One study has shown that the compound macelignan isolated from
Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae) may exert antimicrobial activity against
Streptococcus mutans, but this is not a currently used treatment.
Nutmeg has been used in medicine since at least the seventh century. In the 19th century it was used as an abortifacient, which led to numerous recorded cases of nutmeg poisoning. Although used as a folk treatment for other ailments, nutmeg has no proven medicinal value today.