Effects of ethanolic extract of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) on some heamatological indices in albino rats

Abstract

In spite of wide spread biological uses of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), there is a dearth of information on its effects on haematological indices. This work was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extract of M. fragrans on some haematological indices using albino rat as a model. Twenty four (24) Wistar strain albino rats weighing 140 to 160 g were randomly distributed into four (4) groups of six (6) animals per group. Group I consists of rats which received 10 ml/kg normal saline (orally) and served as the control while those in Groups II, III and IV received 50% ethanolic seed extract of M. fragrans (orally) at doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg,respectively. In all groups, the blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture for analysis of haematological indices after feeding regimens lasted for 14 days. The results showed significant decreases (p< 0.05) in red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HbC) and platelet count especially at high doses. There was significant increase (p< 0.05) in total white blood cell (WBC) count. This study therefore seems to confirm the anti-inflammatory properties of seed ofM. fragrans and also suggests that it may have deleterious effects on haemopoiesis at high doses.   Key words: Myristical fragrans, nutmeg, haematological indices, saponin, glycosides, albino rats.