- 2025-11-21
- Journal of ethnopharmacology 358
- Jiangling Luo
- Xing Yang
- Ma Bai
- Jihang Xie
- Yuqi He
- Zhiqiang Gan
- Haozhou Huang
- Tong Xu
- Yi Zhang
Study Design
- Type
- Systematic Review
- Sample size
- n = 328
- Methods
- Systematic search of Chinese and English databases (including SpringerLink, Web of Science, ACS Publications, PubMed, Elsevier ScienceDirect, CNKI) and patent platforms (Innojoy); ancient and modern authoritative medical texts and standards consulted and analyzed
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) is an important ethnomedicinal resource with both dietary and therapeutic significance in traditional Asian medical systems. Its use dates back to its introduction into China around the 3rd-4th centuries CE. Classical medical texts document its core functions of "warming the middle jiao to promote qi flow, and astringing the intestines to relieve diarrhea." Modern research confirms that lignans and terpenoids are its primary active constituents, exerting significant gastrointestinal regulatory and neuroprotective effects through multi-target mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for its traditional applications.Aim of the study
This paper aims to systematically review the herbal origins and historical evolution of M. fragrans, and comprehensively summarize recent advances in its botanical characterization, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and toxicology, thereby providing a solid foundation for the in-depth study and rational utilization of this resource.Materials and methods
A systematic search of Chinese and English databases (including SpringerLink, Web of Science, ACS Publications, PubMed, Elsevier ScienceDirect, CNKI) and patent platforms (Innojoy) was conducted. Furthermore, ancient and modern authoritative medical texts and standards, such as Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), The Four Medical Tantras (Sibu Yidian), and Chinese Pharmacopoeia, were consulted and analyzed.Results
Herbal textual research systematically revealed the evolution of the nomenclature, historical distribution, and medicinal parts of M. fragrans. M. fragrans is indigenous to Southeast Asia, with primary cultivation established in tropical regions including India and Malaysia. Introduced cultivation occurs in China's Hainan and Yunnan provinces. Phytochemical investigations have identified a total of 328 compounds, with lignans and phenylpropanoids such as macelignan and myristicin recognized as key bioactive substances. These components demonstrate multiple pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective, gastrointestinal regulatory, and hypoglycemic effects. However, attention is also required for its toxic constituents (myristicin) and the detoxification mechanisms involved in processing. Although processing procedures are standardized, the quality evaluation criteria for processed products (e.g., limits for toxic components, potency markers) still need refinement. Additionally, toxicological studies indicate concerns regarding its toxic constituents and metabolic pathways. Current clinical applications primarily involve its use in compound formulations, whereas the clinical translation of single constituents warrants further investigation.Conclusion
This review represents the first systematic integration of the herbalogy, chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of M. fragrans. It clarifies its medicinal history, identifies the main groups of active constituents and their multi-target mechanisms of action, and provides a critical appraisal of its safety profile. The salient contributions of this paper are Constructing a complete knowledge system bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific evidence. Revealing the scientific connotation and existing research gaps regarding the processing theory of "reducing toxicity while preserving efficacy". Identifying key future research priorities-namely, establishing a comprehensive quality control system linking processing techniques, chemical characterization, and pharmacological/toxicological properties, and deeply elucidating the in vivo metabolic processes and molecular targets of active constituents. This effort is crucial for bridging the key evidence gap between traditional experience and standardized modern medicine.