Overview

Nutmeg and mace are plant products. Nutmeg is the shelled, dried seed of the plant Myristica fragrans, and mace is the dried net-like covering of the shell of the seed. Both of these products are commonly used as spices and flavorings.

Mace is used for pain, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Mace contains chemicals that might affect the central nervous system. Mace might also kill bacteria and fungi.
Mace contains chemicals that might affect the central nervous system. Mace might also kill bacteria and fungi.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of mace for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Mace is LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts commonly found in foods. Mace is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in doses of up to 1.5 grams twice daily for up to 3 months.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if mace is safe to use in higher doses.

Mace contains the chemical myristicin which has been linked to hallucinations and other mental side effects. People who have taken larger doses of nutmeg, which also contains myristicin, have experienced nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, agitation, and hallucinations. Because mace also contains myristicin, in theory, it might cause these same side effects.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if mace is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Mace is LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts commonly found in foods. Mace is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in doses of up to 1.5 grams twice daily for up to 3 months.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if mace is safe to use in higher doses.

Mace contains the chemical myristicin which has been linked to hallucinations and other mental side effects. People who have taken larger doses of nutmeg, which also contains myristicin, have experienced nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, agitation, and hallucinations. Because mace also contains myristicin, in theory, it might cause these same side effects.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if mace is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Mace is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in doses larger than amounts found in foods when pregnant. It might cause miscarriages or birth defects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if mace is safe to use in doses larger than amounts found in foods when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with food amounts.

Weakened immune system: Mace might reduce immune function. In theory, taking large doses of mace can worsen immune function for people who already have a weakened immune system.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with MACE

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) substrates) interacts with MACE

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with MACE

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) substrates) interacts with MACE

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B2 (CYP2B2) substrates) interacts with MACE

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with MACE

  • Phenobarbital (Luminal) interacts with MACE

Dosing

The appropriate dose of mace depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for mace. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.