Biological Evaluation of Mace for Drug Metabolism Modifying Activity

The single acute treatment of mice with the steam distillate, non-volatile ether extract and methanol extract from mace, arils of Myristica fragrans(Myristicaceae) caused a significant prolongation of hexobarbital-induced narcosis, an increase in strychnine toxicity as well as a significant decrease in hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzyme activities. On seven daily consecutive administrations, however, the duration of narcosis was markedly shortened and significant increases in the hepatic enzyme activities were shown. From the non-volatile ether fraction, macelignan, a new lignan, mp $70{\sim}72^{\circ}$ was isolated as an active principle.