Last verified: 17 days ago
Nutmeg
Also known as: Myristica fragrans, mace, nutmeg oil, mace oil
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Traditional spice with limited clinical evidence; topical use may help pain, but most benefits are unproven.
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What it does
Nutmeg is a common cooking spice derived from the seed of Myristica fragrans. In supplement form, it has been studied primarily as a topical pain-relief ingredient — one clinical trial found a...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
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Found in
What the Science Says
Nutmeg is a common cooking spice derived from the seed of Myristica fragrans. In supplement form, it has been studied primarily as a topical pain-relief ingredient — one clinical trial found a nutmeg oil blend comparable to diclofenac for musculoskeletal pain, though nutmeg was mixed with other active ingredients. Early lab and animal research suggests anti-inflammatory properties via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, but no human clinical trials confirm these effects at oral supplement doses.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to relieve diabetic nerve pain on its own — a clinical trial showed no benefit beyond the other ingredients in the formula. No human evidence it fights cancer, despite lab studies. Not a proven cognitive enhancer in humans. Don't use it as a psychoactive substance — it has a documented history of misuse and can be dangerous at high doses.
Evidence-Based Benefits
A nutmeg oil blend applied to skin reduced musculoskeletal pain as effectively as diclofenac in a clinical trial.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Topical formulation with 14% nutmeg oil, applied twice daily
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Topical nutmeg extract did not outperform a placebo base for diabetic nerve pain over 4 weeks.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Topical: 14% nutmeg oil + 2% mace oil blend
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for oral supplementation in humans. Topical formulations show clinical activity, but it's unclear how much is due to nutmeg specifically versus co-ingredients like menthol and methyl salicylate.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Nutmeg has documented psychoactive and toxic effects at high doses — misuse as a recreational drug is a real risk
- Indonesian nutmeg supplies show significant aflatoxin and ochratoxin A contamination — mycotoxin risk in poorly sourced products
- Most clinical studies test nutmeg blended with other active ingredients, making it impossible to isolate nutmeg's specific contribution
- Anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory claims are based entirely on lab and animal studies — no human trial evidence exists in the provided data
Products Containing Nutmeg
See how Nutmeg is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nutmeg do?
Traditional spice with limited clinical evidence; topical use may help pain, but most benefits are unproven.
What is the effective dose of Nutmeg?
No established dose
Is Nutmeg safe?
Nutmeg has documented psychoactive and toxic effects at high doses — misuse as a recreational drug is a real risk
What doesn't Nutmeg do?
Not proven to relieve diabetic nerve pain on its own — a clinical trial showed no benefit beyond the other ingredients in the formula.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25