The Isolation of Myristicin from Nutmeg Oil by Sequences Distillation

Background: Nutmeg oil is used in Asia as a traditional medicine for a stomach cramps, diarrhea, and insomnia. It’s quality need to be improved by increasing myristicin content. Objectives: This study aimed to increase the myristicin content of nutmeg oil by sequences distillations. Methods: Three different conditions of distillations were applied sequentially. The first, second and third distillation were at 1100C (0.2 bars), 1050C (1 bar), and 1450C (0.2 bars) respectively. Myristicin contents determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: the myristicin content of the original nutmeg oil, the first, the second, and the third distillation were 12.93%, 17.50%, 54.21%, and 83.45% respectively. The total yield of the final product resulted after the third distillation was 5.84% v/v from the original oil. Conclusion: The use of sequences distillation with a different condition can increase the myristicin content from the original nutmeg oil.