Chemical properties of <i>Monodora myristica</i> and its protective potentials against free radicals <i>in vitro</i>

Abstract

Distortion of the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the body's antioxidant defenses against them produces oxidative stress, which intensifies tissue damage. Spices have been reported to possess antioxidant properties which protect against ROS. Monodora myristica is among the common spices in Nigeria with reported medicinal properties. Its proximate composition, phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities were investigated. The proximate composition ranged from 3.06 to 52.42% with nitrogen free extract having the highest value and ash content, lowest. Phytochemical screening of the spice showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and saponins. The 1,1-diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity ranged from 16.9 to 71.15 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. While the reducing power compared to the standard, gallic acid ranging from 0.028 to 0.126 mg GAE/g. Monodora myristica exhibited high antioxidant activities in vitro, signifying the protective potential of the spice against free radicals. The phytochemicals, phenolic and flavonoids in particular may be responsible for these effective antioxidant properties.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of Tecoma stans against lung cancer cell line (A549)

“…DPPH assay is performed to study the radical scavenging activity, the scavenging activities in the present investigation were similar to that as reported by Erukainure et al (2012), Where the scavenging activity follows a dose dependen pattern i.e., increase in activity to increase in concentration. The alcoholic and aqueous extract of T.stans on phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of polyphenolic,ß-sitosterol and flavonoids.…”

Ameliorative Effect of the Flavonoid Rich Fraction of Monodora myristica (Gaertn) Dunel Seed Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats

“…In traditional system of medicine, it is used to cure sores from guinea worm infections, stomach-ache, headache, constipation as well as to stop intra-uterine bleeding in women after child birth [11][12][13][14]. Additionally, the root is chewed to alleviate toothaches and arthritis and is also utilized in the management of anaemia, haemorrhoids as well as sexual weakness [15]. Previous studies have reported the in vitro antioxidant properties of the different extracts of M. myristica seeds [10,15,16].…”

“…Additionally, the root is chewed to alleviate toothaches and arthritis and is also utilized in the management of anaemia, haemorrhoids as well as sexual weakness [15]. Previous studies have reported the in vitro antioxidant properties of the different extracts of M. myristica seeds [10,15,16]. The seeds have also been investigated to possess cholesterol lowering activity [17], antisickling activity [18], antimicrobial activity [19] as well as anthelmintic activity [20].…”

Genetic diversity in African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) accessions from South Eastern Nigeria

“…The large subspherical fruits contain brown, oval, aromatic seeds ( Figure 1) which when ground are used as a spice or condiment in African cuisines, providing a flavour resembling that of nutmeg, Myristica fragrans (Celtnet Recipes, 2011). In addition, the bark, seed and leaves are used in treating various ailments in African traditional medicine, (Erukainure et al, 2012).…”