Toxicity of Nutmeg (Myristicin): A Review
International Journal on Advanced Science Engineering and Information Technology January 1, 2015 Rahman N.a.a, A. Fazilah, Effarizah M.e 51 citations
Myristicin, a compound in nutmeg, is responsible for hallucinogenic effects because the body metabolizes it into 3-methoxy-4,5-methylendioxyamphetamine (MMDA). A minimum of 5 grams of ground nutmeg, containing 1 to 2 mg of myristicin, is considered a toxic dose that can cause psychogenic effects; higher doses may be fatal. Poisoning symptoms appear 3 to 6 hours after ingestion and can last up to 72 hours, primarily affecting the brain. Data from the California Poison Control System show that 72.3% of nutmeg exposures between 1997 and 2008 were intentional for recreational purposes among people aged 13 to 20. The Texas Poison Center Network reported seventeen nutmeg poisonings from 1998 to 2008, with 64.7% involving abuse.