Adverse effects of the commonly used nutmeg, studied on an ant species as a model

Abstract

The commonly used nutmeg, beneficial at low dose, appeared to have side effects at high doses. On ants used as biological models, we found that this spice affected essentially the locomotion, and also maybe consequently, the food intake, the activity, the orientation, the audacity, the brood caring, the escape behavior, but not the state of stress, the cognition, learning and memory. The ants did not adapt themselves to these side effects and developed dependence on nutmeg consumption. The effect of this spice vanished in 22 hours after weaning. All these findings are not divulgated, but must imperatively be known by users (every one, restaurateurs) and practitioners, for instance by writing them of the spice package. Nutmeg must not be no longer on authorized – it has excellent effects at low doses – its use must simply but obligatory limited.