Nutritional and therapeutic potential of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): A concurrent review

Abstract

The global health sector is changing with more consensus towards the consumption of natural products to improve the health of mankind. As a result, the nutrition market diversified with the inclusion of new herbal products with each passing day. Myristica fragrans is a traditional spice used to enrich food with a specific aroma in the cuisines of every region. It has two distinctive parts, i.e. nutmeg (seed) & mace (outer covering) that are used for the same purpose but possess different health benefits. It contains significant amounts of active components that are beneficial in reducing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and allergenic responses. In the current review, efforts were made to elucidate the theoretical background of nutmeg and its health benefits. The antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of nutmeg has been discussed in length and their commercial applications have been highlighted. The health benefits associated with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory disorders, cancer insurgence, neurodegeneration, etc. are in the limelight of the article. The evidence portraying the negative aspects of nutmeg consumption and their critical analysis is discussed in length. Any plant’s positive and negative aspects depend on its rich phytochemistry and pharmaco-kinetics.