Nutmeg (myristicin) poisoning--report on a fatal case and a series of cases recorded by a poison information centre.

Abstract

In literature, cases of nutmeg abuse have been described repeatedly, but only one fatal case of poisoning was reported [1]. In the present case, myristicin (4 microg/ml) was detected for the first time in the postmortal serum of a 55-year-old woman. Identification was achieved with the aid of UV-VIS spectroscopy and TLC; for quantification, HPLC was used. Because also flunitrazepam (0.072 microg/ml) was found, death had probably been due to the combined toxic effect of both substances. From 1996 to 1998, in a series of cases, seven poisonings with nutmeg were recorded by the Erfurt Poison Information Centre. Even where higher doses (20-80 g of powder) had been ingested, a life-threatening situation was never observed. In one of these cases, a myristicin blood level of 2 microg/ml was measured 8h after ingestion of two to three tablespoonful of nutmeg powder (approx. 14-21 g, or 280-420 mg/kg).

• Authors: U Stein, H Greyer, H Hentschel
• Journal: Forensic science international (Forensic Sci Int) Vol. 118 Issue 1 Pg. 87-90 (Apr 15 2001) ISSN: 0379-0738 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 11343860 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Allylbenzene Derivatives
• Anti-Anxiety Agents
• Benzyl Compounds
• Dioxolanes
• Pyrogallol
• myristicin
• Flunitrazepam

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Allylbenzene Derivatives
• Anti-Anxiety Agents (blood, poisoning)
• Benzyl Compounds
• Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
• Dioxolanes (blood, metabolism)
• Fatal Outcome
• Female
• Flunitrazepam (blood, poisoning)
• Forensic Medicine
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Poison Control Centers
• Pyrogallol (analogs & derivatives)
• Spices (poisoning)
• Stomach (chemistry)