Myristica fragrans
Aphrodisiacs
Dioxolanes
Benzyl Compounds
Oleaceae
Lignans
Myristicaceae
Inhibition of listeriolysin O and phosphatidylcholine-specific production in Listeria monocytogenes by subinhibitory concentrations of plant essential oils. (1/17)
Successful infection by Listeria monocytogenes is dependent upon a range of bacterial extracellular proteins including a cytolysin termed listeriolysin O and phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C. Five plant essential oils--bay, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and thyme--significantly reduced the production of listeriolysin O by L. monocytogenes. The greatest change was observed after culture with oil of thyme, which reduced haemolysis to 52.1 haemolytic units (HU)/ml compared with 99.8 HU/ml observed with the control. Oil of clove was the only oil that also significantly reduced phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C activity. These changes were observed despite the oils causing no change to the final bacterial concentration or total extracellular protein concentration. (+info)Aphrodisiac activity of 50% ethanolic extracts of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) and Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry. (clove) in male mice: a comparative study. (2/17)
BACKGROUND: Spices are considered as sexual invigorators in the Unani System of Medicine. In order to explore the sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) and Syzygium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry. (clove) an experimental study was conducted in normal male mice. METHODS: The extracts (50% ethanolic) of nutmeg and clove were administered (500 mg/kg; p.o.) to different groups of male Swiss mice. Mounting behaviour, mating performance, and general short term toxicity of the test drugs were determined and compared with the standard drug Penegra (Sildenafil citrate). RESULTS: The extracts of the nutmeg and clove were found to stimulate the mounting behaviour of male mice, and also to significantly increase their mating performance. The drugs were devoid of any conspicuous general short term toxicity. CONCLUSION: The extracts (50% ethanolic) of nutmeg and clove enhanced the sexual behaviour of male mice. (+info)Low cost, high risk: accidental nutmeg intoxication. (3/17)
Nutmeg poisoning is rare but probably underreported and should be considered in recreational substance users with acute psychotic symptoms as well as central nervous system neuromodulatory signs that may mimic in part an anticholinergic hyperstimulation. (+info)An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg). (4/17)
BACKGROUND: Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) has been mentioned in Unani medicine to be of value in the management of male sexual disorders. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the aphrodisiac effect of 50% ethanolic extract of nutmeg along with its likely adverse effects and acute toxicity using various animal models. METHODS: The suspension of the extract was administered (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) to different groups of male rats daily for seven days. The female rats involved in mating were made receptive by hormonal treatment. The general mating behaviour, libido and potency were studied and compared with the standard reference drug sildenafil citrate. Likely adverse effects and acute toxicity of the extract were also evaluated. RESULTS: Oral administration of the extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg, produced significant augmentation of sexual activity in male rats. It significantly increased the Mounting Frequency, Intromission Frequency, Intromission Latency and caused significant reduction in the Mounting Latency and Post Ejaculatory Interval. It also significantly increased Mounting Frequency with penile anaesthetization as well as Erections, Quick Flips, Long Flips and the aggregate of penile reflexes with penile stimulation. The extract was also observed to be devoid of any adverse effects and acute toxicity. CONCLUSION: The resultant significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats without any conspicuous adverse effects indicates that the 50% ethanolic extract of nutmeg possesses aphrodisiac activity, increasing both libido and potency, which might be attributed to its nervous stimulating property. The present study thus provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of nutmeg in the management of male sexual disorders. (+info)Radioprotection of Swiss albino mice by Myristica fragrans houtt. (5/17)
Nutmeg, the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans, MF (Family: Myristicaceae) possesses antifungal, hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Its radioprotective effect against 6, 8 and 10 Gy gamma radiation was evaluated by 30 day survival assay. Regression analysis yielded LD(50/30 )as 6.83 Gy and 8.89 Gy for irradiated only and (MF + radiation) groups, respectively. The dose reduction factor was computed as 1.3. Administration of MF significantly enhanced hepatic glutathione (GSH) and decreased testicular lipid peroxidation (LPO) level whereas acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity did not show any significant alteration. Irradiation resulted in significant elevation in LPO level and ACP activity, and decreased the GSH content and ALP activity. MF pretreatment effectively protected against radiation induced biochemical alteration as reflected by a decrease in LPO level and ACP activity, and an increase in GSH and ALP activity. The present study has implications for the potential use of MF as a radioprotector. (+info)Therapeutic potential of peroxisome proliferators--activated receptor-alpha/gamma dual agonist with alleviation of endoplasmic reticulum stress for the treatment of diabetes. (6/17)
OBJECTIVE: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha/gamma dual agonists have the potential to be used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the function of macelignan, a natural compound isolated from Myristica fragrans, as a dual agonist for PPARalpha/gamma and investigated its antidiabetes effects in animal models. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: GAL4/PPAR chimera transactivation was performed and the expression of PPARalpha/gamma target genes was monitored to examine the ability of macelignan to activate PPARalpha/gamma. Additionally, macelignan was administrated to obese diabetic (db/db) mice to investigate antidiabetes effects and elucidate its molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Macelignan reduced serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acid levels, and triglycerides levels in the skeletal muscle and liver of db/db mice. Furthermore, macelignan significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance in these mice, and without altering food intake, their body weights were slightly reduced while weights of troglitazone-treated mice increased. Macelignan increased adiponectin expression in adipose tissue and serum, whereas the expression and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 decreased. Macelignan downregulated inflammatory gene expression in the liver and increased AMP-activated protein kinase activation in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice. Strikingly, macelignan reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase activation in the liver and adipose tissue of db/db mice and subsequently increased insulin signaling. CONCLUSIONS: Macelignan enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved lipid metabolic disorders by activating PPARalpha/gamma and attenuating ER stress, suggesting that it has potential as an antidiabetes agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. (+info)Protective Effects of macelignan on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity is associated with JNK activation. (7/17)
Cisplatin is one of the most effective antineoplastic drugs, but it has undesirable side effects such as hepatotoxicity at high doses. This study investigated the protective effect of macelignan, isolated from Myristica fragrans HOUTT. (nutmeg), against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and the possible mechanisms involved in these effects in mice. Pretreatment with macelignan for 4 d significantly prevented the increased serum enzymatic activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase in a dose-dependent manner. The results also showed that the protective effects of macelignan on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity may be associated with the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Cisplatin-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase1/2 (JNK1/2) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) was abrogated by pretreatment with macelignan, however, that of p38 was not significantly affected. It was also found that macelignan attenuated the expression of phosphorylated c-Jun in cisplatin-treated mice. Accordingly, it is suggested that the hepatoprotective effects of macelignan could be related to activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, especially JNK and c-Jun, its substrate. The present findings suggest that co-treatment of cisplatin with macelignan may provide more advantage than cisplatin treatment alone in cancer therapy. (+info)Inhibitory effects of macelignan isolated from Myristica fragrans HOUTT. on melanin biosynthesis. (8/17)
The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of macelignan isolated from Myristica fragrans HOUTT. on melanogenesis and its related enzymes such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2) in melan-a murine melanocytes. The IC50 values of macelignan for melanogenesis and tyrosinase were 13 microM and 30 microM, respectively, while those of arbutin as a positive control were 990 microM and 660 microM, respectively. In Western blot analysis, macelignan also significantly decreased tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 protein expression. These results indicate that macelignan effectively inhibits melanin biosynthesis and thus could be employed as a new skin-whitening agent. (+info)'Myristica fragrans' is not a medical term itself, but it refers to a plant species also known as the nutmeg tree. In medicine and pharmacology, its main active components, such as myristicin and elemicin, have been studied for their potential medicinal properties. Myristicin has been explored for its possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, while elemicin has shown promise in research related to its potential analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is essential to note that these compounds are present only in small quantities within the nutmeg seeds and should not be used as a primary source of medication without proper medical supervision.
Aphrodisiacs are substances that are believed to stimulate sexual desire or increase sexual pleasure. They can come in various forms, including foods, drinks, and medications. Some claimed aphrodisiacs include oysters, chocolate, certain herbs like ginseng and gingko biloba, as well as drugs such as Viagra. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of most aphrodisiacs is not supported by scientific evidence, and some may even have harmful side effects if misused or taken in large quantities.
It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any substances for sexual purposes.
Pyrogallol is not typically considered a medical term, but it does have relevance to the field of pathology as a chemical reagent. Pyrogallol is an organic compound with the formula C6H3(OH)3. It is a type of phenol and can be used in histological stains to demonstrate the presence of certain enzymes or structures within tissue samples.
In a medical context, pyrogallol may be mentioned in pathology reports related to the use of this chemical in laboratory tests. However, it is not a condition or disease entity itself.
Dioxolanes are a class of organic compounds that contain a five-membered ring consisting of two carbon atoms, one oxygen atom, and two adjacent oxygen or sulfur atoms. The general structure of dioxolane is C2O2S2 or C2O3. These compounds are often used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other organic compounds due to their high reactivity and ability to act as protecting groups for carbonyl functionalities. Dioxolanes can also be found naturally in some foods and plants.
Benzyl compounds are organic chemical compounds that contain a benzyl group, which is a functional group consisting of a carbon atom attached to a CH3 group (methyl group) and an aromatic ring, usually a phenyl group. The benzyl group can be represented as -CH2-C6H5.
Benzyl compounds have various applications in different fields such as pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances, dyes, and polymers. In pharmaceuticals, benzyl compounds are used as active ingredients or intermediates in the synthesis of drugs. For example, benzylpenicillin is a widely used antibiotic that contains a benzyl group.
Benzyl alcohol, benzyl chloride, and benzyl acetate are some common examples of benzyl compounds with various industrial applications. Benzyl alcohol is used as a solvent, preservative, and intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals. Benzyl chloride is an important chemical used in the production of resins, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. Benzyl acetate is used as a flavoring agent and fragrance in food and cosmetic products.
It's worth noting that benzyl compounds can be toxic or harmful if ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with the skin, depending on their chemical properties and concentrations. Therefore, they should be handled with care and used under appropriate safety measures.
"Oleaceae" is not a medical term, but a taxonomic category in botany. It refers to the family of plants that includes olive trees, ash trees, and lilacs, among others. These plants produce various compounds with potential medicinal properties, such as oleuropein from olive leaves, which has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, "Oleaceae" itself does not have a specific medical definition.
Lignans are a type of plant compound that have antioxidant and estrogen properties. They are found in various plants such as seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Once consumed, some lignans can be converted by intestinal bacteria into enterolactone and enterodiol, which can have weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects in the body. These compounds have been studied for their potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effects and potential health benefits.
Myristicaceae is a family of flowering plants, rather than a medical term. It belongs to the order Magnoliales and includes around 20 genera and 500 species of trees and shrubs. The plants in this family are native to tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Some well-known members of Myristicaceae include the nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and the avocado (Persea americana). While these plants have some medicinal uses, they are more commonly known for their culinary applications. Nutmeg, for example, is a popular spice used in cooking and baking, while avocados are widely consumed for their nutritious value.
In traditional medicine, various parts of Myristicaceae plants have been used to treat a range of health conditions, such as rheumatism, diarrhea, and skin diseases. However, it is essential to note that the scientific evidence supporting these medicinal uses is generally limited, and further research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about their safety and efficacy.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Norisoprenoids" is not a widely recognized or established term in medicine or medical chemistry. It appears to be a term used primarily in the field of plant metabolism and natural products chemistry, referring to a class of compounds that are derived from the degradation of carotenoids (a type of isoprenoid) and have lost one or more methyl groups.
If you're asking about this term in a different context or if there's specific medical relevance you have in mind, could you please provide more details? I'd be happy to help further if I can.