Abstract
Purpose: The present study was designed to evaluate the hypoglycaemic
and hypolipidaemic activities of the aqueous extract of nutmeg (i.e.,
the kernel of Myristica fragrans ) in rat models against myocardial
infarction (MI) induced by isoproterenol (ISO). Methods: Rats were
pretreated with nutmeg extract (NM) at an oral dose of 100 mg/kg/day
for a period of 30 days, followed by the induction of MI by
subcutaneous administration of ISO (85 mg/kg) for two consecutive days.
The heart tissue was excised immediately, washed with chilled isotonic
saline and used in histopathological studies. Blood was also collected
from the animals and the plasma separated was subjected to biochemical
analysis. Results: In ISO-administered group, a significant (p <
0.05) increase in the levels of blood glucose, plasma lipids and
lipoprotein lipase activity was observed along with hyalinization of
muscle fibres, compared NM-pretreated ISO-administered rats. In rats
treated with NM, biochemical parameters were near normal. Histological
studies revealed reduced damage of heart tissue in ISO-administered
rats that were pretreated with NM. Conclusion: NM possesses protected
rats against hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and cardiac tissue damage
following MI. Therefore, NM should be further investigated as a
prophylactic against the risk of MI.