Evaluation of acute and subacute oral toxicity of ethanol seed extract of Myristica fragrans (Houtt.) in female rodents

Abstract

Myristica fragrans seed (Nutmeg) is widely used as a culinary spice and traditional medicinal agent, but concerns remain regarding its safety at high doses. This study evaluated the acute and subacute oral toxicity of the ethanol seed extract of M. fragrans in female rats. Acute toxicity was assessed in female Swiss albino mice using Lorke’s method, while subacute toxicity was evaluated in 20 non-pregnant female Wistar rats randomly divided into four groups. The control group received distilled water, while the treatment groups received the ethanol seed extract at various oral doses for 28 consecutive days. Parameters assessed included weekly body weight, haematological and biochemical indices, relative organ weight, and histopathology of the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs. The acute study showed no mortality or observable signs of toxicity. Subacute administration did not affect body weight or relative organ weights. While most haematological parameters remained normal, significant reductions in platelet count, plateletcrit, and platelet distribution width were observed at 100 mg/kg. Liver and kidney function indices and lipid parameters showed no significant differences compared with the control. Histopathological evaluation revealed normal tissue architecture. These findings indicate that the ethanol seed extract of M. fragrans exhibits a low toxicity profile.