Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a common spice. It reached Europe via Arab traders in the first century AD and was mainly used for medicinal purposes. Although now used almost exclusively as a spice, it was promoted as a tonic after the Portuguese took the Moluccas and obtained a monopoly on its production in 1512. It has been listed as a Chinese medicinal herb since c. 600 AD.
- Latin name: Myristica fragrans
- Tibetan name: Dzati
- Part used: Seed
It grows in hot climatic conditions and is also cultivated.
Anti-bacterial activity – inhibit growth of Gram-negative bacteria (e.g. E.coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Proteus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae); gram-positive bacteria (e.g. E.faecalis); exhibit good potential against oral pathogens. Also, possess anti-fungal activity against C.albicans.
Analgesic activity – inhibit phospholipase A2, thus lowering the availability of arachidonic acid precursor for prostaglandin synthesis.
Anti-inflammatory activity
Antidepressant activity
Anti-convulsant effect
Anti-cataleptic effect – due to both dopamine facilitatory and anti-oxidant properties
Aphrodisiac effect – enhances both libido and potency
Diuretic activity
Anti-diarrheal activity
Mimics insulin activity
Anti-glycation activity
Antioxidant activity – shown to protect liver and heart from oxidative stress; have ability to scavenge free radicals.
Hepatoprotective effect
Cardioprotective effect
Anti-thrombotic activity
Anti-hyperlipidemic activity – decrease LDL and triglyceride
Gastrointestinal system effect – reduce acidity and volume of gastric secretion
Rejuvenation action:
Balances disorders of Wind and Phlegm
Restores physical strength
Increases libido and potency
Gastrointestinal system:
Increases body temperature
Improves digestion
Promotes appetite
Stops diarrhea and vomiting
Clears hoarseness and relieves thirst
Relieves meteorism and abdominal distension
Balances blood sugar levels
Immune system and detoxification:
Clears parasites
Lowers cholesterol and fat
Wound healing properties
Nervous system and cardiac action:
Treats Wind disorders related with heart
Induces good sleep
Clears depression and sadness
Supports heart
Stops chest pain related to heart
- Protective effect of nutmeg aqueous extract against experimentally-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats
- In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Several Plant Extracts and Oils against Some Gram-Negative Bacteria
- Insulin-like biological activity of culinary and medicinal plant aqueous extracts in vitro.
- Evaluation of analgesic activity and toxicity of alkaloids in Myristica fragrans seeds in mice
- In vitro evaluation of five different herbal extracts as an antimicrobial endodontic irrigant using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction
- Antiglycation, antioxidant and toxicological potential of polyphenol extracts of alligator pepper, ginger and nutmeg from Nigeria
- Antibacterial Activity of Myristica fragrans against Oral Pathogens
- Evaluation of the anti–depressant activity of Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) in male rats
- An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg)
- Nutmeg uses, benefits & dosage