Investigating Scabies Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Potential of Nutmeg Extract in Experimental Animals

Authors

  • Erizal Erizal Graduate School of Mathematics and Applied Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
  • Muhammad Hanafiah Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
  • Mudatsir Mudatsir Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia
  • Teuku Zahrial Helmi Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60084/hjas.v4i1.333

Keywords:

GC-MS, Mite, Myristica fragrans , Nutmeg, Sarcoptes scabiei

Abstract

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is one of Indonesia’s agricultural commodities with recognized health benefits as a traditional medicine. In addition, nutmeg has potential as a natural treatment for scabies. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nutmeg fruit bioactive compounds in scabies treatment. Nutmeg extraction was conducted using three different solvents: ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. The extract with the most dominant phytochemical composition was further analyzed for bioactive compounds using GC-MS and antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Subsequently, the extract was tested against Sarcoptes scabiei mites obtained from 15 stray cats. The effectiveness of nutmeg extract was evaluated in a spray formulation by observing mite mortality and lesion reduction. The results demonstrated that the ethanol extract of nutmeg fruit contained the most abundant phytochemicals, with 3-Methyl-2,5-Furandione (21.26%) and Maleic Anhydride (14.21%) as the dominant compounds. The ethanol extract also exhibited strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 21.41 ppm. In vitro testing showed 100% mite mortality at a 25% extract concentration within 24 hours, while in vivo testing on scabies-infected cats treated with the nutmeg spray extract revealed a significant reduction in scab lesions compared to the control group. These findings indicate that nutmeg extract possesses potent acaricidal and antioxidant properties, making it a promising alternative treatment for scabies. Further studies are required to refine the formulation and explore its clinical applications.

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Published

2026-01-12

How to Cite

Erizal, E., Hanafiah, M., Mudatsir, M. and Helmi, T. Z. (2026) “Investigating Scabies Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Potential of Nutmeg Extract in Experimental Animals”, Heca Journal of Applied Sciences, 4(1), pp. 1–11. doi: 10.60084/hjas.v4i1.333.

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Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): March 2026 (In Press)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Erizal Erizal, Muhammad Hanafiah, Mudatsir Mudatsir, Teuku Zahrial Helmi

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