# Mace (Myristica fragrans)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/mace
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Myristica fragrans, nutmeg aril, nutmeg flower, javitri, bunga pala, macis, blade mace, Banda mace

## Overview

Mace is the dried aril surrounding the nutmeg seed of Myristica fragrans, containing bioactive compounds including myristicin, elemicin, and macelignan. These compounds have demonstrated [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity in preclinical models, though no human clinical trials currently substantiate therapeutic benefits.

## Health Benefits

["\u2022 No specific health benefits for mace have been substantiated by human clinical trials, as no such studies are available in the research dossier.", "\u2022 Preliminary *in vitro* evidence suggests potential [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) based on DPPH assays, but this has not been confirmed in human studies.[4]", "\u2022 There is no clinical evidence to support the use of mace for [cognitive enhancement](/ingredients/condition/cognitive).", "\u2022 There is no clinical evidence to support the use of mace for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) purposes.", "\u2022 There is no clinical evidence to support the use of mace for improving [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)."]

## Mechanism of Action

Myristicin, a phenylpropanoid found in mace essential oil, is thought to modulate monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and may interact with GABA-A receptors, which underlies its studied neurological effects. Macelignan, a lignan compound, has demonstrated inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways in cell-based assays, potentially reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression. Mace's [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) appears to stem from phenolic compounds scavenging free radicals via hydrogen atom transfer, as measured in DPPH and ABTS assay models.

## Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials specifically evaluating mace (as distinct from whole nutmeg) for health outcomes are currently available in the published literature. Preclinical in vitro studies have demonstrated [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) using DPPH radical scavenging assays, and animal models have explored macelignan's effects on [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers, but these findings cannot be extrapolated to human therapeutic doses. The evidence base is limited entirely to cell culture and rodent studies, which frequently fail to translate to clinical efficacy. Overall, the evidence strength for any health claim related to mace supplementation must be rated as very low.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"carbohydrates": "50-60g per 100g", "protein": "6-7g per 100g", "fat": "30-40g per 100g", "fiber": "20-25g per 100g"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"vitamin A": "0.1mg per 100g", "vitamin C": "21mg per 100g"}, "minerals": {"calcium": "250mg per 100g", "iron": "13mg per 100g", "magnesium": "183mg per 100g", "phosphorus": "110mg per 100g", "potassium": "463mg per 100g", "zinc": "2mg per 100g"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"myristicin": "1-2% of essential oil content", "safrole": "0.1-0.2% of essential oil content", "eugenol": "trace amounts"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of mace's nutrients can be influenced by factors such as preparation method and individual [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health). The presence of essential oils may enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for mace or its extracts are available, as no human trials have been conducted to establish safe or effective amounts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Mace consumed in typical culinary amounts is generally recognized as safe, but high doses of myristicin — present in mace essential oil — can cause hallucinations, tachycardia, nausea, and anticholinergic toxicity, with cases documented at nutmeg ingestions above 5 grams. Myristicin may potentiate monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), creating a risk of serotonergic or hypertensive reactions when combined with MAOI medications or serotonergic drugs. Mace should be avoided during pregnancy, as myristicin has demonstrated uterotonic effects in animal studies and has been associated with fetal toxicity at high doses. Individuals on anticoagulant therapy should exercise caution, as in vitro data suggests possible platelet aggregation inhibition.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier contains no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses on mace for any biomedical application. Consequently, no PubMed PMIDs for human studies are available.[2, 4]

## Historical & Cultural Context

The provided research does not detail the historical or traditional medicinal uses of mace in systems like Ayurveda or Unani. The dossier notes the history of its cultivation but lacks specific information on its role in traditional medicine.[2, 6]

## Synergistic Combinations

No synergistic ingredients are identified in the provided research.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is mace spice and how does it differ from nutmeg?

Mace is the lacy red aril (outer covering) that wraps around the nutmeg seed of Myristica fragrans, while nutmeg is the seed itself. Both share similar bioactive compounds including myristicin and elemicin, but mace has a lighter, more delicate flavor profile and a slightly different ratio of volatile oils. They are botanically related but are distinct spice products with overlapping but not identical chemical compositions.

### Does mace have proven health benefits?

Currently, no human clinical trials have confirmed health benefits specific to mace supplementation or consumption. In vitro studies show antioxidant activity from its phenolic compounds and potential anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB inhibition by macelignan, but these are preclinical findings. Until controlled human trials are conducted, no therapeutic health claims can be substantiated for mace.

### Is mace safe to take as a supplement?

Mace in culinary amounts is generally considered safe for most adults, but concentrated mace extracts or essential oil supplements carry risk due to myristicin content. Doses equivalent to more than a few grams of the spice can trigger anticholinergic symptoms including rapid heart rate, dry mouth, hallucinations, and nausea. Supplements are not standardized for myristicin content, making dosing unpredictable and potentially hazardous.

### What are the active compounds in mace (Myristica fragrans)?

The primary bioactive compounds in mace include myristicin (a phenylpropanoid), elemicin, safrole, macelignan (a lignan), and various flavonoids and phenolic acids. The essential oil fraction is dominated by myristicin and sabinene, which account for much of its aroma and pharmacological activity. Macelignan has attracted research interest for its anti-inflammatory and potential neuroprotective properties in preclinical models.

### Can mace interact with medications?

Yes, mace carries clinically relevant drug interaction risks primarily due to its myristicin content. Myristicin inhibits monoamine oxidase enzymes, which can dangerously potentiate MAOI antidepressants, leading to hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome. Additionally, preliminary in vitro evidence suggests platelet aggregation inhibition, which could theoretically amplify the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin, though human pharmacokinetic data confirming this interaction is not yet available.

### What is the difference between mace extract and whole mace powder in terms of potency?

Mace extract concentrates the active compounds found in the seed covering, potentially providing higher levels of myristicin and other volatile oils compared to whole powder. However, no comparative human studies have directly evaluated whether extracts deliver superior effects or bioavailability compared to whole mace powder forms. The processing method and solvent used in extraction can significantly affect the final compound profile, but standardized potency comparisons between commercial products are limited.

### Is mace safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish the safety of mace supplementation during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it should be avoided in these populations due to the lack of controlled human studies. Mace contains myristicin and other volatile compounds that have not been evaluated for fetal or infant safety. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before using mace in amounts exceeding those found in culinary spicing.

### How does the quality of clinical evidence for mace compare to other common spice supplements?

Mace has notably weaker clinical support than better-studied spice supplements like turmeric (curcumin) or ginger, as no human clinical trials specifically evaluating mace's health effects have been published to date. While preliminary laboratory studies suggest antioxidant potential through DPPH assays, these *in vitro* findings have not been confirmed in human subjects. This evidence gap means mace lacks the clinical substantiation that regulatory agencies and healthcare professionals typically require to make health claims.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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