What organic compound in nutmeg essential oil causes psychoactive and toxic effects?

Answer

myristicin

The toxicity and psychoactive properties associated with consuming large amounts of nutmeg stem directly from a naturally occurring organic compound found within its essential oil, which is specifically identified as myristicin. This compound is present in all parts of the plant, *Myristica fragrans*, but it is most highly concentrated within the seed itself. When ingested in concentrated doses, myristicin is the component believed to trigger the cascade of adverse reactions, including those affecting the central nervous system. While the precise mechanism of action for its psychoactive effects might not be universally detailed, it is definitively established as the chemical agent responsible for moving the substance from a culinary spice to a potential toxin.

Related Questions

What organic compound in nutmeg essential oil causes psychoactive and toxic effects?What quantity of nutmeg is generally considered safe for culinary use in healthy adults?Which critical outcomes are documented in cases of extreme nutmeg intoxication?How are the psychoactive effects of excessive nutmeg consumption often described regarding sensory perception?What common immediate physical symptom often follows the ingestion of too much nutmeg?From which plant species is the nutmeg seed derived, where myristicin is concentrated?How long can the psychoactive and physical adverse effects from a large nutmeg dose persist?What characteristic regarding the onset of symptoms makes high nutmeg ingestion potentially dangerous?What is the most prudent immediate response if a significant dose of nutmeg has been ingested?Besides gastrointestinal distress like vomiting, what other physical symptoms frequently occur after excessive nutmeg use?

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