Compound Monograph
Myristicin
Myristicin is an aromatic compound of nutmeg responsible for much of its psychoactive and deliriant effect in large doses.
Sources · 3
Where Does It Come From?
Myristicin is a naturally occurring phenylpropene (methylenedioxy phenylpropanoid), found in Nutmeg, Parsley and Dill. It is flagged as toxic.
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Myristicin is an aromatic phenylpropene and the constituent most associated with the psychoactivity of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), where it occurs alongside related compounds such as elemicin and safrole. In large amounts nutmeg can produce a delayed, prolonged deliriant intoxication with confusion, hallucinations and unpleasant physical symptoms; myristicin is thought to contribute, possibly via weak monoamine effects and metabolites, though the exact mechanism is not fully resolved.
Toxicity & Safety
Nutmeg overdose is genuinely unpleasant and potentially dangerous, with effects including nausea, racing heart, agitation, dry mouth and a hangover that can last for days. The effective psychoactive range overlaps with the toxic range, which is why it is not regarded as a safe recreational substance.
