Hepatic fine structural alterations in male and female rats induced by aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg)

This study is aimed at determining the effect of aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans commonly used as spice in various dishes, as components of teas and soft drinks or mixed in milk on hepatocytes structures and liver enzymes parameters of Wistar rats. Rats of both sexes (n = 40) were randomly assigned into two treatment and two Control groups (n=10 each). The rats in the test groups (G2 & G4) received orally 1000 mg/kg/day b.w daily single dose of aqueous extract nutmeg for 6 weeks. Groups (G1 & G3) served as control. The extract caused a significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the mean values of body as well as increased in absolute and relative liver weights of male rats than that in females of the test groups. However, ALP, AST, and ALT concentration were elevated in the male liver tissue. While there was no visible increased in AST, and ALT enzymes level in female rats. These findings were corroborated by histopathology which revealed the pathological alterations in the hepatocytes of the males were two-folds of that which were shown in the females, included SER proliferation, Golgi apparatus deformed, dilatation with fragmented of RER and marked ballooning degeneration in both sexes. Mitochondrial swollen with cristae disruption, a marked distortion of the bile canaliculi microvilli, sinusoid congestion with some degree of endothelial necrosis were found in male rats. While, a marked proliferation of bile canaliculi, an increased in the number of lysosomes and lipid droplets were showed in the female 2009). Nutmeg and its Oleoresin are used in the preparation of meat products, soaps, sauces, baked foods, confectioneries, puddings, seasoning of meat and vegetables, to flavor milk dishes and punches(Eweka and Eweka, 2010).