Potential of Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae) in Ayurvedic antidiarrhoeal formulation

In Maharashtra (India) Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae) is used as antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic in new born infants and children traditionally. Aqueous Myristica fragrans extract (MF) was tested for its antidiarrhoeal effect in castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice and antispasmodic effect on contractions induced by acetyl choline, nicotine and histamine in isolated guinea pig ileum. MF produced a significant and dose dependent antidiarrhoeal effect and also inhibited the acetyl choline, nicotine and histamine induced contractions of isolated guinea pig ileum. It can be concluded that MF possesses antidiarrhoeal and antispasmodic activity may be due to its anticholinergic and antihistaminic effect. Thus the study provided a scientific basis for the use of Myristica fragrans as an ingredient of traditional polyherbal formulations in the treatment of diarrhoea.

Author(s): Prashant B. Shamkuwar, Deepak P. Pawar and Prashant B. Aswar.

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