In vitro Anti-inflammatory Evaluation of African Nutmeg (Monodora myristica) Seeds

Aim: To determine the anti-inflammatory potential of flavonoid rich fraction of Monodora myristica seeds.

Study Design: In vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory assays: Membrane stability, Inhibition of denaturation of albumin and lipoxygenase inhibition.

Place and Duration: Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (May–November, 2014).

Methodology: Flavonoid rich fraction of the seeds of M. myristica was obtained from the ethanol extract of M. myristica seeds by solvent partitioning. Standard methods were employed in the anti-inflammatory assays (Membrane stability, Inhibition of denaturation of albumin and lipoxygenase inhibition).

Results: Flavonoid rich fraction of M. myristica exhibited significant in vitro anti-inflammatory potentials by stabilizing red blood cell membrane exposed to hypotonic and heat induced lyses with maximum percentage stability of 88±0.45% in a biphasic mode of response that is comparable with Ibuprofen a standard anti-inflammatory drug. It also inhibits heat induced albumin denaturation with maximum inhibition of 75.38±0.56% in a concentration dependent manner that is comparable with aspirin. Flavonoid rich fraction of M. myristica showed an anti-lipoxygenase activity range from 19±1.28% to 71±2.13% which is comparable to that produced by indomethacin.

Conclusion: The result obtained in the present investigation indicates that flavonoid rich fraction of M. myristica could be a potential source of anti-inflammatory agent. This substantiates the role of M. myristica seeds as a natural source of anti-inflammatory agent.