The composition of the volatile oil extracted by hydro-distillation from nu
tmeg pericarp and the component retention indices were determined by gas ch
romatography-mass spectrometry GC-MS The oil contains 16 monoterpenes (60%)
, nine monoterpene alcohols (29%), eight aromatic ethers (7%), three sesqui
terpenes (1%), six esters (1%) and eight other minor components. The compon
ents are similar to those in nutmeg and mace oils but differ substantially
in concentrations. The sabinene, myristicin and safrole concentrations are
much lower while the terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol contents are much hi
gher than in nutmeg and mace oils. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.