Toxicity of Nutmeg (Myristicin): A Review

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In this paper a detailed review of myristicin is reported. Numerous literatures report that myristicin is responsible for hallucinogenic effects, which induced by the consumption of nutmeg due to its metabolism structure of 3-methoxy-4,5-methylendioxyamphetamine (MMDA). Minimum dosage of nutmeg that can cause psychogenic effect is 5 g (ground nutmeg) with 1 to 2 mg myristicin content and this dosage is considered as 'toxic dose'. At higher dosage of myristicin death may occur. Additionally, Myristicin poisoning can lead to many health problems that related to brain problem. Those symptoms usually occur 3 to 6 hours after ingestion of myristicin or foodstuffs containing it, and effects may persist up to 72 hours. California Poison Control System (CPCS) electronic database 72.3% exposures between 1997 and 2008 that were intentional for recreational purposes (between ages 13 and 20 years old). The remaining considered as unintentionally exposed. Between 1998 to 2008, Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) received seventeen nutmeg poisoning and 64.7% from that cases involved abuse, and the rest was unintentional exposure. Most of the nutmeg exposures were via the oral route and minor cases of nutmeg exposure occurred through insufflated nutmeg, unintentional dermal and ocular exposures. Nutmeg also has been misused by mixing it with other drugs in order to get "high". For intoxication cases, treatments like decontamination (cathartic, charcoal, dilution, fresh air, IV fluids) and supportive care (benzodiazepines) will be provided to reduce the effects.