| Toxicity: |
A naturally occurring
methylenedioxyphenyl compound found in nutmeg. It has
been suggested that myristicin may be responsible, in whole or
in part, for the toxicity of nutmeg. The spice (5-15 g) causes
symptoms similar to atropine poisoning: flushing of the skin,
tachycardia, absence of salivation, and excitation of the CNS.
Euphoria and hallucinations have given rise to abuse of this
material. As a methylenedioxyphenyl compound, myristicin
gives rise to a type III spectrum with reduced cytochrome
P450 and can inhibit monooxygenations catalyzed by this cytochrome. |