Faculty Collaboration Database

Chemical diversity and pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.). Phytochem Rev 2016 Dec;15(6):1035-1056

Date

01/14/2017

Pubmed ID

28082856

Pubmed Central ID

PMC5222521

DOI

10.1007/s11101-016-9469-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84966525966 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   127 Citations

Abstract

Nutmeg is a valued kitchen spice that has been used for centuries all over the world. In addition to its use in flavoring foods and beverages, nutmeg has been used in traditional remedies for stomach and kidney disorders. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and central nervous system effects of nutmeg have also been reported in literature. Nutmeg is a rich source of fixed and essential oil, triterpenes, and various types of phenolic compounds. Many of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg exhibit biological activities that may support its use in traditional medicine. This article provides an overview of the chemistry of secondary metabolites isolated from nutmeg kernel and mace including common methods for analysis of extracts and pure compounds as well as recent approaches towards total synthesis of some of the major constituents. A summary of the most significant pharmacological investigations of potential drug leads isolated from nutmeg and reported in the last decade is also included.

Author List

Abourashed EA, El-Alfy AT

Authors

Ehab A. Abourashed PhD Associate Dean, Professor in the School of Pharmacy Operations department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Abir El-Alfy PhD Associate Dean, Professor in the School of Pharmacy Operations department at Medical College of Wisconsin