Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity of Myristica Fragrans
Summary
Myristica fragrans Houtt., commonly known as nutmeg, is prized both as a culinary spice and for its versatile pharmacological properties. Phytochemical investigations have revealed a complex profile of volatile and non-volatile constituents, including essential oils rich in sabinene, myristicin, eugenol and caryophyllene, as well as phenolic compounds, flavonoids and lignans. State-of-the-art techniques such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) enable detailed characterisation of these metabolites. Such analyses underpin efforts to standardise extracts and assess quality. Biological studies demonstrate a broad spectrum of activity. Nutmeg essential oil and its major components exhibit antioxidant properties, scavenging free radicals in DPPH and ABTS assays, and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Antimicrobial assays show inhibitory effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with defined minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. Antiviral potential has been reported through reduction of viral titres in cell cultures, while anti-inflammatory actions involve suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and interleukins in macrophage models. Preclinical work further highlights anticancer and cytotoxic effects mediated by apoptosis induction and redox imbalance, as well as insecticidal and nematocidal activities relevant to agricultural applications. Emerging formulations, including microencapsulation of essential oil and plant extracts, aim to enhance stability, control release and improve bioavailability. Ongoing research explores ecological uses of myristicin-rich fractions as biopesticides, underscores the toxicology and metabolism of key constituents, and evaluates novel delivery systems. Globally, these efforts support the development of standardised nutmeg-derived products for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and agrochemical markets, reflecting the enduring significance of this tropical spice.
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Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity of Myristica Fragrans publication trend
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Technical terms
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS): An analytical method that separates volatile compounds and identifies them by mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): A technique for separating, identifying and quantifying non-volatile phytochemicals in complex mixtures.
Myristicin: A methylenedioxyphenyl allylbenzene found in nutmeg essential oil, associated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and neuroactive effects.
Sabinene: A bicyclic monoterpene abundant in nutmeg oil, contributing to antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
DPPH and ABTS assays: Spectrophotometric methods for measuring free-radical scavenging capacity of antioxidants in plant extracts.
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): The lowest concentration of an extract or compound that visibly inhibits microbial growth.
References
- Application of Antiviral, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Trifolium pratense L. Extracts and Myristica fragrans Houtt. Essential Oil in Microcapsules. Pharmaceutics (2023).
- Myristicin: From its biological effects in traditional medicine in plants to preclinical studies and use as ecological remedy in plant protection. eFood (2023).
- Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) essential oil: A review on its composition, biological, and pharmacological activities. Phytotherapy Research (2022).
- Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Myristicin on RAW 264.7 Macrophages Stimulated with Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid. Molecules (2011).
- Malabaricone-A Induces A Redox Imbalance That Mediates Apoptosis in U937 Cell Line. PLOS ONE (2012).
- Essential Oil Yield Pattern and Antibacterial and Insecticidal Activities of Trachyspermum ammi and Myristica fragrans. Scientifica (2016).
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