The seed of Myristica Fragrans Houttuyn (nat. ord. Myrislicacea), deprived of its testa.

Habitat

Molucca Islands; cultivated in tropical countries.

Characters

Oval or roundish-ovate, about 25 mm. long, light brown, reticulately furrowed, with a circular scar on the broad end; internally pale brownish, with dark orange-brown veins, and of a fatty lustre; odor strongly aromatic ; taste aromatic, warm, and somewhat bitter.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) The fixed oil, 25 to 30 per cent, {see below). (2) The volatile oil (see below), 2 to 8 per cent.

Nutmeg is contained in Pulvis Aromaticus, and Tinctura Lavandulae Composita.

Dose, 5 to 15 gr.; .30 to 1.00 gm.

Oleum Myristicae Expressum. (Not official). - Expressed Oil of Nutmeg. A concrete oil obtained by expression and heat from Nutmeg. .

Characters

Orange-brown or orange-yellow, mottled, of a firm consistence; odor like Nutmeg.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) Glyceryl Oleate, C3H5 (C18H33O2)3. (2) Glyceryl Butyrate, C3H5(C11H702)3. (3) Glyceryl Myris-tate, C3H5(C14H2702)3. (4) A little volatile oil. (5) A little resin.

Oleum Myristicae. Oil Of Nutmeg

A volatile oil distilled from Nutmeg.

Characters

A thin, colorless or pale yellowish liquid, having the characteristic odor of Nutmeg and a warm, spicy taste. It becomes darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Sp. gr., 0.870 to 0.900.

Solubility

In an equal volume of Alcohol.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) Myristicene C10H16,, a terpene. (2) Myristicol, C10H14O, a stearopten, isomeric with Carvol.

Oil of Nutmeg is contained in Spiritus Ammonias Aromaticus.

Dose, 1 to 3 m.; .06 to .20 c.c

Preparation

Spiritus Myristicae. Spirit Of Nutmeg. Essence Of Nutmeg. Oil Of Nutmeg

Synonym. - Essence of Nutmeg. Oil of Nutmeg, 50 ; Alcohol, 950. Dose, 1/2 to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. c.c