Abstract :
Background: Myristica fragrans houtt or nutmeg, a commonly used spice is found to have several medicinal properties.
Aim: The main aim of our study is to evaluate sedative and hypnotic activity of aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans houtt seeds in experimental animals.
Materials and Methods: This is a preclinical study involving male and femaleWistar albino rats and Swiss albino mice. Sedative and hypnotic properties were assessed using hole board test, open field apparatus, rota rod apparatus and thiopental induced sleeping time. Myristica fragrans aqueous extract( MFAE) was the test drug which was given at the dose of 200mg/kg body weight. Diazepam was used as the standard drug. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of MFAE was carried out.
Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) followed by Tukey Krammer Test. P value < 0>
Results: Hole board test and open field test showed decrease in exploratory and locomotor activity and rota rod test showed decrease in time period of fall compared to normal and thiopental induced sleeping time showed that the test drug decreased the onset time of loss of righting reflex and prolonged the regaining time of righting reflex indicating hypnotic activity. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and fixed oils.
Conclusion: Based on results we concluded that aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans seeds possess significant sedative hypnotic property.
Keyword :
Myristica fragrans, Sedative, Sleep Swiss albino mice, Wistar albino rats.