Potential Natural Dual Agonist PPARα/γ-induced Antidiabetic and Antidyslipidemic Properties of Safrole-free Nutmeg Seed (Myristica fragrans Houtt) Extract

摘要

Background: Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) has the potential to control blood glucoseand lipid levels. However, it contains safrole compounds, which are dangerous when humansconsume them.Objective: In this study, we eliminated safrole from nutmeg and investigated its antidiabetic and antidyslipidemicproperties.Methods: Nutmeg seeds were powdered, extracted with 90% ethanol, and chromatographed to removethe safrole. Safrole-free nutmeg extract was concentrated, and its antidiabetic and antidyslipidemicagents were tested in a type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model.Results: The results showed that the blood glucose level decreased by 20% after 2 days of treatment,30% after 4 days of treatment and 40% after 6 days of treatment with nutmeg extracts. The bloodtriglyceride level did not change in the first 2 days of treatment, and it decreased by 25% after 4days of treatment and by another 25% after 6 days of treatment. Luciferase assay showed that safrole-free nutmeg increased the activities of PPAR α and γ in a dose-dependent manner, whichmarked the potential mechanism of lowering the triglyceride and glucose levels.Conclusion: Results thus obtained are suggestive of the potential dual effect of safrole-free nutmegextract on antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic management.