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Abuse of nutmeg seeds: Detectable by means of liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry techniques?
Author(s) -
Manier Sascha K.,
Wagmann Lea,
Weber Armin A.,
Meyer Markus R.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
drug testing and analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.065
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1942-7611
pISSN - 1942-7603
DOI - 10.1002/dta.3027
Subject(s) - nutmeg , chromatography , myristica fragrans , safrole , chemistry , mass spectrometry , gas chromatography–mass spectrometry , urine , gas chromatography , traditional medicine , food science , medicine , biochemistry
Numerous case reports of intoxications with nutmeg seeds ( Myristica fragrans , Houtt.) can be found in literature often following their abuse, as psychotropic effects were described after ingestions of large doses. The successful detection of the main ingredients of the nutmeg seeds essential oil elemicin, myristicin, and safrole, as well as their metabolites in human urine by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) was already described. The aim of this study was to investigate the detectability of the main ingredients of nutmeg seeds and their metabolites in human blood and urine samples using liquid chromatography coupled to linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC‐LIT‐MS n ) and liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS/MS) after nutmeg seed abuse. Sample material of three individuals was retrospectively investigated after a systematic screening approach indicated an intoxication with nutmeg seeds as a likely cause of symptoms. Metabolic patterns in plasma and urine using GC‐MS were comparable with those described in earlier publications. Investigations using hyphenated liquid chromatography techniques lead to the detection of myristicin and safrole, as well as further metabolites not described using GC‐MS and revealed sulfation as an additional Phase II metabolic pathway. These results might help to detect or confirm future intoxications with nutmeg seeds by using LC‐MS techniques.