Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 2 / 2015 / 57-62.

e - ISSN - 2249-7722
Print ISSN - 2249-7730

International Journal of Phytotherapy

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SCREENING OF Myristica fragrans (ARILLUS) POWDER FOR

EFFECT ON LIPID LEVELS OF RABBITS
Singh Sobhna 1*, Sharma V.N.2 and Gupta Rakesh3
1

Department of Pharmacy, M.J.P.Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2
Department of Pharmacology, S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
3
Department of Pharmacy, L.B.S. College, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

ABSTRACT
The powdered dried arillus of Myristica fragrans was studied in albino rabbits for its effects on
experimentally induced hyperlipidaemia in two doses 100mg/kg (Group B, n=6), 500mg/kg (Group C, n=6) and
compared with control (Group A, n=6). At 60 days of intervention arillus of M.fragrans significantly reduced total
cholesterol up to 90.460.4817% (P<0.01), LDL cholesterol was reduced by 93.950.4572% (P<0.01) and
triglycerides were reduced by 66.082.168 %( P<0.05) in dose 500mg/kg for 60 days. The total cholesterol was
found to be 78.175.354mg/dl in group B, 61.11 15.92mg/dl in group C, versus. 87.095.103mg/dl in group A
(P=n.s. in both groups), LDL cholesterol 54.184.258mg/dl in group B, 21.422.37 mg/dl in group C vs.
49.455.63mg/dl in group A, (P<0.01 in group C, P=n.s. in group B), HDL cholesterol was found to be
28.252.013mg/dl in group B, 30.741.8329mg/dl in group C versus 33.682.143mg/dl in group A, (P=n.s. in both
groups).The triglyceride levels were found to be 35.321.735mg/dl (P<0.0001)in group B, 45.08 4.009 mg/dl
(P=n.s.) in group C, versus 51.04 1.645 mg/dl in group A. The total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol ratio was found
to be 2.560.3797 in group B (P=n.s.), 2.130.1061 in group C (P<0.05) versus the control value 2.980.2572 and
LDL: HDL ratios were 1.770.1184 and 1.090.1592 (P<0.05) in group B and C versus the control value
1.820.2490 The plant material also reduced deposition of cholesterol in liver and heart significantly. The safety
studies showed absence of any adverse effect on various hematological and biochemical parameters of liver and
renal function. The dried arillus of M.fragrans proved to be a hypolipidaemic agent of natural origin as it showed
more reduction in lipid levels as compared to controls.
Key words: Antihyperlipidaemic agent, Hypolipidaemic, Mace, M.fragrans (arillus).
INTRODUCTION
The evidence that link increased plasma
cholesterol levels to increased risk for CHD (coronary
heart disease) are overwhelming [1-4]. Epidemiological,
clinical, genetic and laboratory animal studies indicate
that high plasma levels of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol,
triglycerides and low levels of HDL cholesterol are
causally related to coronary atherosclerosis and risk for
CHD [5]. Dietary treatment still remains the sheet anchor
of treatment of these conditions, but in many cases it

becomes necessary to add a drug. Scientists are involved

in exploring the new therapeutic agents, so as to get safe,
effective and economical alternatives [6].The traditional
Indian system of medicine like Unani and Ayurveda are
based on the use of plants and other natural substances.
Arillus of Myristica fragrans is one of the
constituent of many spices. M.fragrans, family
Myristicaceae is an evergreen tree which grows in hot
moist climate. Its leaves are dorsiventral, alternatively

Corresponding Author:-Singh Sobhna Email: rickyshobhna@yahoo.co.in

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Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 2 / 2015 / 57-62.

arranged, oval or elliptic in shape, exstipulate, have entire

margin, acute base and acuminate apex. The flowers are
unisexual, actinomorphic and corymbose. Fruits are
ovoid-globose, drooping drupe. Seeds are partially
enveloped by fleshy aril. The seed kernel is known as
nutmeg. The arillus which is also called mace is orange or
reddish orange in colour and it is aromatic. This arillus in
powdered form was used for study. The dried kernel of
M.fragrans, has been reported to have health and
nutritional benefits [7]. The hydro alcoholic extract
(50%v/v) of nutmeg (kernel of M.fragrans) significantly
lowered lipid levels in albino rabbits [8]. The inhibitory
effect of monomeric and dimeric phenylpropanoids from
arillus on lipid peroxidation has already been reported [9].
Looking into these beneficial effects, we investigated the
influence of M.fragrans (arillus) powder on total
cholesterol, lipoproteins and tissue lipids. The drug was
not extracted in any solvent; instead it was used as such
taking into consideration the effect of combined
constituents. The acute and sub acute toxicity studies,
effect on hematological and biochemical parameters were
determined to assess safety of drug.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
M. fragrans (arillus) was obtained from local
indigenous medical shop. It is orange or reddish orange in
color and it has aromatic odor. Dried arillus of M.fragrans
was authenticated by Biological Laboratory, National
Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Albino rabbits of
giant strain weighing between 1.5-2.5 kg of both genders
were used as experimental models. They were procured
from Sheep and Wool Research Centre, Government of
India, Rajasthan. The animals were kept in cages with
proper aeration and lighting. Initially they were given a
diet of wheat, rhizka leaves (Medico sativa, family
Leguminosae) and water for two weeks. This was a period
of acclimatization. The animal studies were conducted as
per guidelines from CPCSEA, the society against cruelty
to animals and approval from local committee of
university. Hyperlipidaemia was induced in 18 rabbits by
feeding an atherogenic diet containing 60gm rhizka, 50gm
wheat flour, 5gm hydrogenated vegetable oil, 4gm salt
and 200mg/kg body weight cholesterol powder for 40
days. Subsequently the atherogenic diet was replaced by a
normal diet consisting of wheat flour pellets and rhizka.
The rabbits were divided into 3 groups. The control group
received normal diet only (group A) and the experimental
groups received M.fragrans (arillus) powders suspension
prepared in purified water
per oral in dose
100mg/kg(group B) and 500mg/kg(group C) body weight
for 60 days. Cholesterol was obtained from Hi-Media
Chemicals Ltd, Mumbai, India, hydrogenated vegetable
oil used was of Dalda Foods (Pvt) Limited, India. Rest
other chemicals used were of analytical grade and
obtained from Merck Pvt Ltd, Worli, Mumbai, India, and
Glaxo India Ltd. Mumbai, India.

Blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, high

density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density cholesterol
and
triglycerides),
hematological
parameters
(hemoglobin, total and differential white cell count,
platelet count, bleeding time and clotting time) and
biochemical parameters (glucose, urea, creatinine, SGOT
and SGPT) were carried out initially, after 40 days on
feeding atherogenic diet and finally after 60 days of
normal diet and drug treatment in both control and
experimental groups. The animals were then sacrificed for
organ biochemical studies.
Total cholesterol was estimated by one step
method of Wybenga and Pileggi [10]. The method is
based on principle that cholesterol reacts with hot solution
of ferric perchlorate, ethyl acetate and sulphuric acid to
give lavender colour complex. LDL cholesterol was
estimated indirectly after the estimation of total
cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol by
Friedwald`s fomula [11], HDL was estimated by PTA
method [12], in which HDLis separated by treating serum
with phosphotungtic acid and magnesium chloride.HDL
remains in solution while other lipoprotein fractions
remain precipated. Then HDL is separated by
centrifugation and is estimated by enzymatic method.
Triglycerides was estimated by GPO method [13,14].The
method is based on principle that lipase enzyme hydrolyse
serum triglyceride to glycerol and free fatty acids, the
liberated glycerol is converted into colored complex
whose intensity is measured at 546nm. The hematological
and biochemical parameters were estimated by standard
techniques. Bleeding time was determined using Duke`s
method and clotting time by capillary method. Total
cholesterol in heart and liver was also determined as
reported by Zlatkis et al [15]. The values of lipoprotein
are represented as meanS.E.M. Analysis to determine
differences in experimental and control group was done
by unpaired student t-test using Graph Prism 6.0
software and P0.05 was taken as significant. Albino rats
and mice were used for toxicity studies, they were
procured from Indian Veterinary Research Institute,
Izatnagar, Bareilly, (U.P.) Acute toxicity studies were
done in rabbits with the test dose 100mg/kg arillus
powder per oral and in albino rats with the test dose
15mg/150 gm (0.1mg/gm), per oral the animals were
observed upto 48 hours. Subacute studies were conducted
in white albino rats and in mice with test dose150mg/kg
per oral and 300mg/ kg per oral, respectively.
RESULTS
The rabbit when fed with atherogenic diet and
cholesterol for 40 days showed marked hyperlipidaemia.
All the three groups (n=18) showed significant increase in
total cholesterol (79.477.89 to 592.1570.28), LDL
cholesterol (38.028.44 to 422.0956.98), HDL
cholesterol
(32.494.44
to
138.5560.67)
and
triglycerides (55.4618.57 to 185.5429.49) P<0.001 in

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Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 2 / 2015 / 57-62.

all cases. Values for changes in various lipids in control

and experimental groups are shown in table 1 and 2. On
substituting the atherogenic diet by normal diet for 60
days, total cholesterol decreased to 87.095.103 mg/dl in
control group which is slightly higher than initial value.
Administration of M. fragrans (arllus) in dose 100mg/kg
showed higher total cholesterol levels(P<0.001) then
control group in 30 days treatment, while with treatment
of 60 days cholesterol level returned to initial level.
Cholesterol level in group C (with dose 500mg/kg) was
found to be 61.1115.92 mg/dl with 60days treatment and
the values returned to initial levels. The results when
interpreted in terms of percent reduction, showed
significant reduction of 88.020.6940 % and
90.460.4817 %( P<0.05, P<0.01) in group B and C
respectively after treatment of 60 days. The elevated LDL
cholesterol levels decreased to 49.955.63 mg/dl
(85.112.131% reduction) in control group, 54.184.258
mg/dl (91.150.5797% reduction, P<0.05) in M.fragrans
100mg/kg treated group and 21.422.37 mg/dl
(93.950.4572% reduction, P<0.01) in group C i.e.
500mg/kg treated group. The percent reduction was
significant as compared to control group in both drug
treated groups. The elevated LDL levels retuned to initial
levels in both drug treated groups (B and C) Triglyceride
levels were found to be 35.321.735 (P<0.05) mg/dl in
group B and 45.084.009 mg/dl in group C and the levels
in control group were 51.041.645 mg/dl. The treatment
for 60 days produced significantly higher (P<0.01) and
(P<0.05) percentage of reduction in triglyceride levels, in
group B and C respectively when compared with
reduction in control group. Good cholesterol, HDL
cholesterol levels were found to be 28.252.013 mg/dl
and 30.741.829 mg/dl (P=n.s.) in group B and C
respectively, while the levels in control group were found
to be 33.682.143mg/dl. There was significantly less
(P<0.01) reduction than control group in group B animals
after 60 days treatment. There was 83.831.715%
(P<0.05) reduction in group C while control group
showed 71.093.568% reduction. The changes were
beneficial in group B. The total cholesterol: HDL ratio
was significantly raised (P<0.05) from base line levels
2.530.40 to 4.400.42 after feeding atherogenic diet and
cholesterol for 40 days in control group. The ratio
decreased to baseline level in all the three groups. The
reduction was insignificant in group B and significant
(P<0.05) in group C after treatment of 60 days. The LDL:
HDL ratio increased significantly (P <0.05) from a
baseline of 1.390.10 to 3.190.80 after feeding
atherogenic diet. The elevated ratio decreased to
1.820.2490, 1.770.1184 (P=n.s) and 0.77000.08573
(P<0.05) in control group, group B and group C
respectively. The total cholesterol content in the heart was
found to be 1.53140.1981mg/dl in control group,
0.89110.09802 mg/dl (P<0.05) in group B and
0.76830.07724 mg/dl (P<0.01) in M.fragrans 500mg/kg

treated group. Total cholesterol content in liver of

hyperlipidaemic rabbits was found to be 1.40800.07561
mg/dl in group A, 1.00610.05021 (P<0.01) mg/dl in
group B and 0.63800.2535 (P<0.05) mg/dl in group C.
Thus the plant material reduced cholesterol accumulation
in heart and liver significantly. The results are shown in
table 3.
Among the hematological parameters, the
hemoglobin content was found to be normal in all three
groups upto 60 days. Results are shown in table 4.
Atherogenic diet and cholesterol feeding produced
significant increase in total leukocyte count as compared
to their baseline levels (P <0.001). After 60 days
treatment the elevated levels returned to their baseline
levels in all the three groups. The change was
insignificant as compared to baseline level. No significant
changes in RBC levels were observed in all the three
groups, as compared to the control group. Platelet counts
showed no significant changes in the animals of group B,
while the counts were significantly high in group C as
compared to control but the counts were within normal
limits. Bleeding time and clotting time were found to be
normal in all the three groups. The results of biochemical
parameters and safety parameters have been shown in
table 4.
Blood glucose levels and serum urea levels in the
three groups showed insignificant changes as compared to
their own baseline levels and control. Serum creatinine
was found to be normal in group A and B. The levels
were on higher side in animals of group C but the values
were in normal range. The atherogenic diet and
cholesterol feeding for 40 days produced significant rise
in SGOT (units/ml) as compared to their baseline levels in
all groups. The SGOT levels decreased to their baseline
levels in 60 days in all the three groups. Results are
shown in table 4. The SGPT levels increased on feeding
animals with atherogenic diet and cholesterol. The levels
returned to normal in all the three groups. Thus
replacement of atherogenic diet after 40 days with
M.fragrans 100mg/kg and 500mg/kg for 60 days did not
produce any significant changes in haematological and
biochemical parameters as compared to hyperlipidaemic
rabbits fed with normal diet only for 60 days. Results are
shown in table 4.
DISCUSSION
This study shows that M.fragrans (arillus)
produced beneficial effect like the ethanolic extract of
seed kernel [8]. Having antioxidant effect against lipid
peroxidation [9] as reported by author, it significantly
lowered elevated total cholesterol levels when treatment
was continued for 60 days, the percent reduction in total
cholesterol was higher than the control group in both
doses(100mg/kg and 500mg/kg) after treatment for 60
days.

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Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 2 / 2015 / 57-62.

Table 1. Effect of M.fragrans (arillus) powder on lipid profile of hyperlipidaemic rabbits

Initial
Atherogenic diet Treatment for 30
S.No.
Lipoprotein lipid
mg/dl
(mg/dl)
days(mg/dl)
Group A (Control Group)
1
Total cholesterol
68.837.50
554.9287.33
125.418.316
2
LDL cholesterol
38.177.39
377.4476.05
75.739.235
3
HDL cholesterol
29.413.92
151.1330.76
47.632.029
4
Triglycerides
50.8610.66
125.6431.58
67.473.295
5
T.Cholesterol:HDL ratio
2.530.40
4.400.42
2.860.2368
6
LDL:HDL ratio
1.390.10
3.190.80
1.810.2205
Group B M.fragrans(arillus) 100mg/kg treated group
7
Total cholesterol
99.6711.33
668.9686.72
262.1918.88***#
8
LDL cholesterol
51.4914.77
594.99101.48
224.3517.74***#
9
HDL cholesterol
28.803.92
46.9512.92
29.122.335***
10
Triglycerides
85.539.79
209.3438.04
43.653.348***
11
T.Cholesterol:HDL ratio
4.251.20
77.974.62
9.630.7185***#
12
LDL:HDL ratio
2.481.08
12.472.14
8.290.7104***#
Group C M.fragrans(arillus) 500mg/kg treated group
13
Total cholesterol
68.665.39
683.0787.14
121.0014.88(n.s.)
14
LDL cholesterol
23.522.14
391.7992.5
57.887.136(n.s.)
15
HDL cholesterol
37.854.49
262.1370.50
63.608.275(n.s.)
16
Triglycerides
40.515.29
145.6923.31
64.273.293(n.s.)
17
T.Cholesterol:HDL ratio
1.670.37
3.390.67
2.020.08165*
18
LDL:HDL ratio
0.710.12
2.250.65
0.740.06124*

Treatment for 60
days(mg/dl)
87.095.103
49.955.63
33.682.143
51.041.645
2.980.2572
1.820.2490
78.175.354(n.s.)
54.184.258(n.s.)
28.252.013(n.s.)
35.321.735****
2.560.3797(n.s.)
1.770.1184(n.s.)
61.1115.92(n.s.)
21.422.37**
30.741.829(n.s.)
45.084.009(n.s.)
2.130.1061*
0.770.08573*

All values are meanS.E.M.; N= 6 in all cases, *= P<0.05; **= P<0.01; ***=P<0.001; ****=P<0.0001; n.s. = P is nonsignificant; # = higher than control.

Table 2. Effect of M.fragrans(arillus) powder on percent lipid profile reduction of hyperlipidaemic rabbits
Percent reduction in lipid parameter of hyperlipidaemic
rabbits after treatment for:
S.No.
Parameter Studied
30 days
60 days
Group A (Control Group)
1
T. Cholesterol
74.032.298
81.961.719
2
LDL Cholesterol
75.592.115
85.112.131
3
HDL Cholesterol
60.303.417
71.093.568
4
Triglycerides
54.871.841
54.783.544
Group B M.fragrans(arillus) 100mg/kg treated group
5
T. Cholesterol
59.033.32 **#
88.020.6940*
6
LDL Cholesterol
61.603.57 n.s.#
91.150.5797*
7
HDL Cholesterol
22.073.00***#
44.704.58**#
8
Triglycerides
69.853.58*
74.922.347**
Group C M.fragrans(arillus) 500mg/kg treated group
9
T. Cholesterol
82.771.474*
90.460.4817**
10
LDL Cholesterol
87.571.960*
93.950.4572**
11
HDL Cholesterol
72.652.511*
83.831.715*
12
Triglycerides
57.333.307 n.s.
66.082.168*
N=6 in all cases; *=P<0.05; **=P<0.01; ***=P<0.001; n.s.= nonsignificant; All values are mean S.E.M.; #= less reduction than control
% = Atherogenic lipid value-lipid level at 30day/60day treatment x 100
Atherogenic lipid value

Table 3. Effect of M.fragrans (arillus) on tissue cholesterol of rabbits

S.No. Cholesterol content in Atherogenic diet + cholesterol for 40 days followed by:
tissue
Normal Diet only
Normal diet and
Normal
diet
M.fragrans100mg/kg
M.fragrans500mg/kg
1
Heart
1.53340.1981
0.89110.09802*,
0.76830.07724**
2
Liver
1.40800.07561
1.00580.05021**
0.63800.2535*
All values are mean S.E.M.; **=P<0.01; *P<0.05; n=6 in all cases.

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Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 2 / 2015 / 57-62.

Table 4. Effect of M. fragrans(arillus) on hematological and biochemical parameters

S.No.
Parameters
Baseline
Atherogenic diet
Group A (Control Group)
1
Hemoglobin (%)
12.850.87
10.860.92
2
WBC(thousand/cc)
9.391.44
10.450.98
3
RBC(millions/cc)
3.900.52
3.820.55
4
Platelets(lacs/cc)
3.020.51
3.641.34
5
Bleeding Time(sec)
14.001.85
10.712.90
6
Clotting Time (sec)
65.000.34
58.3312.00
7
Blood Glucose(mg/dl)
93.4910.06
105.8818.50
8
Serum Urea(mg/dl)
30.764.90
37.9211.41
9
Serum Creatinine(mg/dl)
1.130.17
2.550.48
10
SGOT(units/ml)
14.002.07
34.334.62
11
SGPT(units/ml)
22.406.05
34.6516.69
Group B M.fragrans(arillus) 100mg/kg treated group
12
Hemoglobin (%)
12.430.45
11.830.62
13
WBC(thousand/cc)
10.000.59
19.660.52
14
RBC(millions/cc)
4.450.28
3.070.55
15
Platelets(lacs/cc
1.490.23
1.460.64
16
Bleeding Time(sec)
22.337.18
9.160.86
17
Clotting Time (sec)
52.6618.84
49.1630.60
18
Blood Glucose(mg/dl)
103.576.39
129.3312.30
19
Serum Urea(mg/dl)
27.792.66
31.374.18
20
Serum Creatinine(mg/dl)
1.260.13
1.570.19
21
SGOT(units/ml)
16.832.52
34.166.81
22
SGPT(units/ml)
11.001.69
42.7511.40
Group C M.fragrans(arillus) 500mg/kg treated group
23
Hemoglobin (%)
3.500.64
10.640.80
24
WBC(thousand/cc)
7.640.84
5.800.27
25
RBC(millions/cc)
3.610.50
2.820.91
26
Platelets(lacs/cc
1.210.17
2.250.38
27
Bleeding Time(sec)
20.202.42
11.004.37
28
Clotting Time (sec)
47.0014.47
39.403.07
29
Blood Glucose(mg/dl)
62.115.02
90.0513.36
30
Serum Urea(mg/dl)
35.023.70
22.583.67
31
Serum Creatinine(mg/dl)
1.350.09
2.740.09
32
SGOT(units/ml)
13.803.39
46.8310.40
33
SGPT(units/ml)
20.403.80
20.668.20

Treatment for 60 days

12.120.53
7.150.98
2.760.60
3.770.96
39.4211.85
64.0012.14
99.7515.51
41.054.20
1.160.15
12.576.15
8.433.05
11.610.55
13.200.33
4.420.60
3.180.54
20.336.09
39.006.58
117.786.37
39.233.58
1.260.13
8.664.74
4.162.02
12.660.93n.s.
6.800.64n.s.
2.930.49n.s.
1.620.23*
81.2519.74n.s.
49.752.14n.s.
67.6011.13n.s.
50.444.50n.s.
1.940.18*
35.506.32*
2.000.94n.s.

*=P<0.05; n.s. = non significant

The total cholesterol level returned to initial in

both drug treated groups. Drug treatment produced
significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both 30
days and 60 days treatment in the dose 500mg/kg, while
in lesser dose i.e.100mg/kg the reduction in LDL levels
were significant after 60days treatment. The triglyceride
levels in group B (100mg/kg dose) was markedly
different
35.321.735mg/dl
(P<0.0001)
versus
51.041.645mg/dl in control group, while in group C the
triglyceride levels (45.084.009mg/dl) were near to initial
level (40.515.29mg/dl), but when the results were
expressed in terms of percent reduction, the reduction was
found to be significantly higher in both groups i.e. B and
C (P<0.01, P<0.05) respectively, after treatment of 60

days. HDL cholesterol which is a negative risk factor has

been reported by many scientists [16, 17].The animals of
control group had HDL levels as 33.682.143mg/dl
which were slightly higher than initial levels.
Administration of M. fragrans (arillus) for 60 days in
group B showed HDL cholesterol concentration similar to
initial levels, while in group C animals the levels were
slightly lower than initial levels. The animals of control
group showed 71.098.74% reduction in HDL cholesterol
levels and in group B the reduction was significantly less
(P<0.01) as compared to control group A and the animals
of group C showed significant higher (P<0.05) reduction
in HDL cholesterol levels as compared to control. As
HDL cholesterol is negative risk factor lesser reduction is

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Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 5 / Issue 2 / 2015 / 57-62.

beneficial, thus M.fragrans in dose 100mg/kg is

preferable. Total cholesterol: HDL ratio and LDL:HDL
ratio are better predictor of CHD than total cholesterol,
LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides alone
as indicated in Framingham Study[1]. The increased total
cholesterol: HDL ratio decreased in all groups. The
reduction was significant with higher dose i.e.500mg/kg
and insignificant with 100mg/kg dose. The LDL: HDL
ratio decreased significantly in group C. While in group B
the reduction in ratio was insignificant, however the ratio
was similar to initial value. These ratios give a more
correct and reliable information than absolute values. The
hematological parameters like hemoglobin%, total RBC,
WBC, platelet count, bleeding time and clotting time
remained normal up to 60 days. Serum glucose, serum
urea, serum creatinine, SGOT and SGPT did not show
any significant changes in both groups.
Cholesterol content in heart was found to be
significantly less in both drug treatment groups. The
results of cholesterol content in liver showed that the
amount of cholesterol was significantly less than control
in both treated groups B and C. Thus the test material

reduced cholesterol content in liver and heart in both

doses.
Acute toxicity studies showed good margin of
safety upto 8 times the test dose 100mg/kg in rabbits
when observed upto 48 hours. While in rats upto 8
times the test dose 15mg/150 gm there was no mortality
or any adverse reaction. Subacute toxicity studies in rats
and mice carried for six weeks with test dose 150mg/kg
and 300mg/ kg respectively, showed good margin of
safety upto four times the test dose. It may be concluded
that the raw M.fragrans (arillus) powder could fairly
reduce the elevated lipid levels in hyperlipidaemic rabbits
when results are interpreted in terms of percent reduction.
CONCLUSION
M.fragrans (arillus) powder proved to be safe
hypolipidaemic material; hence its use as a spice in many
Indian dishes is beneficial.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to Professor Vijai
Singh, Department of Pharmacology, S.M.S. Medical
College, Jaipur (Rajasthan) for his guidance and support.

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