Sarah Brown
Coprinus mushrooms, also known as shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig, have been used for centuries as food and in traditional medicine. While they are considered edible and possess various health benefits, there are also potential hazards associated with consuming them. One notable hazard is the presence of the chemical coprine in certain Coprinus species, such as Coprinopsis atramentaria (formerly known as Coprinus atramentarius or the common inky cap). Ingesting coprine-containing mushrooms along with alcohol can lead to severe toxicity, including nausea, vomiting, headache, and hemodynamic changes. However, not all Coprinus species contain coprine, and the commonly consumed Coprinus comatus is known to be safe for consumption without the risk of alcohol interaction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Shaggy Mane, Chicken Drumstick Mushroom, Lawyer's Wig |
| Scientific Name | Coprinus comatus |
| Odor | Spicy Mushroom-like |
| Cap | 2.5–7 cm in diameter and 5–20 cm tall; cylindrical with a rounded top when young, expanding when mature to flat, its margin rolling upwards to reveal liquefying, inky black gills |
| Gills | Very crowded, almost touching the stem. The white gill edge forms a thick protective band in the closed cap. Gill colour is initially white to cream, then changes from the cap margin inwards. First a pink blush shows, then the maturing spores colour the gills black. The gills begin to self-destruct into a black ink containing the spores. |
| Stem | 10–25 cm long x 1–2 cm wide, cylindrical but widened at the utmost base. The colour is white to cream, with fibres on the surface. The stem is hollow with a white cord inside that stretches from the top to the base. |
| Ring | A small movable ring on the stem, after the cap has expanded |
| Spores | 10–14 x 5.5–7.5 µm, black with a dull surface and a germ pore |
| Habitat | In groups and clusters in lawns and pastures, gardens, cemeteries, along forest roads, and in other disturbed areas |
| Geographical Distribution | Throughout BC and the Pacific Northwest, also in Alaska except for the far north. Worldwide |
| Toxicity | No known toxins that affect humans. However, like most kinds of mushrooms, they have been linked to a few incidents of illness including gastrointestinal upsets. If consumed with alcohol, it causes symptoms including flushing, dizziness, headaches, and gastrointestinal upsets. |
| Edibility | Edible when young and consumed soon after collection. |
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What You'll Learn
- Coprinus comatus is edible but may be confused with poisonous Coprinopsis atramentaria
- Coprine is the chemical causing Coprinus atramentaria's toxicity when consumed with alcohol
- Coprinus comatus has been used in traditional medicine for its pro-health properties
- Coprinus comatus is also known as the shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig
- Coprinus mushrooms have thick flesh and gills that liquefy at maturity
Coprinus comatus is edible but may be confused with poisonous Coprinopsis atramentaria
Coprinus comatus, commonly known as shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig, is a mushroom species belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota. It is edible and has been cultivated for consumption in Asian countries. However, it is important to note that C. comatus is only edible when young, as the older mushrooms undergo autolysis. This mushroom species has various beneficial physiological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity properties.
Despite its benefits, C. comatus has some negative features, including potential skin reactions in individuals with dermatitis and atopic predisposition. One of the most significant risks associated with C. comatus is its resemblance to poisonous mushrooms, particularly Coprinopsis atramentaria (commonly known as common ink cap, tippler's bane, or inky cap). C. atramentaria contains coprine, a chemical that causes toxicity when consumed with alcohol. This toxicity arises from the inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to increased levels of acetaldehyde in the blood and resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and hemodynamic changes.
The similarity between C. comatus and C. atramentaria can lead to accidental ingestion of the poisonous mushroom. Both species share the property of deliquescence or autodigestion, where the mushroom turns into an inky liquid to facilitate spore release. The caps of C. comatus and C. atramentaria are also similar in appearance, with C. atramentaria having a grey-brown cap that is initially bell-shaped before flattening and disintegrating.
To avoid confusion between the two species, it is essential to know their distinguishing features. The cap of C. comatus is normally white, turning pink over time, and eventually changing to black after depositing spores or being picked. It is egg-shaped when young, opening into a long bell shape, and typically measures 5 to 10 cm in height. In contrast, the cap of C. atramentaria is grey-brown and smaller in size, usually ranging from 3 to 5 cm in diameter. Additionally, C. atramentaria is commonly found in urban and disturbed habitats, such as vacant lots, lawns, and grassy areas, while C. comatus is often found on lawns in the spring and autumn.
In conclusion, while C. comatus is edible and offers various health benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution during foraging to avoid mistaking it for the poisonous C. atramentaria. Proper identification of mushroom species is essential to ensure safe consumption and prevent potential adverse effects.
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Coprine is the chemical causing Coprinus atramentaria's toxicity when consumed with alcohol
Coprinus mushrooms are not hallucinogenic, but some species, such as Coprinopsis atramentaria (formerly Coprinus atramentarius), commonly known as the inky cap or tippler's bane, contain the chemical coprine, which can cause toxicity when consumed with alcohol. Coprine is a cyclopropylglutamine compound that inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol.
The ingestion of coprine-containing mushrooms like C. atramentaria within a timeframe of a few hours to several days before or after consuming alcohol can lead to a toxic reaction known as Coprinus syndrome. This reaction mimics the effects of disulfiram (Antabuse), a therapeutic drug used to treat alcoholism, by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase. The accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body results in systemic toxicity, including nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing of the head and upper torso, metallic taste, malaise, chest pain, shortness of breath, tachycardia, and hypotension. While no fatalities have been reported, syncope and dysrhythmias are possible complications.
The toxicity of coprine is primarily associated with ethanol ingestion, and the timing between mushroom consumption and alcohol intake plays a crucial role in the development of symptoms. Ingesting coprine-containing mushrooms without alcohol does not result in toxicity in humans. However, studies have shown that large and prolonged doses of coprine caused gonadotoxic effects in rats and dogs.
It is important to distinguish between Coprinus atramentarius (inky cap) and Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Mane or Lawyer's Wig), as the latter does not contain coprine and is considered edible.
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Coprinus comatus has been used in traditional medicine for its pro-health properties
Mushrooms have been used for centuries not only as food but also in traditional medicine for their pro-health properties. Coprinus comatus, also known as shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig, is one such example. It usually grows in spring and autumn on lawns.
In Asian countries, C. comatus is cultivated for consumption and is recognised as edible. However, in many other countries, it is widespread yet not utilised. C. comatus has a unique feature in that it is only edible when young; older mushrooms undergo autolysis. The cap of the young mushroom is normally white, but with time it turns pink and covers the stipe. The cap is typically 5 to 10 cm tall, initially egg-shaped, and opens into a long bell. The stem is white, hollow, and 6-15 cm tall.
C. comatus has been studied for its various physiological activities and potential health benefits. It has been found to possess antioxidant properties, with the ability to influence hepatic and mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Treatment with polysaccharides from C. comatus has shown promising results in increasing the activity of these enzymes. Additionally, C. comatus has been investigated for its potential anti-diabetic properties, along with other medicinal mushrooms.
However, it is important to note that C. comatus also has some negative features. For example, it can cause skin reactions in individuals with dermatitis and atopic predisposition. There is also a risk of confusion with poisonous mushrooms, as it may be mistaken for Coprinopsis atramentaria, which contains the toxin coprine. Coprine can lead to toxicity when ethanol is ingested within a certain time frame, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and hemodynamic changes. Therefore, while C. comatus has been traditionally used for its pro-health properties, further in-depth studies are required to fully understand its bioactive compounds, health influence, and safety profile.
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Coprinus comatus is also known as the shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig
Coprinus comatus, also known as the shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig, is a common edible mushroom with a unique appearance. Belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota, family Agaricaceae, and Coprinus genus, this mushroom typically grows in spring and autumn on lawns and is easily identifiable by its tall cylindrical cap with shaggy scales, which is initially white but turns pink and eventually black as the mushroom matures.
The name "shaggy mane" refers to the mushroom's distinctive shaggy appearance, with its cap resembling a wig. The specific epithet "comatus" also means "hairy" or "shaggy," further emphasising the mushroom's unique physical traits. Coprinus comatus is the type species for the genus Coprinus and is considered the best-known true Coprinus.
While Coprinus comatus is edible and widely consumed in some parts of the world, particularly in Asia, it is important to note that it should only be consumed when young as older mushrooms undergo autolysis, becoming bitter and unsuitable for consumption. Additionally, it may induce mild coprine poisoning if consumed with alcohol, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, palpitations, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
This mushroom has a long history of use in traditional medicine due to its various physiological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antiandrogenic, hepatoprotective, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antinematode properties. However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms, as there is a risk of confusion with poisonous varieties, and contamination with toxic elements can occur.
In summary, Coprinus comatus, or the shaggy mane, is a unique and recognisable mushroom with a range of potential health benefits. When consumed appropriately, it is a valued food source and medicinal treatment. However, it is important to follow proper identification and preparation guidelines to ensure safe consumption.
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Coprinus mushrooms have thick flesh and gills that liquefy at maturity
Coprinus mushrooms, also known as shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig, have thick flesh and gills that liquefy at maturity. This unique feature of self-digestion into a black inky liquid facilitates spore release. The mushrooms have a spicy mushroom-like odour and a cylindrical cap with a rounded top that expands to a flat shape as it matures. The cap's surface is initially white with light brown, flat scales and a solid light brown patch at the centre, but it gradually becomes fibrillose. The gills are very crowded and almost touch the stem, with a thick protective white band when the cap is closed. As the mushroom matures, the gills turn from white to cream, then to pink, and finally to black as the spores mature. The stem is hollow, white, and 10-25 cm long, with a small movable ring and a white cord inside.
Coprinus mushrooms are edible but must be consumed when young as they undergo autolysis and turn black soon after being picked. They are approved for consumption in Asian countries and are often cultivated. However, they should not be eaten if grown in disturbed or contaminated soil as they can accumulate mercury and other toxic heavy metals. Additionally, they can cause skin reactions in individuals with dermatitis and atopic predisposition.
Coprinus mushrooms do not contain coprine, a toxin that inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to systemic toxicity when ethanol is ingested within a certain timeframe. However, they can be mistaken for other mushrooms that do contain coprine, such as Coprinopsis atramentaria (formerly Coprinus atramentarius), commonly known as the inky cap or tippler's bane. Ingesting coprine-containing mushrooms along with alcohol can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, chest pain, shortness of breath, tachycardia, and hypotension.
Coprinus mushrooms have been studied for their various physiological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antiandrogenic, hepatoprotective, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antibacterial, antifungal, and antinematode properties. They have potential uses in bioremediation due to their ability to absorb heavy metals. However, they have also been linked to a few incidents of gastrointestinal illness, possibly due to misidentification with other similar-looking mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
No, coprinus mushrooms are not hallucinogenic. However, they are poisonous when consumed with alcohol.
If you eat coprinus mushrooms with alcohol, you may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing of the head and torso, metallic taste, and gastrointestinal issues.
There are several types of coprinus mushrooms, including Coprinus atramentaria, Coprinus atramentarius, Coprinus comatus, and Coprinopsis atramentaria.
No, not all coprinus mushrooms are poisonous when consumed with alcohol. For example, the Coprinus comatus is a common edible mushroom that does not contain coprine, the toxin responsible for the negative reaction with alcohol.
Coprinus mushrooms are commonly found in the northern hemisphere, particularly in the spring and autumn months after rain showers. They are often found in lawns, pastures, gardens, cemeteries, and along forest roads.
