Herbs (Global Traditional) · Southeast Asian
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) (Myristica fragrans)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) contains myristicin and eugenol as primary bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant and mild sedative properties. These compounds work through DPPH radical scavenging mechanisms and potential GABA-ergic pathways in the central nervous system.
Nutmeg derives from the seed of the evergreen tree Myristica fragrans, native to the Banda Islands in Indonesia and now cultivated globally in tropical regions. The essential oil is extracted via steam distillation using a Clevenger apparatus, while oleoresins are obtained through Soxhlet extraction with solvents like ethanol, ethyl acetate, or iso-propyl alcohol.
The research dossier reveals a complete absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) for biomedical applications. Limited evidence exists only from animal models, such as locomotor inhibition in mice attributed to myristicin in nutmeg seed oil, but human data and PubMed PMIDs for clinical studies are not available.
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for nutmeg extracts, powder, or standardized forms, as human trials have not been reported in the scientific literature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) seed kernel per 100g (dried, ground): Macronutrients — Calories ~525 kcal; Total fat ~36g (dominated by trimyristin/myristic acid ~60-70% of fatty acid content, oleic acid ~10-15%, palmitic acid ~6-8%); Total carbohydrates ~49g (dietary fiber ~21g, net carbs ~28g); Protein ~6g. Micronutrients — Manganese ~17.4mg (870% DV, highest notable mineral); Copper ~1.0mg (~111% DV); Magnesium ~183mg (~46% DV); Phosphorus ~213mg (~21% DV); Zinc ~2.1mg (~19% DV); Iron ~3.0mg (~17% DV); Calcium ~184mg (~18% DV); Potassium ~350mg (~10% DV); Thiamine (B1) ~0.35mg; Folate ~76mcg; Vitamin B6 ~0.16mg. Bioactive Compounds — Essential oil constituents (5-15% of dry weight): myristicin (1-methoxy-4-allyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene) ~1.3-3.2% of whole seed weight, sabinene ~14-50% of essential oil fraction, α-pinene ~15-28% of essential oil, β-pinene ~6-15%, terpinen-4-ol ~2-7%, elemicin ~0.3-1.5%, safrole ~0.5-0.8%; Fixed oil (mace butter/expressed nutmeg oil): ~25-40% of kernel by weight, rich in trimyristin (~75%); Phenolic compounds: isoeugenol, eugenol (~0.2-0.6%); Lignans: nectandrin B, malabaricone C; Tannins and flavonoids present in minor quantities. Bioavailability notes — Fat-soluble aromatic compounds (myristicin, elemicin) show enhanced absorption in lipid-rich matrices; manganese bioavailability may be reduced by fiber and phytate content; typical culinary doses (1-5g per serving) deliver trace-level micronutrients with toxicologically relevant myristicin doses requiring >5g ingestion; essential oil compounds are highly volatile and subject to degradation during prolonged cooking.
Nutmeg's myristicin and eugenol compounds demonstrate antioxidant activity through DPPH radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelation, protecting cells from oxidative damage. The sedative effects appear to involve GABAergic pathways in the central nervous system. Additionally, the essential oil components inhibit lipid peroxidation by interfering with free radical chain reactions in cellular membranes.
Current evidence for nutmeg's health benefits comes primarily from in-vitro laboratory studies examining antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation inhibition. No large-scale human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols. The sedative effects have been observed in preliminary studies, but sample sizes and methodologies remain limited. Most research focuses on the essential oil and oleoresin extracts rather than whole nutmeg consumption.
Nutmeg is generally safe as a culinary spice but can be toxic in large doses (5-30g) causing hallucinations, nausea, and neurological symptoms due to myristicin content. It may interact with sedative medications and should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects. Individuals with liver conditions should use caution as myristicin undergoes hepatic metabolism. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in sensitive individuals.
