Myristica fragrans Houtt.: Botanical, pharmacological, and toxicological aspects

Abstract

Myristica fragrans is a fragrant tree, known for its commercial spicy products, namely, the nutmeg, mace, and essential oil, which are predominantly used in flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries. Being one of the popular spices in the culinary sector, the plant products are traditionally used in folk medicines for treating various human ailments. Its therapeutic potentials include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, anti-obesity, antiangiogenic, neuroprotective, analgesic, antithrombotic, antifeedant, hepatoprotective, insecticidal, aphrodisiac, radioprotective properties, and many more. Also, the plant is noted for its hallucinogenic or narcotic-like properties. The clinical evidences have suggested about the intoxication, poisonings, and adverse effects of M. fragrans. The present chapter provides a comprehensive information on the botanical, pharmacological, and toxicological aspects of M. fragrans products.