Myristicine / Apiol / Apiole
Myristicine, also called apiol, is a phenol methyl ether found in dill, nutmeg, and parsley, and it can be euphoric, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, and genotoxic in high doses.
Phenol methyl ethers are similar to phenols, but even more powerful. Concerns with overuse include psychotropic, neurotoxic effects, liver toxicity, and possible carcinogenic activity.
Links to Plants Containing Myristicine
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
CHOLESTEROL LOWERING
- Total phenol content of essential oils was related to LDL antioxidant activity associated with cardiac heart disease. Phenols included: methylchavicol, anethol, p-cymen, apiole, cinnamic ether, carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, vanillin, cuminol, and eugenol. From: Teissedre, P. L., & Waterhouse, A. L. (2000). Inhibition of oxidation of human low-density lipoproteins by phenolic substances in different essential oils varieties. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(9), 3801-3805.
ANTIOXIDANT
- Beta-carotene and apiol from parsley demonstrated antioxidant activity. From: Zhang, H., Chen, F., Wang, X., & Yao, H. Y. (2006). Evaluation of antioxidant activity of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) essential oil and identification of its antioxidant constituents. Food Research International, 39(8), 833-839.
By: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 1/04/19
