MYRISTICA FRAGRANS HOUTT : AN OVERVIEW OF BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND APPLICATIONS

Surya Narayanan H.*, Akash M., Velvizhi V., Ranjeet Kumar and Latha S.

The evergreen tree Myristica fragrans (Houtt.) is indigenous to Indonesia's Maluku Islands. The kernel of M. fragrans is widely used to cure a variety of illnesses in Indian traditional medicine. Numerous investigations endeavor to gather and analyze the therapeutic value of aqueous and different chemical extracts of Myristica fragrans (Houtt.). Nutmeg essential oil's pharmacological potential has not, thus, been examined from a phytochemical and pharmacological perspective. Thus, the goal of this study was to offer relevant information on the chemical makeup of plant essential oils and the potential therapeutic benefits of Myristica fragrans essential oil.[1] Worldwide, MFEO of leaves, mace, kernels, and seeds was utilized as a possible Ayurvedic scent and medicine. Worldwide, MFEO of leaves, mace, kernels, and seeds was utilized as a possible Ayurvedic scent and medicine.[2] MFEO was extracted using a variety of techniques, and the oil yield in the leaf, mace, seed, and kernel was 0.7-3.2, 8.1-10.3, 0.3-12.5 and 6.2–7.6%. Myristicin, caryophyllene, β-myrcene, α-pinene, sabinene, and eugenol were the main chemical components of MFEO.[3] The anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-malarial, anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective, antiparasitic, nematocidal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of MFEO have been validated by clinical and experimental studies. Myristicin, caryophyllene, β-myrcene, α-pinene, sabinene, and eugenol were the main chemical components of MFEO.[4] The anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-malarial, anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective, nematocidal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of MFEO have been validated by clinical and experimental studies. This is the initial attempt to gather information on MFEO's oil output, composition, and biological activity. To comprehend the mode of action of MEFO and its bioactive components, more scientific research will be needed in the future.[5]