Effect of Myristica fragrans extract on lipid profile, glucose, body weight, food intake, liver and renal functions in experimental obese rats

Abstract

The effect of the ethanolic extract of Myristica fragrans was evaluated on cafeteria diet induced body weight, glucose and lipid elevations in albino rats. 30 rats were taken randomly and divided into five groups and six each. Group-1 normal control and Group 2-5 were give cafeteria diet for 6 weeks to induce obesity and treatment period was 10 weeks. After 70 days of treatment, the extract, at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg, significantly reduced the body weight, glucose and lipid levels (p < 0.001) dose dependently. The standard drug Orlistat at 50mg/kg effectively prevented the body weight, glucose and lipid levels when compared with control and test groups. With these observations and previous data, the study concludes that Myristica fragrans extract can stimulate AMP-Kinase enzyme system and can reduce glucose and lipid concentrations. This may be useful for obesity treatment..