Subchronic Toxicity Studies of Nutmeg Pulp Ethanol Extract (Myristica fragrans H.) on Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Nutmeg pulp (Myristica fragrans) is often found in Maluku and North Maluku, Indonesia. Nutmeg pulp contains many chemical compounds that have the potential to be used as medicinal ingredients, but it also contains toxic compounds, myristicin. This study aims to see the subchronic toxicity of ethanol extract of nutmeg pulp in white rats by administering the extract for 50 days. The test animals used were 20 female Wistar rats divided into four groups: the control group, NPE 125mg/kgbw, NPE 250mg/kgbw, and NPE 500mg/kgbw. The parameters observed were LD50 value, changes in behavior, body weight, organ index, macroscopic, and liver histopathology. The data obtained was then analyzed using One-way ANOVA. The results showed that there were no deaths of test animals and changes in behavior during administration of the extract with an LD50 value of 246,036 mg/kg, organ weights and body weights did not show significant differences compared to the control group (p>0.05), macroscopic observations showed that the liver of all brownish-red color group with a smooth and shiny surface, without any indications of toxicity and microscopically, liver cell histopathology showed mild damage in the form of necrosis at each dose, but was still within normal limits. Conclusion: In conclusion, Nutmeg pulp at doses of 125mg/kgbw, 250mg/kgbw, and 500mg/kgbw is safe for consumption as food or medicine