NUTMEG
Botanically named Myristica fragrans –an evergreen tree,
native to Caribbean islands and grows in Malabar region of Kerala. Fruit, seed
and ‘mace’ from the fruit are popular as spice. The fruit is “JADHIKKAAI” mace
is “Jadhipathri’ in Tamil.
Essential oil and butter are also derived from
nutmeg.
Fruits are formed in
trees- 7-9 years old and thereafter.
Nutmeg fruit/seed
spices, as also mace spices are said to be psychoactive and Aphrodisiac –though
need experimental confirmation.
Several cultures use
these spices for their fragrance and mild inductive effect. But high doses of
Nutmeg products can turn toxic and lead to psychosis. Such psychological/
neurological responses are due to ‘Anticholinergic/ Hallucinogenic mechanisms
from biochemical reactions.
Some effects like
Palpitation /convulsions/ nausea can arise from high dose.
Myristicin –a mono
amine oxidase inhibitor is known to cause physiological disturbances resulting
in convulsions/ nausea or palpitations. But most such disturbances arise from
high doses of nutmeg products.
In South India, the
flesh skin of Nutmeg fruits is used for making Nutmeg pickles. Seeds are used
as domestic medicine [Jadhikkai]
Mace is used for
spicing food, pawn [betel chewing] and it is a flat orange colored layer of
outgrowths around the seed [Jadhi pathri]
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