Javitri (Myristica fragrans

Javitri (Myristica fragrans – Arillus) is the dried lacy covering of the nutmeg seed, commonly known as Mace in English. Although it is extensively grown in tropical locations, it is native to the Spice Islands (Indonesia) and is a member of the Myristicaceae family. Javintri is used as a culinary spice and as a medicinal plant because of its potent aroma.

Javitri Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Magnoliids
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Myristicaceae
Genus: Myristica
Species: Myristica fragrans
Part Used: Arillus (Mace)

Myristica fragrans Common Name

English: Mace
Hindi: Javitri / Javintri
Sanskrit: Jatiphala patra
Tamil: Jathi Pathiri
Telugu: Jajikaya Pathri
Malayalam: Jathipathri
Marathi: Jaypatri
Bengali: Jayitri

Javitri Uses

Digestive Aid - Stimulates digestive enzymes, helps treat indigestion, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting.

Nervine Tonic - Used in nervous disorders, anxiety, and to promote calmness; acts as a mild sedative.

Aphrodisiac - Considered libido-enhancing in Ayurveda and Unani traditions.

Oral and Dental Health - Antiseptic properties help treat gum infections and bad breath.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant - Rich in essential oils that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Antimicrobial Properties - Shows antibacterial and antifungal activity—used for skin infections and wound healing.

Menstrual Health - Helps relieve menstrual cramps and regulate irregular cycles.

Phytochemical Constituents

Among the many bioactive substances and volatile oils found in mace are:

Essential Oils: Myristicin, Safrole, Eugenol, Elemicin
Phenolic Compounds: Malabaricone C, Lignans
Triterpenes: Ursolic acid, β-Sitosterol
Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol
Fixed Oils: Myristic acid, Palmitic acid
Alkaloids: Myristicin (responsible for psychoactive effect in high doses)

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. IV, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol 1, Popular Prakashan.

Trease, G.E., & Evans, W.C. (2002). Pharmacognosy, 15th Ed. Saunders.

Pua, T.L., et al. (2020). "Phytochemical properties and medicinal uses of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg and mace)." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 258, 112907.

European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2011). Assessment report on Myristica fragrans Houtt., European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products.

Rani, P., & Khullar, N. (2004). "Antimicrobial evaluation of some medicinal plants for their anti-enteric potential against multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi." Phytotherapy Research, 18(8), 670–673.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.