Historically used to treat nausea and diarrhea, nutmeg (Semen Myristicae) was also reputed to be useful in treating male sexual dysfunction. A recent study by Tajuddin et al tested a weak nutmeg compound in rats. Male sexual performance was significantly improved.
Used to flavour cakes and custards, nutmeg is also used to induce hallucinogenic stupors. It’s active oil contains myristicin and elemicin. These are psychotropic chemicals that are broken down to compounds similar to amphetamines. *see below
In cooking (even with a generous chef) the quantities used are far too low to affect the consumer, so intoxication is generally intentional.
Nutmeg is not a gentle drug. In lower doses (less than 1 tablespoon) it can cause mild euphoria. In large doses (2 to 6 tablespoons), it can cause “nutmeg psychosis” including visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations, headaches and nausea – not to mention paranoia and violent anger. Effects can last several days after ingestion. Nutmeg has been linked to several deaths (though generally other drugs were contributing factors).
It tastes nice as a flavouring, but I am truly impressed that anyone actually managed to choke down enough tablespoons to discover these hallucinogenic effects. it’s probably the taste, texture and the negative side effects that have kept it’s popularity as a recreational drug to a minimum.
Tasty desserts, better performanc, euphoria and violent panic attacks. Viagra just can’t compete.
* Recent research suggests that these chemicals may not act like amphetamine derivatives (see comments). Current mechanisms for action are unknown.
References
Beyer J, Ehlers D, Maurer HH. (2006) Abuse of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.): studies on the metabolism and the toxicologic detection of its ingredients elemicin, myristicin, and safrole in rat and human urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Ther Drug Monit. 28(4):568-75.
Forrester MB. (2005) Nutmeg intoxication in Texas, 1998-2004. Hum Exp Toxicol. 24(11):563-6.
McKenna A, Nordt SP, Ryan J.(2004) Acute nutmeg poisoning.
Eur J Emerg Med. 11(4):240-1.
Stein U, Greyer H, Hentschel H(2001) Nutmeg (myristicin) poisoning–report on a fatal case and a series of cases recorded by a poison information centre. Forensic Sci Int. 118(1):87-90.
Tajuddin, Ahmad S, Latif A, Qasmi IA, Amin KM. (2005) An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg). BMC Complement Altern Med. 5, pg16.
27 Comments
October 9, 2006 at 12:31 am
Many years ago (in Palmerston North, of course) some friends of mine decided it would be fun to experiment with nutmeg. I only learned about this the following week at school, after hearing that one of them was taken to hospital with concussion.
According to those present, he consumed a large quantity of nutmeg, “freaked out”, and attacked a tree, loudly & profanely accusing it of insulting him. Witnesses report that he & the tree were fairly evenly matched until he attempted to head-butt it.
I always wondered if they were stretching the truth … it looks as though they weren’t.
October 9, 2006 at 1:47 am
“Nutmeg psychosis” strikes again!
November 1, 2006 at 10:55 pm
Please read the references you give.
You wrote:”These are psychotropic chemicals that are broken down to compounds similar to amphetamines.”
According to ref. 1 given above, this is not correct.
November 2, 2006 at 1:50 pm
I assume you refer to the conclusions of the paper which read “these [nutmeg] metabolites are not amphetamine derivatives as described in the 1970s”.
The paper relates only to the metabolites of nutmeg (and amphetamine) detectable in human urine. It concludes that nutmeg does not form exactly the same metabolites as amphetamines. This is expected as it the active ingredients in nutmeg are not amphetamines.
While not identical, the metabolites of nutmeg and amphetamine both act on the dopamine and seratonin pathways.
The derivatives of nutmeg have a similar effect on the psychology of the human body as do amphetamines (or amphetamine derivatives).
But to make it more clear I could change the line “These are psychotropic chemicals that are broken down to compounds similar to amphetamines” to “These are psychotropic chemicals that are broken down to compounds with similar effects in humans to amphetamine derivatives”. It’s just not as catchy.
November 2, 2006 at 4:36 pm
“I assume you refer to the conclusions of the paper which read “these [nutmeg] metabolites are not amphetamine derivatives as described in the 1970s”.”
I do not only mean this sentence, the study itself showed that the nutmeg ingredients are NOT metabolized to amphetamine derivatives.
“The paper relates only to the metabolites of nutmeg (and amphetamine) detectable in human urine. It concludes that nutmeg does not form exactly the same metabolites as amphetamines. This is expected as it the active ingredients in nutmeg are not amphetamines.”
The paper describes the metabolism of nutmeg ingredients in rat and human urine. It does NOT conclude that the metabolites are identical to the metabolites of amphetamine, it does conclude that the metabolites are NOT amphetamine derivatives itself. This proposed mechanism of amination of these compounds is often described in book, but has never been proven.
“While not identical, the metabolites of nutmeg and amphetamine both act on the dopamine and seratonin pathways.”
How can you know that? Nobody knows if these metabolites act on the dopaminergic or serotonergic system!!
“The derivatives of nutmeg have a similar effect on the psychology of the human body as do amphetamines (or amphetamine derivatives).”
Here again, nobody has proven any mechanism of action on human central nervous system!!!
“But to make it more clear I could change the line “These are psychotropic chemicals that are broken down to compounds similar to amphetamines” to “These are psychotropic chemicals that are broken down to compounds with similar effects in humans to amphetamine derivatives”. It’s just not as catchy.”
As described above, you can not argue that, because this is not proven. As a scientist, please be careful with such arguements…
November 2, 2006 at 10:58 pm
I think we are in agreement that the reference says that the metabolites of nutmeg found in human and rat urine are not the same as those from amphetamines (perhaps re-read my previous comment). BTW, similar does not mean identical.
I don’t (and generally can’t) know anything for sure. However based on the research to date, I am proposing what I believe to be the most plausible theory. As with most people fighting through the disagreements in science.
I’m surprised that you haven’t picked up a thousand more “theories” in the post – such as it has not been “proven” that myristicin and elemicin are the active psychotropic (to human) chemicals – it is just very likely.
Similarly, while data correlates improved sexual function in rats given nutmeg extracts, this is a theory, not proof as such.
I think that much of science is based on theories eg. the theory of evolution. It’s almost impossible to prove but most people follow the best theory which fits (or they believe fits) the data known at the moment.
Given that the symptoms of nutmeg abuse are similar to those of amphetamine abuse, and several people feel that the actions may be similar, I believe (until further evidence shows otherwise) that nutmeg metabolites are similar to amphetamine metabolites. Not identical. Just similar.
November 3, 2006 at 3:46 am
Hi Leniens,
I have just done a search on you and found you are one of the authors on the reference in question (cool – I like your work!).
Since you don’t seem to agree that these compounds are like amphetamine derivatives, or create the same psychological symptoms as amphetamines, what do you think is happening?
I did find another person who felt the metabolites were more like ecstasy than amphetamines – is this a view you prefer?
November 8, 2006 at 1:29 am
I just can give a short answer due to a stressful work at the moment.
On the conference (clinical toxicology) I presented the metabolism of the nutmeg ingredients, I was asked a quite similar question.
I can not definitely answer the question about the mechanism of action of these ingredients and their metabolites.
It is quite unlikely that these compounds act on serotonine, noradrenaline, or dopamine receptors, they do not have any nitrogen.
Most probable, the mechanism of action is unspecific. These compouds (e.g. myristicin, elemicin, safrole) are very lipophilic, perhaps they act directly on cell membranes, as for example alcohol does too.
I agree, you that you can follow any theory that sounds nice for you. But if the someone has proven that black is white, you have to accept it.
My study has shown that these amphetamine derivative theory (including all similar compounds) is wrong.
So now we have to do some more research, but we can no longer argue that probably compounds similar to amphetamine might be a mechanism of action.
Please understand why I had to submit a comment. Many people still argue this wrong way, but you cited my paper.
Jochen Beyer
November 19, 2006 at 2:59 am
Hi Jochen,
Sorry for the delay in replying – I was at a conference.
Thanks for the further info – I’ll add a codicil to the original post to reflect this. I’ll be interested in following any new theories for the mechanism of activity.
I completely understand why you commented – I would probably do the same if I felt someone was mis-representing something I had written.
When I write something, I like to include in the reference list papers which may not agree with a line I have taken – thus if people want to know more they can make up their own mind.
November 26, 2006 at 6:57 am
Lets just say im an intrueged lab rat.I have re-read & re-read this paper and preformed a human experiment.I have drank 3 tblspoons of nutmeg mixed with moutain dew.I highly doubt anything will occur but if anything does occur i will surly let you know.my hypothesis is that is will be like MDMA.although it is highly unprobable
December 4, 2006 at 5:58 pm
Umm… Are you OK? 3 tablespoons seems like a very large amount.
February 19, 2007 at 2:33 am
You must not have read much on nutmeg before ingesting the amount of 3 tbsp. This amount can be potentially fatal.
Think of it in terms of nuts. The drug-like effects of nutmegs can be achieved by eating 1-1.5 nuts. You ate roughly 2.5-3 nuts. Very high dosage to start with when first testing nutmeg. In fact, hallucinogens are no joke — if you test a hallucinogen, start with small doses and work your way up.
Good luck.
January 19, 2008 at 12:41 am
Heratio Sanchez, are you still with us?
January 26, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Hello all. I was excited to find this string and would like to ask for help. I am a graduate student with a grant to research the anxiolytic effects of the Nutmeg extract, Myristicin. Most of the literature I am able to find supports an anxiogenic effect. Has anyone come across research to support an anxiolytic effect? (by the way, I didn’t write the grant, and my research chair is set on this angle). We would like to apply this research to the field of anesthesia, and attempt to correlate any behavioral effects to the GABAa receptor.
Any ideas?
September 4, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Some friends and I in college ate several nutmeg nuts, some of us grinding them first and some of us just eating them. The effects were nothing even close to a hallucinogen. There was a general feeling of the world slowing down, perhaps something akin to taking a small amount of marijuana. I have heard that if the nutmeg is ground that there is no effect. I’m not sure why that would be. All in all, the difficulty in eating a bunch of ill tasting nuts is not worth the effect. Spend slightly more and find your local pothead instead.
September 5, 2008 at 12:07 am
The 17-year old me figured out a way to take large doses of nutmeg which involved mixing fresh, chopped or grated nutmegs into a toffee-like sugar solution. When dropped into cold water from a spoon you get something not unlike sugar pills (full of nutmeg). Even then I only managed 2 whole nutmegs.. the flavour saturates you.. but can testify to their mildly euphoric effects.
September 7, 2008 at 11:48 pm
[...] 8, 2008 A quanto pare, la noce moscata è una potente droga naturale: un cucchiaio genera euforia, da due a se cucchiai una vera e propria psicosi, che può durare [...]
October 24, 2008 at 2:58 am
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October 27, 2008 at 11:43 am
Hi all..
Nutmeg was my favourite drug back in high school. I’m actually fascinated by it, and want to some day find out its mechanism of action.
I calculated (from diary entries) that I consumed 2kg of nutmeg over a period of about 2 years. My smallest psychoactive dose was 1 kernel (~4-5g), my biggest dose was 11 kernels (55g). Yes, that’s 11 kernels.
Tolerance to nutmeg’s psychoactive effects develops with weekly usage. Most of my usage was 2-4 kernels, then towards the latter part, I increased that to 6 kernels, then 7, 8, 9 and finally 11. After that experience (which I awoke fine the next day), I only used ~6 kernels.
I always used freshly ground (or chewed.. didn’t have time or the privacy to grate a lot of the time – parents!), never pre-ground.
Jochen, I have a copy of your paper. I have intended to do a literature review of nutmeg at some point to see if I can put forward a hypothesis of its mechanism of action, based also around my personal experience with it. Currently I feel it has effects on the dopamine/noradrenalin (palpitations), serotonin (increased empathy, mild visual distortions) and acetylcholine systems (due to anticholinergic effects like dry mucous membranes), and possibly others (sedation).
December 3, 2008 at 6:42 pm
that sounds really interestimng!
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March 22, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I took 10 grams of ground nutmeg 3 hours ago and am now expiercing mild euphoria. It feels alot like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin are all involved based on increased energy, focus, and empathy toward others. I also feel relaxed at the same time, mabe from antichlonergenic and serotogenic action.
I’m taking another 5 grams now. I will post again in about 3 hours.
March 22, 2009 at 11:01 pm
I have read all I can about nutmeg and am now doing my own expierment. I took 10 grams of ground nutmeg 3 hours ago and am now expierencing mild euphoria. It seems like dopamine, norepinepherine, and serotonin are all involved based on increased energy, focus, and empathy towards others. I also feel relaxed. Mabe antichlonergenic and serotongenic action.
I’m taking another 10 grams now. I will post again in about 4 hours.
March 23, 2009 at 2:53 am
lol, sorry about the double post. I feel mildly stoned. My mouth is very dry and my eyes are blood shot. Had a great time with friends and girlfriend. I feel relaxed and sleepy, and my limbs are kinda heavy. My nose is dry. So far its alot like a mild THC buzz. Deffinetly anticlonergenic.
April 15, 2009 at 5:29 pm
This is very up-to-date information. I think I’ll share it on Twitter.
May 21, 2009 at 9:38 am
I consumed 5g of fresh nutmeg the other weekend. Notable effects included closed-eye movies (like imagination except a bit more vivid and more automatic), heavy intoxicated feeling (half way between cannabis and alcohol), lightened mood, increased dynamic range perception with music, increased appreciation and reaction to humour, increase in empathy and very sound sleep. Effects lasted for 24 hours with a lingering “still something there” feeling up to 36 hours.
Some of the effects, like the closed-eye movies, increased appreciation of humour, and increased empathy, sound similar to the amphetamine analogues of myristicin (MMDA), safrole (MDA), and elemicin (TMA). Read in PiHKAL for the effects of those amphetamines.