8008-45-5

Basic information

• Product Name: MYRISTICA OIL
• Synonyms: Absolutenutmeg;eastindiannutmegoil;myristicafragranshouttoil;Nutmegoil,terpeneless;Nutmegshelloil;oilofmyristica;oilofnutmeg;Oils,nutmeg
• CAS NO: 8008-45-5
• Molecular Weight: 0
• Mol File: 8008-45-5.mol
• Article Data: 0

Chemical Properties

• Boiling Point: 165 °C(lit.)
• Flash Point: 110 °F
• Appearance: /
• Density: 0.89 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
• Refractive Index: n20/D 1.481(lit.)
• CAS DataBase Reference: MYRISTICA OIL(CAS DataBase Reference)
• NIST Chemistry Reference: MYRISTICA OIL(8008-45-5)
• EPA Substance Registry System: MYRISTICA OIL(8008-45-5)

Safety Data

• Hazard Codes: Xi
• Statements: 10-36/37/38
• Safety Statements: 16-26-36
• RIDADR: UN 1993 3/PG 3
• WGK Germany: 2
• RTECS: RJ3694800
• Hazardous Substances Data: 8008-45-5(Hazardous Substances Data)

Usage

Description

MYRISTICA OIL, also known as Nutmeg oil, is derived from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans Houtt. tree, an evergreen tree native to various islands of the Indian Ocean. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of dried, crushed nutmeg, which has been previously treated by hydraulic expression to remove fixed oils. Nutmeg oil is a colorless to pale-yellow liquid, soluble in alcohol, and exhibits a characteristic nutmeg odor.

Uses

Used in Flavoring Industry:
MYRISTICA OIL is used as a cooking spice and flavoring agent in food and beverages, particularly in holiday staples such as pumpkin pie and eggnog.
Used in Perfumery and Cosmetics Industry:
MYRISTICA OIL is used as a fragrance in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes due to its distinct and pleasant aroma.
Used in Candle Making Industry:
The fixed oil obtained from the seed is used as a component in candles, providing a stable and slow-burning material.
Used in Aromatherapy:
Although not FDA approved for medical use, MYRISTICA OIL is sometimes used as a herbal remedy for arthritis, diarrhea, flatulence, and gastrointestinal complaints. However, it is important to note that nutmeg can be abused for its hallucinogenic properties, particularly by adolescent males.

Preparation

By steam distillation of the dried nutmeg (Guenther, 1952).

Essential oil composition

The oil contains α- and γ-pinene, camphene, dipentene, p-cymene, d-linalool, terpineol, geraniol, safrole, eugenol and isoeugenol.

Pharmacology

The principal pharmacologically active component of nutmeg, myristicin, caused ataxia and disorientation in monkeys and enhanced morphine-induced rage in cats (Truitt et al 1961). Doses of 400 mg on alternate days produced in normal volunteers some evidence of slight euphoria, but none resembling the symptoms of excitation seen in acute nutmeg poisoning (Truitt et al 1961).

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. Low toxicity by skin contact. An experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. A skin irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Metabolism

Nutmeg demonstrates a mild degree of monoamine oxidase (MAO)-inhibiting activity in vitro and in vivo (Truitt, 1967; Truitt & Ebersberger, 1962). In a test based on interference with tryptamine metabolism, nutmeg was shown to possess a weak enzyme-inhibitory action, but inhibition by myristicin was approximately one third as powerful as that of iproniazid, a well known antidepressant of this class (Truitt & Ebersberger, 1962). When oral doses of 0.2 or 1.0 g/kg nutmeg powder (as an acacia suspension) were given to mice and rats, the onset of the inhibiting action was first noted 17-24 hr after feeding as a lowering of the convulsive threshold in mice following iv injection of tryptamine. In rats, after the tryptamine injection, the MAO inhibition took the form of an increase in concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain (Truitt, Duritz & Ebersberger, 1963).

Toxicity evaluation

The mechanism of toxicity remains elusive. An early hypothesis hinged on the similarity of nutmeg’s aromatic compounds to amphetamine-like compounds, suggesting amination/transamination by hepatic pathways. Myristicin has some similarity to methylenedioxyamphetamine and elemicin is similar to mescaline. However, the required pathway for this transformation is not known to exist in humans. Some components of nutmeg have similarity to serotonin agonists, and others appear to have weak monoamine oxidase-inhibiting ability. Further studies are needed.