Myristica fragrans (M. fragrans) , is a species within the Myristicaceae family and
the Myristica genus. It is an evergreen tree plant native to Maluku and the Banda
Islands. Nutmeg (dried kernel of M. fragrans) could be used not only as a spice but
also as a valuable medicinal herb used in traditional ethnomedicines, including Ayurvedic
medicine, Tibetan medicine, Mongolian medicine, and Chinese medicine. From previous
studies, it has been found that its chemical components are lignans, neolignans, volatile
oils, and other chemical components. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that
nutmeg extract and its chemical constituents possessed a wide range of pharmacological
activities such as neurological and digestive pharmacological effects as well as cardioprotective,
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, potential anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities,
and other pharmacological effects, which are closely related to its rich ethnomedical
uses. There were more studies on the pharmacological activities and chemical constituents
of nutmeg, but few studies had been carried out in terms of incorporating the experience
of traditional medicine and systematic quality control studies. Based on botanical
books, Chinese classic texts, medical monographs and a cademic search engines (Pubmed,
Web of Science, CNKI, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library), this paper reviewed various
aspects of nutmeg, such as its basic source, traditional use, chemical Components,
pharmacological activities and mechanism of action as well as quality control, with
a view to laying a foundation for the study of the potential pharmacological activities
and quality control of nutmeg and providing a theoretical basis for the further development
of nutmeg.
