Updated and Comprehensive Review of Myristica fragrans Houtt.: Culinary to Cure.

Background: Despite adding flavour, colour, and aroma to cuisine, herbs and spices offer various health benefits. Research over the past decade has enhanced the growing popularity of traditional herbs due to recognition of a diverse range of pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) (Jozbawa/Joz ut teeb) belongs to the family Myristicaceae. It is an aromatic evergreen tree with a peculiar smell, indigenous to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, Banda Island. Its various part embraces healing values, particularly the bark of the tree is traditionally employed in cardiac disease, viz. hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerosis. The therapeutic uses of nutmeg in other systemic ailments are also described in Unani classical literature.

Results: Apart from its traditional uses, pre-clinical and clinical claims exist for significant biological and therapeutic activities such as anti-microbial, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic on account of identified bioactive constituents including essential oils, phenolic compounds, resins, and pigments in crude extract and various other solvents.

Conclusion: This review article aims to analyse and comprehensively summarize the existing ethno-botanical actions and evidence-based claims of traditional uses. However, more research is needed to explore its molecular mechanisms, newer pharmacological and therapeutic activities along with their responsible phytoconstituents, side effects, and hence presents a research gap.

Keywords: Myristica fragrans, Nutmeg, anti-inflammatory, myristicin, Unani system of medicine.