# Javitri

> Javitri (Myristica fragrans) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Mace essential oil is richer in myristicin and macelignan. Myristicin absorption and metabolism profile similar to nutmeg. Macelignan shows good oral absorption with hepatoprotective activity.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Myristica fragrans

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Javitri |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Essential oil, Tablet, Spice extract

**Standard Dosage:** 250-500mg powder with meals; 125-250mg extract; 1-2 drops essential oil externally

**Bioavailability:** Myristica fragrans mace (aril) has similar but distinct phytochemistry compared to nutmeg seed. Mace essential oil is richer in [myristicin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myristicin) and macelignan. Myristicin absorption and metabolism profile similar to nutmeg. Macelignan shows good oral absorption with [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) activity. Mace oleoresin is lipophilic with good GI absorption when taken with food.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals for digestive support; in small doses as flavoring agent in formulations

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil standardized to myristicin (10-18%) with [safrole](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#safrole) <1%; oleoresin (15-20% volatile oil content); powder with HPTLC fingerprint

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

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light. Whole mace more stable than ground. Amber containers for essential oil. Nitrogen-flushed packaging for ground mace.

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

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation (essential oil, 4-17% yield from mace)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (80:20)
- Oleoresin extraction (acetone or ethanol)
- Mechanical grinding for Churna

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Jatiphala](/herb/jatiphala/) (nutmeg) for comprehensive Myristica-based formulation
- With Ela (cardamom) and [Lavanga](/herb/lavanga/) (clove) for digestive blends
- With [Dalchini](/herb/twak-cinnamon/) (cinnamon) for metabolic support

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

## 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.