PHYTOCHEMICAL AND INVITRO ANTI INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF MYRISTICA FRAGRANT (NUTMEG)

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory potential of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg). The study included qualitative and quantitative analysis of nutmeg extract and in vitro experiments to quantify its anti-inflammatory properties. The ethanolic extract has a higher concentration of flavonoids and alkaloids, while the aqueous extract has a high saponin content. Notably, the ethanolic extract lacked terpenoids and anthraquinones, while the aqueous extract lacked phlobatannins. Quantitative analysis gives specific values, showing alkaloid (3.4%), saponin (14.7%), terpenoid (23.2%) and steroid (39.9%) concentrations. In vitro experiments evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of Myristica fragrans. Nutmeg exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation, with a notable inhibition of 64.1% at 500 $\mu$g/ml. The study also demonstrated the membrane-stabilizing qualities of nutmeg, especially demonstrated by its ability to stabilize 50.2% of red blood cell membranes at 500 $\mu$g/ml. Nutmeg showed significant protection against heat-induced hemolysis, with 55.5% protection at the same concentration, indicating its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The study conducted a comparative analysis to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of nutmeg compared to reference compounds including diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen and indomethacin. The results showed that the anti-inflammatory activity of nutmeg was comparable to that of these standard drugs in several tests. Notably, nutmeg's response is dose-dependent, which further strengthens its potential as a natural alternative for anti-inflammatory applications. It is necessary to continue to explore the mechanisms and therapeutic applications of nutmeg.