Food & Drink · 3
What is the primary psychoactive compound in nutmeg responsible for its hallucinogenic effects when consumed in large quantities?
Answer
Myristicin
Myristicin is the principal psychoactive constituent in nutmeg; in large doses it is metabolised into compounds that affect the central nervous system, producing hallucinations and toxic symptoms. This is why nutmeg, despite its culinary use in small amounts, can be dangerous in excess.
💡 Did you know?
Nutmeg can cause hallucinations and serious toxicity in large doses. Medieval physicians prescribed it as a medicine despite its psychoactive dangers.
Other options people guess
- Capsaicin
- Theobromine
- Eugenol
Topics
- spices
- food-science
- nutmeg
- compounds
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