ANTIOXIDANT, SEDATIVE AND HYPNOTIC POTENTIAL OF MILK EXTRACT OF MYRISTICA FRAGRANS: A COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INSOMNIA

The Myristica fragrans (MF) is well known in Ayurveda for many therapeutic uses. The present research work was carried out to investigate the antioxidant (in vitro), sedative and hypnotic effects of the MFmilk extracts in Wistar rats. The extraction was carried out by hot percolation and cold maceration methods. The phytochemical, HPLC and pharmacological evaluations were done. The overall sedative and hypnotic effects of the different extracts were evaluated using the parameters locomotor activity, muscle strength and thiopental induced sleeping time. The milk extracts shown the presence of quercetin. It was confirmed using HPLC analysis, which might be responsible for its in-vitro antioxidant activity. The extract also showed the significant (P<0.05) sedative and hypnotic effect at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg on oral administration. Consequently, the treated groups have shown a significant increase in thiopental induced sleeping time. The study concluded that the milk extracts possess antioxidant, sedative and hypnotic activity. further research is needed to develop suitable formulation and to establish the mechanism of action of milk extract of MF.