Phytopharmacological review on Myristica fragrans Houtt (Jaiphal).

Summary of article contents:

Myristica fragrans Houtt, commonly known as nutmeg, is a very common spice, belonging to the family Myristicaceae, is the source of two spices, nutmeg (Jaiphal) and mace (Javitri), used around the world. It is described in almost each medicine system such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and folk system. It has wide range of fixed oils and essential oils in it for example terpenes and phenylpropenes, sabinene, caryophyllene, β-myrcene, and α-pinene, myristicin, safrole, myristic acid, trimyristicin, eugenol, elimicin and meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid. Myristica fragrans Houtt is well considered medicinal plant for its extraordinary properties like aphrodisiac, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimalarial, anticonvulsant, antiparasitic, insecticidal, and nematocidal, anti-diabetic, digestive, carminative, appetizer, exhilarant and mood elevator, antitussive, antiemetic, demulcent,  nervine , cardio, and uterine tonic etc. The review aim is to provide data/information related to medicinal herbal plant called Myristica fragrans such as its phytomedicinal value in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and folk system, its therapeutic uses and associated toxicity.