Myristica fatua
Myristica fatua, commonly known as nutmeg, is a tropical evergreen tree prized for its aromatic seeds and mace. Beyond its culinary significance, this medicinal plant offers diverse therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It plays a vital role in traditional medicine for treating various digestive and neurological ailments.
- Scientific name: Myristica fatua
- Family: Myristicaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Myristica fatua, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Magnoliaales. Finally, it is a member of the family Myristicaceae and the genus Myristica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Magnoliales | WCVP |
| Family | Myristicaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Myristica | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across the diverse landscapes of the Malesian botanical region. Within this area, it can be found growing in the tropical forests of Borneo and the Philippines. Its presence is also documented in the Indonesian archipelago, specifically within the Maluku islands and Sulawesi. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the Papuasian region, encompassing New Guinea. Together, these locations highlight the plant's significant presence throughout Southeast Asia and Oceania.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sulawesi | WCVP |
| Papuasia | New Guinea | WCVP |
Chemicals
Myristica fatua has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include artesunic acid, homoegonol.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| artesunic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| homoegonol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Myristica fatua has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Caenorhabditis elegans, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, cough, dengue virus, fever.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Caenorhabditis elegans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Trypanosoma brucei brucei | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dengue virus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |