Nutmeg - Aricept (Donepezil) Interaction
Herbal: Nutmeg
Also Known As: Myristica fragrans, Buah Pala, Jaatipatree, Jaiphal, Jatiphal, Jatiphala, Jatiphalam, Magic, Muscade, Muscadier, Muskatbaum, Muskatnuss, Myristica, Myristica Oil, Noix de Muscade, Nuez Moscada, Nutmeg
Drug: Donepezil
Brand names:
Aricept, Adlarity
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Donepezil is classified as belonging to the following category: Cholinergic Drugs
Theoretically, concomitant use of nutmeg with other cholinergic drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of cholinergic side effects.
Animal research suggests that nutmeg extract can inhibit acetylcholinesterase and might increase acetylcholine levels.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Mukherjee PK, Kumar V, Houghton PJ. Screening of Indian medicinal plants for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Phytother Res. 2007;21(12):1142-5.
Nutmeg Overview
Nutmeg is a spice that is made from the seed of the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans), which is native to Indonesia. The seed is often used as a spice.
Nutmeg has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and is purported to have a number of health benefits. It has been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling in the body.
It is important to note that large doses of nutmeg can be toxic, and it should be used sparingly.
Donepezil Overview
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Donepezil is used to treat dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and may cause changes in mood and personality) in people who have Alzheimer's disease (AD; a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and the ability to think, learn, communicate and handle daily activities). Donepezil is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It improves mental function (such as memory, attention, the ability to interact with others, speak, think clearly, and perform regular daily activities) by increasing the amount of a certain naturally occurring substance in the brain. Donepezil may improve the ability to think and remember or slow the loss of these abilities in people who have AD. However, donepezil will not cure AD or prevent the loss of mental abilities at some time in the future.
Nutmeg - More Interactions
Nutmeg interacts with 522 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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