells. Key words: Myristica, animals, tannins, phytic acid, chemical and drug Induced liver injury, minerals