EFFECT OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Myristica fragrans (NUTMEG SEEDS) ON THE KIDNEY OF ADULT WISTAR RATS

Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) is a tropical evergreen tree commonly used as a culinary spice and traditional remedy for its stimulant, carminative, and antioxidant properties. Its seeds contain phytochemicals such as myristicin, elemicin, safrole and eugenol which possess both beneficial and potentially toxic effects. Although nutmeg is widely consumed, high or prolonged intake has been linked to renal toxicity mediated by oxidative imbalance. This study investigated the effects of aqueous Myristica fragrans seed extract on renal function, oxidative stress biomarkers, and kidney histoarchitecture in adult Wistar rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing were divided into four groups [A,B,C,D] where group A [serves as Control] receives animal feed [grower mash] with distilled water for 28 days while groups B, C and D were administered with 200mg/kg, 750mg/kg and 1000mg/kg respectively of the aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans for 28days. An Orogastric tube was used for daily administration of the extract to the rats. Rats were sacrificed on the 29th day. Upon sacrifice, renal function was assessed using serum urea and creatinine levels, oxidative stress was evaluated via markers like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and structural integrity was examined through histopathological analysis of kidney tissues. The results shows that the aqueous Myristica fragrans extract exerts dose-dependent renal alterations encompassing biochemical, oxidative, and histological dimensions. While low-dose exposure initiates mild oxidative and vascular stress, higher doses lead to significant renal dysfunction characterized by elevated urea, antioxidant depletion and lipid peroxidation. Histopathological examination revealed a dose-dependent progression of injury from normal architecture in the control group to mild degenerative changes (swelling and congestion) at 200mg/kg, advancing to perivascular fibrosis (scarring) at 750mg/kg, and culminating in severe, active peritubular inflammatory infiltrates at the highest dose of 1000mg/kg. The findings underscore the importance of dose regulation and controlled use of Myristica fragrans in traditional and dietary applications, as chronic or excessive intake may compromise renal health despite its known therapeutic potential.