Myristicin
Agent Name
Myristicin
CAS Number
607-91-0
Formula
C11-H12-O3
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
1,3-Benzodioxole, 4-methoxy-6-(2-propenyl)-; 4-Methoxy-6-(2-propenyl)-1,3-benzodioxole; 5-Allyl-1-methoxy-2,3-(methylenedioxy)benzene; 6-Allyl-4-methoxy-1,3-benzodioxole; Benzene, 5-allyl-1-methoxy-2,3-(methylenedioxy)-; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Plant Toxins
Description
Colorless liquid; [Merck Index]
Sources/Uses
An aromatic ether found in nutmeg, parsley, and carrots; [Merck Index] Thought to be the main active ingredient in nutmeg; [Goldfrank, p. 626]
Comments
Emergency treatment: "Plants- nutmeg"; [HSDB] Toxicity occurs after ingestion of 1-3 whole nuts or 1-2 tablespoons of ground nutmeg; CNS symptoms predominate and may resemble the anticholinergic syndrome with flushing, dryness, tachycardia, hypertension, and delirium with resolution usually within 24 hours; Higher doses cause coma, and one fatal case has been reported; [Goldfrank, p. 626] Effects in high-dose animal studies include general anesthesia and fatty liver degeneration; [RTECS] An irritant; Targets nerves; [Sigma MSDS]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
0.00646 mm Hg
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.