Anticonvulsant activities of nutmeg oil of Myristica fragrans

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of the volatile oil of nutmeg, the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans Houtt, using well-established animal seizure models and to evaluate its potential for acute toxicity and acute neurotoxicity. The volatile oil of nutmeg (nutmeg oil) was tested for its effects in maximal electroshock, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole, strychnine and bicuculline seizure tests. All the experiments were performed at the time of peak effect of nutmeg oil. Nutmeg oil showed a rapid onset of action and short duration of anticonvulsant effect. It was found to possess significant anticonvulsant activity against electroshock-induced hind limb tonic extension. It exhibited dose dependent anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazole-induced tonic seizures. It delayed the onset of hind limb tonic extensor jerks induced by strychnine. It was anticonvulsant at lower doses, whereas weak proconvulsant at a higher dose against pentylenetetrazole and bicuculline induced clonic seizures. Nutmeg oil was found to possess wide therapeutic margin, as it did not induce motor impairment when tested up to 600 microL/kg in the inverted screen acute neurotoxicity test. Furthermore, the LD(50) (2150 microL/kg) value was much higher than its anticonvulsant doses (50-300 microL/kg). The results indicate that nutmeg oil may be effective against grand mal and partial seizures, as it prevents seizure spread in a set of established animal models. Slight potentiation of clonic seizure activity limits its use for the treatment of myoclonic and absence seizures.

Chemical diversity and pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

“…A number of recent reports listed between 27–37 components present at various concentrations as determined by GC/MS. In two independent studies by Wahab et al and Piaru et al, the total number of compounds identified in the essential oil was 37 (Piaru et al 2012, Wahab et al 2009). In other studies, Du et al reported 27 compounds, Muchtaridi and co-workers listed 32 compounds while Piras et al identified 30 compounds (Du et al 2014, Muchtaridi et al 2010, Piras et al 2012).…”

“…Wahab et al reported a dose-dependent activity of nutmeg oil in various animal seizure models (Wahab et al 2009). The oil exerted significant anticonvulsant effect against seizures induced by maximal electroshock, pentylenetetrazole, and strychnine, at doses that did not impair locomotor activity.…”

Actions of essential oils on the central nervous system: An updated review.

“…Wahab and his team analysed the anticonvulsant potency of the volatile oil of nutmeg ( Myristica fragrans Houtt., Myristicaceae), using popular seizure models for animals such as the maximal electroshock model or the PTZ, strychnine and bicuculline test. The action of nutmeg oil started rapidly but the anticonvulsive effect did not last very long, however, it was significantly anticonvulsant effective in the MES model.…”

Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants

“…Results of this study concluded that O. basilicum EOs possess anticonvulsant and CNS depressant potentials mediated via central GABAergic receptors. Wahab et al (2009) reported the anticonvulsant efficiency of EO from Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) using various animal models of seizures.…”