A REVIEW ON BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF Myristica fragrans AS A MEDICINAL PLANT

Myristicafragrans which is commonly known as nutmeg produces two spices called nutmeg and mace. From very ancient time M.fragrans fruit has been used as a folk medicine. Apart from that due to the chemical composition of nutmeg and mace, it can be used in many other industries like microbial industry, bakery industry, beverage industry and cosmetic industry. Research works have done to elucidate ant diabetic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, memory enhancing, hypolipidaemic and hypocholesterolemic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the plant. Due to the valuable chemical composition, wide spreading and easy collection of the fruit, it is beneficial to carryout extensive investigation of this plant in human as well since most of the experiments have done only to rats and rabbit models. From this review it clearly emphasizes that M.fragrans deserve more attention to develop new products which can be used by human with low cost and minimum adverse effects.