nutmeg oil

Nutmeg oil is the volatile essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the seeds of *Myristica fragrans* (nutmeg). It is colorless or light yellow and has a characteristic aroma and flavor of nutmeg. The main constituents are terpene hydrocarbons such as sabinene, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, and oxygenated compounds like terpinen-4-ol. It also contains phenolic compounds including myristicin, elemicin, safrole, and methyl eugenol[6]. Nutmeg oil is widely used as a natural food flavoring in baked goods and beverages; it also finds applications in cosmetics (e.g., toothpaste) and pharmaceuticals (e.g., cough syrups)[6]. Pharmacologically, nutmeg oil exhibits analgesic properties—studies suggest it can alleviate chronic inflammatory pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and reducing blood substance P levels[7]. Some components potentiate GABAergic activity in animal models[8]. At high doses or with misuse, toxic effects may occur due to myristicin content; these include CNS excitation or depression, hallucinations, anticholinergic-like symptoms, tachycardia, nausea/vomiting—and rarely death[1][5].

Other names

myristica oilessential oil of nutmeg