Nutmeg

Nutmeg/Drug Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal study, a chloroform extract of nutmeg reduced acetic acid-induced writhing (12). Analgesic effects in animals have also been observed by others (11).
  • AnestheticsAnesthetics: Based on evidence from animal study, anesthetic effects of methyleugenol and other eugenol derivatives from the volatile oil of Myristica fragrans, have been observed (136).
  • Antiaging agentsAntiaging agents: Extracts of Myristica fragrans (IC50: 284.1mcg/mL) exhibited inhibition of elastase activity in vitro (137).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In vitro, macelignan, a constituent of nutmeg, inhibited growth of Streptococcus mutans, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.9mcg/mL (138). Other oral microorganisms, such as Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei, were also inhibited. Some nutmeg constituents, such as volatile oils and extracts, have also been shown to have antibacterial effects in vitro against organisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromomas gingivalis (13; 15; 139; 140; 41; 14; 138). In vitro, nutmeg essential oils reduced the production of listeriolysin O by Listeria monocytogenes (141), potentially resulting in reduced infection by this agent. The effects of nutmeg on the action of antibiotics are not well understood.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In animal study, Myristica fragrans extract inhibited platelet aggregation (44). In other animal work, chloroform extract of nutmeg inhibited adrenaline and ADP-induced thrombosis (12).
  • Anticonvulsant agentsAnticonvulsant agents: Volatile oil of nutmeg demonstrated a rapid onset of anticonvulsant effects with a short duration in mice (68). It showed anticonvulsant activity against electroshock-induced hind limb tonic extension, pentylenetetrazole-induced tonic seizures, and strychnine-induced hind limb tonic extensor jerks.
  • Antidepressant agentsAntidepressant agents: In animal study, the n-hexane extract of nutmeg was shown to exhibit antidepressant-like activity (24). Anecdotal reports suggest the ability of nutmeg to potentiate monoamine oxidase inhibitor effects when used in combination, while it has otherwise been suggested that nutmeg may inhibit monoamine oxidase (142).
  • Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In vitro, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid and otobaphenol, constituents of Myristica fragrans, have been shown to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a proposed drug target for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity (25). The effects of nutmeg on the actions of antidiabetic agents are not well understood.
  • Antifungal agentsAntifungal agents: Essential oil and various lignans of Myristica fragrans exhibited antifungal effects against Candida albicans, Candida blanki, Candida cylindracea, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum coccodes, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Magnaporthe grisea, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Acidovorax konjaci, Burkholderia glumae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (143; 144). Myristicin inhibited aflatoxin G1 production by Aspergillus parasiticus with an IC50 value of 3.5mcM (145).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In human study, the petroleum ether extract of nutmeg induced a decrease in blood pressure, which was not blocked by atropine (11).
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: In animal study, various extracts of nutmeg (chloroform, n-hexane), have been shown to inhibit carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, at times with activity equivalent to indomethacin (12; 146). Additionally, in vitro, extracts of Myristica fragrans were observed to inhibit J774.1 macrophages and nitric oxide production, potentially due to inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression (45).
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: In animal study, Myristica fragrans seed extract reduced serum cholesterol (69.1%), LDL cholesterol (76.3%), and the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio (31.2%), and increased HDL cholesterol (20). Improvements in lipid parameters, including reduction in total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, have been observed in other animal models administering ethanolic extract of nutmeg (500mg/kg) (44).
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: Meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (DGA), a constituent of Myristica fragrans, has been demonstrated to inhibit the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) via inhibition of AP-1 activity in vitro, suggesting a mechanism for anticancer effects (21). The effects of Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of antineoplastic agents are not well understood.
  • Antiobesity agentsAntiobesity agents: In vitro, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid and otobaphenol, constituents of Myristica fragrans, have been shown to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a proposed drug target for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity (25). The effects of Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of antiobesity agents are not well understood.
  • AntipsychoticsAntipsychotics: Nutmeg and psychosis has been reviewed (147). Nutmeg is thought to have psychoactive effects, although clinical support is lacking (56; 6).
  • Antiulcer agentsAntiulcer agents: In animal study, eugenol, a constituent of nutmeg, reduced the number of ulcers and the gravity of lesions after ulcer induction by platelet-activating factor and ethanol (62). In animal study, intraperitoneal Myristica fragrans extract reduced gastric acidity (63). The effects of Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of antiulcer agents are not well understood.
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, Myristica fragrans extract inhibited the propagation of human rotavirus (HCR3) by 90% (18).
  • Calcium channel blockersCalcium channel blockers: Based on secondary sources, Myristica fragrans is thought to contain constituents that act as natural calcium channel blockers. The effects of Myristica fragrans on the actions of calcium channel blockers are not well understood.
  • Cholinesterase inhibitorsCholinesterase inhibitors: In animal study, nutmeg extract administration resulted in decreased brain acetylcholinesterase activity (51). The effects of nutmeg on the actions of cholinesterase inhibitors are not well understood.
  • CNS depressantsCNS depressants: In animal study, petroleum ether extract of nutmeg potentiated both phenobarbitone and pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time (11). In other animal work, a ligroin extract of nutmeg was observed to induce a significant increase in the duration of light sleep and deep sleep in young chickens (60).
  • Cytochrome P450-metabolized agentsCytochrome P450-metabolized agents: Data from animal study suggest that the volatile and essential oils from nutmeg may induce hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (148; 149).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In mice, oil of nutmeg (400mg/kg) produced a reduction in fertility (135).
  • Hepatotoxic agentsHepatotoxic agents: In vitro, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (DGA), a constituent of Myristica fragrans, decreased the level of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a representative marker of hepatic stellate cell transdifferentiation, and inhibited expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) via inhibition of AP-1 activity (21). The effects Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of hepatotoxic agents are not well understood.
  • LaxativesLaxatives: In animal study, nutmeg crude suspension and petroleum ether extract of nutmeg decreased the mean number of loose stools or increased the latency period (11). Theoretically, concomitant use of nutmeg may antagonize the effects of laxatives.
  • ProstaglandinsProstaglandins: Nutmeg may play a role in inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis (150; 151). Additional details, however, are currently lacking. Based on case report, nutmeg may provide a therapeutic effect in thyroid medullary carcinoma-induced diarrhea through prostaglandin inhibition (28).
  • Radioprotective drugsRadioprotective drugs: In an animal irradiation 30-day survival study, nutmeg enhanced hepatic glutathione and decreased testicular lipid peroxidation levels (17). The effects nutmeg on the actions of radioprotective agents are not well understood.
  • Sedatives/hypnotics/anxiolyticsSedatives/hypnotics/anxiolytics: In animal study, petroleum ether extract of nutmeg potentiated both phenobarbitone and pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time (11). In other animal study, a ligroin extract of nutmeg was observed to induce a significant increase in the duration of light sleep and deep sleep in young chickens (60).
  • StimulantsStimulants: In animal study, the n-hexane extract of Myristica fragrans seeds, the acetone-insoluble part of the n-hexane extract, and trimyristin were observed to exert a stimulant-like (anxiety-inducing) effect (152).

    • Nutmeg/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal study, a chloroform extract of nutmeg reduced acetic acid-induced writhing (12). Analgesic effects in animals have also been observed by others (11).
  • AnestheticsAnesthetics: Based on evidence from animal study, anesthetic effects of methyleugenol and other eugenol derivatives from the volatile oil of Myristica fragrans, have been observed (136).
  • Antiaging herbs and supplementsAntiaging herbs and supplements: Extracts of Myristica fragrans (IC50: 284.1mcg/mL) exhibited inhibition of elastase activity in vitro (137).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In vitro, macelignan, a constituent of nutmeg, inhibited growth of Streptococcus mutans, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.9mcg/mL (138). Other oral microorganisms, such as Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei, were also inhibited. Some nutmeg constituents, such as volatile oils and extracts, have also been shown to have antibacterial effects in vitro against organisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromomas gingivalis (13; 15; 139; 140; 41; 14; 138). In vitro, nutmeg essential oils reduced the production of listeriolysin O by Listeria monocytogenes (141), potentially resulting in reduced infection by this agent. The effects of nutmeg on the action of antibiotics are not well understood.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In animal study, Myristica fragrans extract inhibited platelet aggregation (44). In other animal study, chloroform extract of nutmeg inhibited adrenaline and ADP-induced thrombosis (12).
  • AnticonvulsantsAnticonvulsants: Volatile oil of nutmeg demonstrated a rapid onset of anticonvulsant effects with a short duration in mice (68). It showed anticonvulsant activity against electroshock-induced hind limb tonic extension, pentylenetetrazole-induced tonic seizures, and strychnine-induced hind limb tonic extensor jerks.
  • Antidepressant agents, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Antidepressant agents, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): In animal study, the n-hexane extract of nutmeg was shown to exhibit antidepressant-like activity (24). Anecdotal reports suggest the ability of nutmeg to potentiate monoamine oxidase inhibitor effects when used in combination with nutmeg, while it has otherwise been suggested that nutmeg may inhibit monoamine oxidase (142).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: Essential oil and various lignans of Myristica fragrans exhibited antifungal effects against Candida albicans, Candida blanki, Candida cylindracea, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum coccodes, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Magnaporthe grisea, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Acidovorax konjaci, Burkholderia glumae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (143; 144). Myristicin inhibited aflatoxin G1 production by Aspergillus parasiticus with an IC50 value of 3.5mcM (145).
  • Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: In animal study, various extracts of nutmeg (chloroform, n-hexane), have been shown to inhibit carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, at times with activity equivalent to indomethacin (12; 146). Additionally, in vitro, extracts of Myristica fragrans were observed to inhibit J774.1 macrophages and nitric oxide production, potentially due to inhibition of iNOS mRNA expression (45).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal study, Myristica fragrans seed extract reduced serum cholesterol (69.1%), LDL cholesterol (76.3%), and the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio (31.2%), and increased HDL cholesterol (20). Improvements in lipid parameters, including reduction in total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, have been observed in other animal models administering ethanolic extract of nutmeg (500mg/kg) (44).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (DGA), another constituent of Myristica fragrans, has been demonstrated to inhibit the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) via inhibition of AP-1 activity in vitro, suggesting a further mechanism for anticancer effects (21). The effects of Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of antineoplastics are not well understood.
  • Antiobesity herbs and supplementsAntiobesity herbs and supplements: In vitro, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid and otobaphenol, constituents of Myristica fragrans, have been shown to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a proposed drug target for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity (25). The effects of Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of antiobesity agents are not well understood.
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Based on in vitro evidence, nutmeg and various constituents of Myristica fragrans may demonstrate strong antioxidative protection (153; 154; 155; 156; 157; 158; 159; 160; 161).
  • AntipsychoticsAntipsychotics: The connection between nutmeg and psychosis has been reviewed (147). Nutmeg is thought to have psychoactive effects, although clinical support is lacking (56; 6).
  • Antiulcer herbs and supplementsAntiulcer herbs and supplements: In animal study, eugenol, a constituent of nutmeg, reduced the number of ulcers and the gravity of lesions after ulcer induction by platelet-activating factor and ethanol (62). In animal study, intraperitoneal Myristica fragrans extract reduced gastric acidity (63). The effects of Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of antiulcer agents are not well understood.
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, Myristica fragrans extract inhibited the propagation of human rotavirus (HCR3) by 90% (18).
  • Cytochrome P450-metabolized herbs and supplementsCytochrome P450-metabolized herbs and supplements: Data from animal study suggest that the volatile and essential oils from nutmeg may induce hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (148; 149).
  • Fertility herbs and supplementsFertility herbs and supplements: In mice, oil of nutmeg (400mg/kg) produced a reduction in fertility (135).
  • Hepatotoxic herbsHepatotoxic herbs: In vitro, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (DGA), a constituent of Myristica fragrans, decreased the level of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a representative marker of hepatic stellate cell transdifferentiation, and inhibited expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) via inhibition of AP-1 activity (21). The effects of Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of hepatotoxic agents are not well understood.
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In vitro, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid and otobaphenol, constituents of Myristica fragrans, have been shown to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a proposed drug target for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity (25). The effects of Myristica fragrans or any of its constituents on the actions of hypoglycemic agents are not well understood.
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In human study, the petroleum ether extract of nutmeg induced a decrease in blood pressure, which was not blocked by atropine (11).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: In animal study, nutmeg crude suspension and petroleum ether extract of nutmeg decreased the mean number of loose stools or increased the latency period (11).
  • Radioprotective agentsRadioprotective agents: In an animal irradiation 30-day survival study, nutmeg enhanced hepatic glutathione and decreased testicular lipid peroxidation levels (17). The effects of nutmeg on the actions of with radioprotective agents are not well understood.
  • SedativesSedatives: In animal study, petroleum ether extract of nutmeg potentiated both phenobarbitone and pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time (11). In other animal study, a ligroin extract of nutmeg was observed to induce a significant increase in the duration of light sleep and deep sleep in young chickens (60).
  • StimulantsStimulants: In animal study, the n-hexane extract of Myristica fragrans seeds, the acetone-insoluble part of the n-hexane extract, and trimyristin were observed to exert a stimulant-like (anxiety-inducing) effect (152).

    • Nutmeg/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Nutmeg/Lab Interactions:

  • Blood glucoseBlood glucose: In vitro, meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid and otobaphenol, constituents of Myristica fragrans, have been shown to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a proposed drug target for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity (25). The effects on blood glucose are not well understood.
  • Blood lipidsBlood lipids: In animal study, Myristica fragrans seed extract reduced serum cholesterol (69.1%), LDL cholesterol (76.3%), and the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio (31.2%), and increased HDL cholesterol (20). Improvements in lipid parameters, including reduction in total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, have been observed in other animal models administering ethanolic extract of nutmeg (500mg/kg) (44).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In human study, the petroleum ether extract of nutmeg induced a decrease in blood pressure, which was not blocked by atropine (11).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In animal study, Myristica fragrans extract inhibited platelet aggregation (44).
  • ElectrocardiogramElectrocardiogram: In a case report of nutmeg abuse, nonspecific electrocardiographic changes were reported (7).
  • Heart rateHeart rate: In a toad heart, acute treatment with nutmeg extract resulted in tachycardia (acute treatment) and bradycardia (chronic treatment) (133). Ventricular action was also affected, with acute treatment resulting in faster atrioventricular conduction speed and increased amplitude of the ventricular action potential. Chronic treatment resulted in decreased amplitude and increased duration of the ventricular action potential.