Analysis of Major Psychoactive Compounds in Nutmeg Using GC-MS/MS

Introduction

Nutmeg, the dried seed of Myristica fragrans, has been used as a spice and for medicinal purposes all over the world since ancient times and is widely sold at low prices. Because nutmeg contains safrole, myristicin, and elemicin as the major psychoactive compounds, they are sometimes intentionally consumed in large amounts to induce hallucinations or intoxication. In addition, intoxication by unintentional misuse of nutmeg has recently become a problem. In addition to hallucinogenic effects, too much nutmeg is associated with clinical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, agitation, drowsiness, dizziness, tachycardia, blurred vision, dry mouth, and flushing. However, the majority of nutmeg overdose cases are mild and unlikely to be fatal. Symptoms of nutmeg poisoning usually begin 2 to 8 hours after ingestion and subside within a few days. Only two deaths worldwide have been linked to the consumption of nutmeg.
In a recent study, biological samples were collected from volunteers who ingested nutmeg powder to identify metabolites of major psychoactive substances. However, although many cases of nutmeg poisoning have been reported to date, there have been no reports evaluating the blood levels and half-lives of major psychoactive substances, such as safrole, myristicin, and elemicin, during poisoning. Therefore, we developed an analytical method for three psychoactive substances using GC-MS/MS, measured the blood levels of these main substances in patients with nutmeg poisoning, and evaluated their changes over time.

October 2, 2024 GMT