# Jatiphala

> Jatiphala (Myristica fragrans) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Myristicin is well absorbed orally with high lipophilicity (logP ~2.5). Myristicin is metabolized to MMDA-like compounds by CYP enzymes (contributing to psychoactive effects at high doses).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Myristica fragrans

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Jatiphala |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Essential oil, Lepa (paste), Taila (oil infusion)

**Standard Dosage:** 250-500mg powder (LOW DOSE - toxic at higher doses); 125-250mg extract; 1-3 drops essential oil (external/aromatherapy)

**Bioavailability:** Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) contains [myristicin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myristicin), [elemicin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#elemicin), [safrole](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#safrole), and trimyristin. Myristicin is well absorbed orally with high lipophilicity (logP ~2.5). Myristicin is metabolized to MMDA-like compounds by CYP [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (contributing to psychoactive effects at high doses). Essential oil components have high bioavailability via GI and inhalation routes. Trimyristin (myristic acid triglyceride) has standard lipid absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for digestive support; at bedtime with warm milk (pinch of powder) for sleep

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil standardized to myristicin (5-15%), safrole (<1% IFRA limit); CO2 extract for trimyristin-rich fraction; powder with verified essential oil content >5%

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (whole nutmeg); 1 year (ground powder - volatile loss); 3 years (essential oil, sealed); 3 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Whole nutmeg is more stable than ground. Ground powder loses volatiles rapidly; nitrogen-flushed packaging recommended. Essential oil in amber glass, sealed.

**Marker Compounds:** Myristicin, Elemicin, Safrole (toxic marker - monitor and limit), [Sabinene](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sabinene), Alpha-pinene, Trimyristin, Myristic acid, Macelignan

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation (essential oil, 5-15% yield)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction (trimyristin + essential oil)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (80:20 ethanol:water)
- Fixed oil expression (nutmeg butter/trimyristin extraction)
- Mechanical grinding for Churna

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Lavanga](/herb/lavanga/) (clove) for dental/oral care preparations
- With Ela (cardamom) for digestive formulations
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for bioavailability enhancement of co-administered herbs
- With warm milk for sleep induction (traditional)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/jatiphala/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.