Myristicin

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Summary sheet: Myristicin

Myristicin
Chemical Nomenclature
Common names	Nutmeg
Substitutive name	Myristicin, 3-methoxy,4,5-methylenedioxy-allylbenzene
Systematic name	6-allyl-4-methoxy-1,3-benzodioxole
Class Membership
Psychoactive class	Deliriant
Chemical class	Phenylpropene
Routes of Administration
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section. Oral Dosage Threshold 10 - 20 g Light 20 - 30 g Common 30 - 60 g Strong 60 - 100 g Heavy 100 g + Duration Total 12 - 72 hours Onset 3 - 8 hours Come up 1 - 4 hours Peak 9 - 12 hours Offset 12 - 48 hours After effects 24 - 72 hours DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.

Myristicin is a phenylpropene, a natural organic compound which is classed as a deliriant, present in small amounts in the essential oil of nutmeg and to a lesser extent in other spices such as parsley and dill.^[1] It is believed that Myristicin, along with elemicin, are the main psychoactive components found within nutmeg, responsible for its psychoactive properties.

Myristicin acts as an anticholinergic^{[citation needed]}, and is the traditional precursor for the psychedelic and empathogenic drug MMDA.

Nutmeg was reported to induce hallucinogenic effects, such as visual distortions and paranoid ideation. In the reports, nutmeg intoxication took several hours before maximum effect was reached. Effects and after-effects lasted up to several days. Raw nutmeg consists of 5-15% essential oil by mass. 4-8.5% of nutmeg essential oil, or 0.2-1.3% of raw nutmeg, is myristicin. One study found 20 grams of nutmeg to contain 210 mg myristicin.^[2]

Chemistry

Myristicin, also known as 3-methoxy,4,5-methylenedioxyallylbenzene, is a naturally occurring substance which belongs to a chemical class known as the phenylpropenes. It features a methylenedioxy ring at carbons R₄ and R₅ of the benzene ring. The benzene ring is also substituted with a separate methoxy group at the R₃ carbon, and an allyl chain at R₆ to make the main phenylpropene group.

Pharmacology

In 1963, Alexander Shulgin speculated myristicin could be metabolized to MMDA, a psychoactive drug related to MDA, in the liver.^[3] This, however, is highly speculative. Myristicin is also found to be a serotonin receptor antagonist, while simultaneously acting as a weak MAO inhibitor.

Elemicin

Elemicin is found in nutmeg alongside myristicin and contributes to its hallucinogenic effects. Elemicin is also an anticholinergic and is very likely to have similar effects to myristicin. It is also the traditional precursor in synthesizing the alkaloid mescaline.

Subjective effects

The effects listed below are based upon the subjective effects index and personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. The listed effects should be taken with a grain of salt and will rarely (if ever) occur all at once, but heavier doses will increase the chances and are more likely to induce a full range of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely on higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

In comparison to datura or diphenhydramine, its effects tend to be milder and, depending on the dosage, even be considered pleasant and euphoric. It has unique effects compared to other deliriants or hallucinogens. It also has a long, smooth and enjoyable come-up, where the effects build in a similar manner to cannabis.

Forms

Myristicin is found in nutmeg, nutmeg essential oil and to a lesser extent in parsley, dill and other plants.

Ground nutmeg powder

This is the most common form in which myristicin is sold, and it can be found in almost any supermarket as a spice.

It is worth noting that anecdotal reports suggest no clear guide on dosaging in this form. Some users report no effects at all from dosages that others consider extreme or even highly toxic. This may be the case because of varying myristicin content in ground powder and one should start at lower dosages reccomended here and always use the same brand. The dose for oral consumption is generally considered to be:

• Light: 5 - 15g
• Common: 15 - 20g
• Strong: 20 - 30g
• Heavy: 30g+

Pure myristicin

Myristicin can be extracted from nutmeg powder by fractional distillation. When using pure myristicin, the dose for oral consumption is generally considered to be:

• Light: 50 - 200mg
• Common: 200 - 500mg
• Strong: 500 - 800mg
• Heavy: 800mg+

Toxicity and harm potential

Myristicin is neurotoxic and can be fatal in extremely high doses.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Myristicin is not known to be addictive and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is mostly self-regulating.

Information regarding tolerance is unknown.

Legal issues

Myristicin and nutmeg are both unscheduled in nearly all parts of the world and are commonly bought in form of either ground spice, essential oil or as whole nuts.

Experience reports

Anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index include:

• Experience:3 drops of cinnamon bark oil/ 5 drops of german chamomile oil/ 2mL of nutmeg oil in lecithin - experiments with nutmeg oil
• Experience:8 teaspoons Nutmeg - My Mom Introduces Me To Genesis and Other Things

Additional experience reports can be found here:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: Nutmeg

See also

• Responsible use
• Deliriants
• Tropane alkaloids
• DPH

External links

• Myristicin (Wikipedia)

References