Ftir spectral analysis of the phytoconstituents in the mace of Myristica fragrans for the detection of possible adulteration with the mace of Myristica malabarica and Myristica beddomii

Myristica fragrans is an evergreen tree commercially cultivated for their valuable essential oils present in the mace and nutmeg. India is a leading producer and exporter of these spices. Unfortunately, the Indian market and world market markets have been flooded with the mace and nutmeg obtained from their wild relatives with inferior qualities. There should be some checks for the detection of adulterants from the original one. The present investigation explores the possibility of utilizing FTIR spectral analysis for detecting the possible adulteration. The results indicate that a set of biochemical markers which are unique in the mace of Myristica fragrans can be used for the detection of original mace from adulterant.