Seed

Mace Spice

Provisional Strong ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Mace (Myristica fragrans aril) contains macelignan as its primary bioactive compound, demonstrating anti-inflammatory activity through COX-2 and iNOS inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 82.19 μg/ml. The spice exhibits significant antioxidant capacity via free radical scavenging mechanisms, achieving EC₅₀ values of 13.41 μg/ml in DPPH assays.

—

Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategorySeed

GroupSeed

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keywordwhat is Mace Spice

Mace Spice — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Enhances cognitive function by modulating neurotransmitters and supporting memory, focus, and neuroprotection with myristicin and elemicin.

Supports digestive health by stimulating enzyme production, reducing bloating, and promoting gut microbiome balance.

Reduces inflammation and alleviates pain through compounds like eugenol and sabinene, aiding joint, menstrual, and headache relief.

Strengthens immune defenses with its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal compounds.

Promotes cardiovascular wellness by improving circulation, regulating cholesterol, and reducing arterial inflammation.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Mace Spice is the aril, or outer lacy covering, of the nutmeg seed (*Myristica fragrans*), a tropical evergreen tree native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka. It is prized for its distinct aromatic profile and its rich concentration of bioactive compounds, offering diverse functional benefits.

“Mace Spice has been historically revered in Ayurvedic, Unani, and European herbal traditions for its profound effects on digestion, brain vitality, immune resilience, and circulatory health. During the ancient spice trade era, it was considered more valuable than gold, symbolizing luxury and medicinal potency.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Numerous in vitro and animal studies, alongside preliminary human trials, support Mace Spice's cognitive-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Research highlights the neuroprotective effects of myristicin and elemicin, and the digestive benefits of its essential oils, though more large-scale human RCTs are needed.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Bioactives: Myristicin, elemicin, eugenol, sabinene, polyphenols - Minerals: Copper, manganese, magnesium

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Macelignan and malabaricone C suppress LPS-induced nitric oxide production and inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in immune cells. The antioxidant effects operate through direct free radical scavenging mechanisms, while anticancer activity involves suppression of calcium influx and nitric oxide reduction.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Laboratory studies demonstrate mace's ethanolic extract (EMACE) exhibits anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ of 82.19 μg/ml against LPS-induced nitric oxide production. Antioxidant testing shows promising results with EC₅₀ values of 13.41 μg/ml (DPPH) and 12.44 μg/ml (ABTS assays). Cytotoxicity studies against gastric cancer cells revealed an IC₅₀ of 26.06 μg/ml, though research remains limited to in vitro and animal models. Large-scale human randomized controlled trials are needed to establish clinical efficacy and therapeutic dosing parameters.

Also Known As

Myristica fragrans arilnutmeg flowerjavitribunga palamace blade

Browse All Ingredients More Seed About the Encyclopedia

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

From the Hermetica Research Desk

Research updates — and 25% off your first order

Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Educational content only — not medical advice.