Emily Johnson
Mushroom poisoning is a result of ingesting mushrooms that contain toxic substances. While the most common consequence of mushroom poisoning is gastrointestinal upset, there are several recognized mushroom toxins with specific, and sometimes deadly, effects. Some mushrooms are hallucinogenic and contain psychoactive substances, while others are neurotoxic and can cause neuronopathies, axonopathies, myelinopathies, and/or other types of glial cell toxicity, or interfere with neurotransmission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Mushroom Poisoning | Neurotoxic syndromes, Coprinus syndrome, GI intoxications |
| Mushroom Toxins | Amatoxins, Gyromitrin, Norleucine, Orellanine, Involutin, Coprine, Muscarine, Ibotenic acid |
| Mushroom Poisoning Symptoms | Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, kidney damage, respiratory depression, hallucination, behavioral changes, cognitive decline |
| Neurotoxicity | Structural and functional modification of the CNS through physical, chemical, and biological agents |
| Causes of Neurotoxicity | Genetic defects, trauma, mental pressure, disease conditions, environmental pollutants, heavy metals |
| Mushroom Toxins Effects | Altered mindstate, spiritual experience, mood swings, positive and negative moods, antidepressant qualities, loosening brain connections |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin
- The safety of eating wild mushrooms depends on preparation methods
- Mushroom toxins are secondary metabolites produced by the fungus
- Neurotoxicity is caused by physical, chemical, and biological agents
- Some mushroom toxins can cause kidney damage
Magic mushrooms contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This is a psychedelic compound that can induce hallucinations and alter a person's thinking, sense of time, emotions, and senses. The effects of psilocybin can be both positive and negative, with moods changing rapidly. Users have described the experience as dreamlike, with an altered sense of reality.
Psilocybin is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive properties of magic mushrooms. The mind-altering effects typically last from three to eight hours, depending on dosage, preparation, and personal metabolism. The median lethal dose or "LD50" of psilocybin is 280 mg/kg, and it would be difficult to overdose on psilocybin mushrooms due to their toxin composition.
Magic mushrooms are typically consumed dried in the US, as this helps maintain their potency in storage. The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms varies depending on the species, with the psilocybin content ranging from 0.03% to 1.78% of the dried weight of the mushroom. The most potent species are members of the genus Psilocybe, such as P. azurescens, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens.
While magic mushrooms are not known to cause physical or psychological dependence, regular use can lead to tolerance, with the drug's effects weakening over time with continued use. There is ongoing research into the potential therapeutic uses of psilocybin, particularly in treating various mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it is important to note that the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in some countries, including Canada and Australia.
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The safety of eating wild mushrooms depends on preparation methods
The safety of eating wild mushrooms depends on proper identification and preparation methods. Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are consumed, often due to misidentification as edible species. Proper identification of mushrooms is crucial to avoid ingestion of poisonous varieties. Mushroom foragers must be well-versed in identifying both edible and toxic mushrooms to minimize the risk of poisoning.
Some mushrooms contain toxins that cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can sometimes require urgent medical attention. Other mushrooms contain lethal toxins, such as amatoxins, which can lead to severe liver damage and even death. It is important to note that cooking or preparing these mushrooms may not always render them safe for consumption, as some toxins like amatoxins are heat-stable. Therefore, proper identification and avoidance of toxic mushrooms are essential.
Mushroom toxins can have neurotoxic effects, impacting the central nervous system and causing neuronopathies, axonopathies, and glial cell toxicity. Neurotoxicity can also result from environmental pollutants, heavy metals, and atmospheric toxic waste. Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, contain psilocybin, a psychedelic compound that alters brain activity and can lead to spiritual experiences and mood changes. While magic mushrooms are not typically associated with lethal toxicity, improper use may lead to unsafe behavior or negative psychological experiences.
To ensure the safety of consuming wild mushrooms, proper identification and preparation methods are crucial. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and refrain from consuming mushrooms that cannot be confidently identified as safe. Additionally, some mushrooms, even if edible, may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed raw, so proper preparation methods, such as thorough cooking, are essential. Seeking guidance from experienced foragers or mycologists can also help minimize the risk of mushroom poisoning.
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Mushroom toxins are secondary metabolites produced by the fungus
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can produce toxins, known as mushroom poisons or mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans and other animals. These toxins are secondary metabolites produced by the fungus, and they can cause mushroom poisoning, a condition that can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, organ failure, and even death. The period between ingestion and the onset of symptoms varies depending on the type of toxin. For example, α-amanitin can cause a delay of 6-12 hours before any symptoms appear, while orellanine may not show any symptoms for 3-20 days.
Mushroom toxins have evolved in mushrooms, possibly as a mechanism to deter predation from fungivores and mammals. These toxins can negatively affect the mushroom's ability to disperse spores, survive, and reproduce if consumed. While some organisms may inherently avoid toxic mushrooms due to their observable characteristics or through learned behaviour, misidentification and ingestion of toxic mushrooms can still occur, leading to poisoning.
The complex secondary metabolism of fungi can involve 20 to 80 different core secondary metabolite-encoding genes or gene clusters. Fungi have the potential for metabolic variation due to the diversity of fungal species and the diversification of biosynthetic gene clusters. Some specific examples of secondary metabolites produced by fungi include dipicolinic acid, which is found in various entomopathogenic fungi, and l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA), which acts as a secondary metabolite and a virulence factor in fungi.
Additionally, 3-nitropropanoic acid (3-NPA), a toxin found in some fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus spp., has been implicated in human deaths in China due to its cell toxicity. Mycotoxins, which are made by fungi, can be toxic to vertebrates and other animal groups even in low concentrations. While some fungal metabolites, such as ethanol, are only toxic in high concentrations and are not considered mycotoxins, the distinction between a mycotoxin and a mushroom poison is based on the size of the producing fungus and human intention.
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Neurotoxicity is caused by physical, chemical, and biological agents
Neurotoxicity is a phenomenon of structural and functional modification of the CNS through physical, chemical, and biological agents. Mushroom poisoning is a form of neurotoxicity that occurs when toxic mushrooms are ingested. While some mushrooms cause gastrointestinal upset, others can lead to severe neurotoxic syndromes, such as Coprinus syndrome, and even death. The period between ingestion and the onset of symptoms varies, with some toxins acting within hours and others taking days.
The most common reason for mushroom poisoning is the misidentification of toxic mushrooms as edible ones. This often occurs due to their close resemblance in colour and morphology. To prevent poisoning, it is crucial to familiarise oneself with both edible and toxic mushroom species. Additionally, the safety of consuming wild mushrooms may depend on their preparation methods, as some toxins, like amatoxins, are thermostable and not destroyed by cooking.
Mushroom toxins can have specific and deadly effects on the body. Amatoxins, for example, can cause severe liver damage, while orellanine can lead to kidney failure. Gyromitrin, found in false morels, can cause neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and destruction of blood cells. Another toxin, coprine, is harmless unless ingested with alcohol.
Mushroom poisoning can also occur from consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, such as the indigenous Japanese species Psilocybe argentipes K. Yokoyama. These mushrooms can cause neurotoxicity and psychoactive effects. Additionally, magic mushrooms, which contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin, can alter brain connections and lead to antidepressant effects. However, they also carry the risk of negative experiences, such as fear and anxiety.
The direct or indirect noxious impact of biological, physical, or chemical agents on the nervous system can result in transitory or permanent deficits. While the understanding of neurotoxicity is still evolving, it is clear that certain factors, such as environmental pollutants, play a significant role in its occurrence.
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Some mushroom toxins can cause kidney damage
While mushroom poisoning is usually associated with gastrointestinal upset, some mushroom toxins can cause kidney damage and even kidney failure. The toxins responsible for kidney damage include amatoxins, orellanine, and orellanine syndrome.
Amatoxins can be found in mushrooms from the genus Amanita, as well as some species of Galerina and Lepiota. They are responsible for 68% to 89% of fatalities from mushroom poisoning. While amatoxin poisoning typically causes severe liver damage, it can also lead to kidney failure, especially when combined with severe dehydration. Patients with kidney failure due to amatoxin ingestion may present with leukocyturia, hematuria, and proteinuria.
Orellanine is another toxin found in some species of the genus Cortinarius. It typically causes no symptoms for 3 to 20 days after ingestion, with kidney failure usually occurring around day 11 and becoming symptomatic by day 20. Symptoms can include pain in the area of the kidneys, thirst, vomiting, headache, and fatigue. Diagnosis of orellanine poisoning can be difficult due to the latency of symptoms, and toxin detection in body fluids may be challenging.
In addition to these specific toxins, some mushrooms from the Psilocybe genus, specifically Psilocybe cubensis, have been associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). In one case, a 15-year-old male developed symptomatic AKI 36 hours after ingesting Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms and required hospitalization. However, his renal function fully recovered, and he was discharged after five days.
To prevent mushroom poisoning and potential kidney damage, it is essential to properly identify mushrooms before ingestion. Mushroom gatherers should familiarize themselves with both edible and toxic mushroom species and their characteristics. Additionally, the safety of consuming wild mushrooms may depend on the methods of preparation and cooking, as some toxins are thermostable and not destroyed by cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
No. However, some mushrooms are neurotoxic and can cause mushroom poisoning, which can lead to hospitalization or even death. Examples of neurotoxic mushrooms include the Amanita genus, which includes the death cap, the three destroying angels, and the fool's mushroom.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the amount ingested. Some common symptoms include gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe cases may result in liver damage, kidney failure, and even death.
While it may seem counterintuitive, some people actually consume certain psychoactive mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," for their mind-altering effects. Proponents of magic mushrooms claim that they can induce a sense of internal and external oneness, enhance mood, and even curb symptoms of depression. However, it is important to note that consuming magic mushrooms also carries risks, such as experiencing fear or anxiety during the trip.
