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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 11 No. sp2 (2024): International conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches to SDGs: Life Sciences Perception

Pharmacological insights into Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg): A systematic review on the therapeutic applications and bioactive compounds

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.3888
Submitted
11 May 2024
Published
30-03-2025

Abstract

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is an aromatic spice derived from the seeds of an evergreen tree. It is treasured for its warm, slightly sweet flavour and its culinary, medicinal, and aromatic applications. This systematic review broadly examines the pharmacological properties of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), focusing on their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, aphrodisiac and nootropic effects. Nutmeg’s bioactive elements, including myristicin, polyphenols, terpenoids and alkaloids, contribute to its physiological and therapeutic possibilities. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this review makes findings from peer-reviewed studies published between 1972 and 2024, obtained from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCO, along with supplementary literature from Google Scholar. The analysis integrates in vitro and in vivo studies to estimate nutmeg’s effectiveness across manifold health domains, including microbiology, pharmacology, neuroscience and traditional medicine. By consolidating existing evidence, identifying knowledge gaps and assessing procedural consistency, this review aims to provide a significant appraisal of nutmeg’s pharmacological profile while informing future clinical applications and research priorities.

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