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 Interestingly, nutmeg is sometimes taken recreationally to induce hallucinations and cause a “high” feeling. It’s often mixed with other hallucinogenic drugs, which increases the risk of dangerous side effects ( 22). 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).

Though small in size, the seeds from which nutmeg is derived are rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants in your body ( 1).Human studies are needed to determine whether high-dose supplements of the spice are safe and effective in humans. Chronic inflammation is linked to many adverse health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis ( 9). Nutmeg is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds called monoterpenes, including sabinene, terpineol, and pinene. These may help reduce inflammation in your body and benefit those with inflammatory conditions ( 1). In fact, between 2001 and 2011, 32 cases of nutmeg toxicity were reported in the U.S. state of Illinois alone. A whopping 47% of these cases were related to deliberate ingestion by those using nutmeg for its psychoactive effects ( 22). 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).

To avoid these potentially harmful side effects, avoid consuming large amounts of nutmeg and do not use it as a recreational drug. 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). 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).One animal study showed that consuming nutmeg extract prevented cellular damage in rats treated with isoproterenol, a medication known to induce severe oxidative stress. It contains the compounds myristicin and safrole. When ingested in large amounts, they can cause symptoms like hallucinations and loss of muscle coordination. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release

Test-tube studies have also shown that nutmeg extract exhibits powerful antioxidant effects against free radicals ( 5, 6, 7, 8).Though nutmeg is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities, taking it in high doses may cause adverse side effects. Demetriades AK, Wallman PD, Mcguiness A, Gavalas MC. Low cost, high risk: accidental nutmeg intoxication. Emerg Med J. 2005;22(3):223-5. DOI: 10.1136/emj.2002.004168 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). Nutmeg toxicity can cause serious symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, and agitation. It may even lead to death when combined with other drugs ( 25, 26).