Description
Myristicin is an allylbenzene found in spices and umbelliferous plants. Myristicin exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic activities. In leukemia cells, myristicin decreases the mitochondrial membrane potential and increases cytochrome c release and activation of caspase 3 and PARP, inducing apoptosis. In alveolar epithelial cells, myristicin decreases IL-1β-induced production of IL-6. Myristicin also exhibits antibacterial and antifungal efficacy against Clostridium, Enterococcus, Candida, Eubacterium, and Peptostreptococcus. At high doses, myristicin may be neurotoxic.
References
Martins C, Doran C, Silva IC, et al. Myristicin from nutmeg induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and down regulates genes of the DNA damage response pathways in human leukaemia K562 cells. Chem Biol Interact. 2014 Jul 25;218:1-9. PMID: 24792648.
Lim HJ, Woo KW, Lee KR, et al. Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokine Generation in Lung Inflammation by the Leaves of Perilla frutescens and Its Constituents. Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2014 Jan;22(1):62-7. PMID: 24596623.
Fraternale D, Genovese S, Ricci D. Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of aerial parts and ripe fruits of Echinophora spinosa (Apiaceae) from Italy. Nat Prod Commun. 2013 Apr;8(4):527-30. PMID: 23738471.
