Resmi Mustarichie

Identification of compounds in the essential oil of nutmeg seeds (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) that inhibit locomotor activity in mice.

The present study was designed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) seed essential oil on the locomotor activity of mice in a wheel cage. Active compounds in the essential oil were identified by off-line solid phase extraction (SPE-C18) and GC/MS analysis. The essential oil was administered by inhalation at doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mL/cage. The results showed that inhalation of nutmeg seed essential oil at a dose of 0.5 mL/cage decreased locomotion by 68.62%; and inhalation of 0.1 and 0.3 mL/cage inhibited locomotion by 62.81% and 65.33%, respectively. Generally, larger doses and longer administrations of nutmeg seed essential oil exhibited greater locomotor inhibition. Subsequently, the plasma concentrations of essential oil compounds were measured. The most concentrated compound in the plasma was myristicin. Half an hour after the addition of 1 mL/cage of nutmeg seed oil, the plasma concentration of myristicin was 3.7 μg/mL; one and two hours after the addition, the blood levels of myristicin were 5.2 μg/mL and 7.1 μg/mL, respectively. Other essential oil compounds identified in plasma were safrole (two-hour inhalation: 1.28 μg/mL), 4-terpineol (half-hour inhalation: 1.49 μg/mL, one-hour inhalation: 2.95 μg/mL, two-hour inhalation: 6.28 μg/mL) and fatty esters. The concentrations of the essential oil compounds in the blood plasma were relatively low (μg/mL or ppm). In conclusion, the volatile compounds of nutmeg seed essential oil identified in the blood plasma may correlate with the locomotor-inhibiting properties of the oil when administered by inhalation.

Acute and Subchronic Toxicities of Indonesian Mistletoes Dendrophthoe pentandra L. (Miq.) Ethanol Extract

Traditionally mistletoes Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq known in Indonesia is to cure cough, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, ulcers, smallpox, diuretic, skin infection and after child-birth. Previously we reported its total flavonoid content and antiinflammatory properties. This article reports the acute and subchronic toxicity testing. Acute toxicity aims to determine the toxic dose of Dendrophthoe pentandra ethanol extract in mice that expressed in LD50 using probit log chart. Subchronic toxicity aims to look at the security level of long-term use of the extract. For the acute toxicity test done within approximately 14 days while the subchronic toxicity tests carried out for a period of 121 days. Animals were sacrificed and examined organs and histopathologic index. The results showed LD50 values for acute toxicity seen in the observations at a dose of 20 g/kg which might cause mortality of 50% in mice. A dose of 20 g / kg in mice was comparable to a dose of 14 g/kg in rat. From the subchronic observation test and from the observation group and Satellite Test found any swelling suspected tumor. In the Test group occurred Lymphoma severe, and in the group of satellites could be seen the rest of the connective tissue and inflammation. These tumors could be associated with a given dose of the extract, because the control group, did not happen the same as in the other two groups were given the extract. Data showed that the results SGOT of test group was greater than the control group, but the value was still approaching the reference value. While the results of SGPT levels of test group was smaller than the control group, but the overall value of SGPT much larger than the reference value that indicated liver damage. It was found in the kidney test that creatinine values of all groups were still within the range of the reference value. From these results it can be concluded ethanol extract Dendrophthoe pentandra have LD50 values which have toxicological significance is not toxic but is not recommended to be used for a long periode.