Pharmacological Effects of Myristica dactyloides-A Review

Abstract

Myristica dactyloides is an evergreen tree that produces two spices, nutmeg and mace. Its medicinal uses in the aurvedicsystem of treatment are based on traditional experience inherited from one generation to other. Scientists from variousdisciplines are now directing their research towards investigat- ing the effects of M. dactyloides on human health. The chemical constituents of M. dactyloides have been investigated for hypolipidaemic and hypocholesterolemic effects, antimicrobial, antidepressant, aphrodi- siac, memory enhancing, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Recent studieshave revealed strong insecticidal and molluscicidal activities of M. dactyloides. Despite some laboratory studies on the insecti- cidal / molluscicidal activity of M. dactyloides, more field studies are recommended for effective control of pests.It is clearly evident from the literature review that M. dactyloides deserves more attention by scientific community andpublic health specialists to explore its full range of benefits in the welfare of the society.

Keywords: Myristica dactyloides, nutmeg, mace, antimicrobial, antioxidant, pesticidal.