A REVIEW ON MYRISTICA FRAGRANS (NUTMEG) (KEY IJP************153)

• Dr. Anil Kumar,Mr. Krishanu Samanta

Abstract

Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Herbs had been used byall cultures throughout history. Myristica fragrans commonly known as Nutmeg, is an evergreen tree indigenous to India, Indonesia and Srilanka. It is the main source of spices, having a pleasant aromatic fragrance and widely used as flavouring agent and ability to enhance the taste of food. It has been known to provide many medicinal properties due to its complex molecular structure. Many phytoconstituents of M. fragrans is responsible for its effect in curing various diseases like antioxidant, antidiarrheal, hypolipidemic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, memory enhancer and hepatoprotective properties. This review attempts to highlight the available literature traditional uses, and its pharmacological activities of Myristica fragrans. This will be helpful to create interest towards Nutmeg and may be useful in developing new formulations with economical value.