nutmeg genus
Myristica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Nutmeg genus, scientifically known as Myristica, is a group of aromatic evergreen trees native to tropical regions. Renowned for their highly valued seeds and mace, these plants offer significant medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits, making them essential in traditional healing and modern pharmacological studies.
- Family
- Myristicaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Nutmeg · Nutmegs
- Scientific synonyms
- Aruana · Comacum
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- nutmeg
- Nutmegs
Scientific Names
Accepted name
MyristicaSynonyms
- Aruana
- Comacum
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Nuez moscada
German:
- Muskatnussbäume
- Muskatnussbäume
- Muskatnussbaum
French:
- Muscadier
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Magnoliales, it is classified under the family Myristicaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Myristica.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Magnoliales |
| Family | Myristicaceae |
| Genus | Myristica |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide-ranging geographical distribution across several distinct tropical and subtropical regions. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found specifically around the Gulf of Guinea Islands. Its presence extends significantly into the Western Indian Ocean, where it inhabits the Comoros, Mauritius, and Réunion. Additionally, the species is documented within the South-Central regions of China. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various island and continental environments.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion |
| China | China South-Central |
| China | China Southeast |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh |
| Indian Subcontinent | India |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Myristica has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Hyperglycemic.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hyperglycemic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Anticancer
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Hyperglycemic
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| seed extr. | Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |