Effect of Nutmeg Administration on the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (Area 24a) of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Protective Role of Vitamin C: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Nutmeg is commonly used as a spice in various dishes, as components of teas and soft drinks or mixed in milk and alcohol. We investigated for the first time, the effect of chronic consumption of nutmeg on the anterior cingulate cortex of adult Wistar rats and the possible protective role of vitamin C. Adult male albino rats (n = 20), with average weight of 200 gms. Were assigned into three groups: Control, nutmeg treated and protected. The whole experimental period lasted for 6 weeks. Animals of nutmeg treated group showed cellular degenerative changes relative to those in the control group. It was concluded that, long term consumption of nutmeg has adverse effect on microanatomy of anterior cingulate cortex. In the vitamin C-supplemented (Protected) group, there was improvement in the histological and immunohistochemical changes. Further research, including human observational studies, aiming at corroborating these observations is recommended.