Hepatoprotective Effects of Myristica fragrans with Concurrent Caffeine Intake: A Histopathological and Biochemical Analysis

The growing prevalence of caffeine consumption has sparked concerns due to limited research on its potential health-related controversies. This investigation aimed to assess the hepatoprotective effect of Myristica fragrans following the concomitant administration of caffeine. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (A-E), each comprising five rats. The control group (Group A) received distilled water (2 mL/kg), while Group B was administered caffeine (40 mg/kg). Group C received Myristica fragrans exclusively at 200 mg/kg. Groups D and E were administered caffeine (40 mg/kg) + Myristica fragrans (100 mg/kg) and caffeine (40 mg/kg) + Myristica fragrans (200 mg/kg), respectively. All treatments were administered orally for 21 days. Following the 21-day treatment period, the rats body weight changes were determined. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed. Histological examination of the liver was also carried out. Results indicated that the caffeine-only group experienced a statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in body weight compared to the control group. Conversely, Group C, which received only Myristica fragrans, significantly (p < 0.05) increased body weight. Serum levels of ALT and AST were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the groups treated with Myristica fragrans. Histological analyses demonstrated normal liver architecture in the control and Myristica fragrans-only groups, while the caffeine-only group exhibited necrotic liver cell changes. Groups D and E maintained normal liver histology. In conclusion, the concurrent administration of Myristica fragrans alongside caffeine appears to mitigate the detrimental histological and biochemical effects of caffeine consumption