To avoid these potentially harmful side effects, avoid consuming large amounts of nutmeg and do not use it as a recreational drug. Though nutmeg is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities, taking it in high doses may cause adverse side effects. Smalheiser NR. A neglected link between the psychoactive effects of dietary ingredients and consciousness-altering drugs. Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:591. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00591 Myristicin, the main component of the essential oil found in nutmeg that has powerful psychoactive properties, is thought to be responsible for these toxic effects ( 23). It contains the compounds myristicin and safrole. When ingested in large amounts, they can cause symptoms like hallucinations and loss of muscle coordination.

Zhang WK, Tao SS, Li TT, et al. Nutmeg oil alleviates chronic inflammatory pain through inhibition of COX-2 expression and substance P release in vivo. Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:30849. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.30849 Zhang WK, Tao SS, Li TT, et al. Nutmeg oil alleviates chronic inflammatory pain through inhibition of COX-2 expression and substance P release in vivo. Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:30849. DOI: 10.3402/fnr.v60.30849

Williams EY, West F. The use of nutmeg as a psychotropic drug. Report of two cases. J Natl Med Assoc. 1968;60(4):289-90. Researchers still aren’t sure exactly how the spice enhances libido. Some surmise these effects are due to its ability to stimulate the nervous system, along with its high content of powerful plant compounds ( 13). Test-tube studies have also shown that nutmeg extract exhibits powerful antioxidant effects against free radicals ( 5, 6, 7, 8). One study injected rats with an inflammation-producing solution and then gave some of them nutmeg oil. Rats that consumed the oil experienced significant reductions in inflammation, inflammation-related pain, and joint swelling ( 11). Chronic inflammation is linked to many adverse health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis ( 9).

Additionally, studies in mice and rats have shown that taking high doses of nutmeg supplements long term leads to organ damage. However, it’s unclear if humans would also experience these effects ( 27, 28, 29). Morsy NF. A comparative study of nutmeg (Houtt.) oleoresins obtained by conventional and green extraction techniques. J Food Sci Technol. 2016;53(10):3770-3777. doi:10.1007/s13197-016-2363-0 A similar study showed that giving male mice this same high dose of nutmeg extract significantly increased their sexual activity compared to a control group ( 14). When free radical levels become too high in your body, oxidative stress occurs. It’s associated with the onset and progression of many chronic conditions, such as certain cancers and heart and neurodegenerative diseases ( 3).Though small in size, the seeds from which nutmeg is derived are rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants in your body ( 1). What’s more, the wide array of antioxidants found in the spice, such as cyanidins and phenolic compounds, also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties ( 1, 10). United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These are molecules that have an unpaired electron, which makes them unstable and reactive ( 2). Rats that did not receive the nutmeg extract experienced significant tissue damage and cell death as a result of the treatment. In contrast, rats that received nutmeg extract did not experience these effects ( 4).