Nutmeg: A Review on Basic Source, Traditional Use, Chemical Components, Pharmacological Activities, Mechanism, and
Junni Qi1, Yanqiu Bai1, Qier Mu1
1College of Mongolian Medicine, Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, China.
Planta Medica
|October 13, 2025
Summary
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a traditional medicinal herb with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Further research is needed to integrate traditional knowledge with systematic quality control for its development.
Area of Science:
- Ethnomedicine
- Pharmacology
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Myristica fragrans, commonly known as nutmeg, is an evergreen tree native to the Banda Islands.
- It has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Chinese medicine.
- Nutmeg contains various chemical constituents, including lignans, neolignans, and volatile oils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the botanical source, traditional uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of Myristica fragrans.
- To explore the mechanisms of action and quality control aspects of nutmeg.
- To provide a foundation for further research into its pharmacological potential and quality standardization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of botanical texts, traditional medical literature, and academic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library).
- Synthesis of information on the source, ethnomedical applications, chemical composition, and pharmacological effects of Myristica fragrans.
- Analysis of existing studies on quality control and mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- Myristica fragrans possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including neurological, digestive, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.
- Its traditional uses are supported by modern pharmacological findings, linked to its rich chemical profile.
- Gaps exist in studies combining traditional medicine experience with systematic quality control.
Conclusions:
- Myristica fragrans is a valuable medicinal herb with significant therapeutic potential.
- Further research integrating traditional knowledge with rigorous scientific methods, particularly in quality control, is warranted.
- This review lays the groundwork for the development and application of standardized nutmeg-based therapies.
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