Extraction of Oleoresin from Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) Seed Distillation Waste Using the UAE (Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction) Method

Background Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) seed distillation waste remains underutilized despite its potential as a source of valuable compounds. This study investigated its use as a raw material for oleoresin production using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Methods Oleoresin was extracted using 96% food-grade ethanol at a material-to-solvent ratio of 1:4 (w/v). A factorial completely randomized design evaluated three temperatures (30, 40, and 50°C) and three extraction times (35, 45, and 55 min), with two replications per treatment. Yield was calculated, and the sample with the highest yield was characterized using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC–FID). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Temperature significantly affected oleoresin yield (p = 0.024), whereas extraction time (p = 0.791) and the temperature–time interaction (p = 0.517) were not significant. The highest mean yield was 13.71 ± 1.75% at 50°C, while the highest individual yield was 14.91 ± 0.42% at 50°C for 45 min. Ten compounds were identified, with a neolignan compound (26.29%) and trans-isomyristicin (26.04%) showing the highest relative abundances. Saturated fatty acids accounted for 20.45%, mainly palmitic acid (12.94%) and myristic acid (5.46%). Conclusions Nutmeg seed distillation waste can be utilized for oleoresin production using UAE. Extraction at 50°C for 45 min produced the highest observed yield, while chemical and fatty acid profiles demonstrated the potential of the oleoresin as a source of valuable constituents.