Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and while some varieties are edible, others are poisonous or even deadly. Poisonous mushrooms can cause mushroom poisoning, which can result in symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort, hallucinations, and in some cases, death. Some mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin and are often used as recreational drugs. However, it is important to note that consuming wild mushrooms or misidentifying them as edible can lead to severe health risks. To ensure safety, it is recommended to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable sources and to seek medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of toxic mushroom species | 100 out of 6000 |
| Number of ingestions annually in the US | 6000 |
| Percentage of ingestions by children under six years | Over 50% |
| Symptoms | Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, liver failure, kidney failure, neurological issues, hallucinations, anxiety, panic, euphoria, sensory distortion, altered sensorium, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, sweating, etc. |
| Cause of poisoning | Misidentification of toxic mushrooms as edible species, intentional ingestion, allergies or sensitivities |
| Prevention | Familiarise with toxic and edible mushrooms, only eat mushrooms bought from a reputable source, try a small amount of a new mushroom species |
| Treatment | Quick, professional care, liver transplant, Silybum marianum or blessed milk thistle for liver protection |
| Types of toxic mushrooms | Amanita ("Death Cap"), Agaricus xanthodermus ("Yellow-staining mushroom"), Jack O'Lantern, Galerina, Lepiota, Cortinarius, Psilocybe subaeruginosa ("Golden Top"), Amanita virosa, Amanita bisporigera |
| Types of edible mushrooms | Chanterelles, Calvatia gigantea ("Giant Puffball"), Chlorophyllum molybdites |
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What You'll Learn
Magic mushrooms and psilocybin
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, mushies, blue meanies, golden tops, or liberty caps, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. This substance turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion, producing psychoactive effects. Other substances such as norpsilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin may also be present in magic mushrooms, potentially resulting in an entourage effect that modifies their effects.
Psilocybin works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which affect mood, cognition, and perception. It may also affect other regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses. The effects of psilocybin vary widely and can range from euphoria and sensory distortion to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. The quantity of the drug consumed, the user's past experiences, and their expectations can all influence their reaction to psilocybin. According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin usually occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last between four and six hours.
Magic mushrooms can be eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They can also be turned into extracts or food products such as edibles or mushroom tea. The use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, but it is important to note that they can have risks. Adverse side effects can range from mild to moderate and may resolve with time, but some people may require medical treatment. There is a low risk of addiction associated with magic mushrooms, but the possibility of developing tolerance with regular use exists. Additionally, there is a risk of poisoning from misidentifying and consuming the wrong types of mushrooms.
The production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in some countries, such as Canada and Australia. However, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses, particularly in treating various mental health disorders. While clinical trials have shown promising results, there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin.
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Mushroom poisoning and toxicity
Mushroom poisoning is caused by the ingestion of mushrooms that contain toxic substances. Many different species of mushrooms are poisonous and contain different toxins, causing varying types of harm. Poisoning can occur due to misidentification of a poisonous species as edible, or in some cases, intentional ingestion. It is important to note that there is no 'home test' to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, and the only way to tell if a wild mushroom is safe to eat is to have it identified by a mushroom expert. If there is any doubt about the safety of a mushroom, it is best not to consume it.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary depending on the species and toxin ingested. The most common consequence is gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhoea. However, some toxins can cause more severe symptoms, such as liver failure, kidney failure, and neurological issues. Amatoxin, found in mushrooms such as the "death cap" (Amanita phalloides), is the most common toxin leading to severe poisoning and has a high fatality rate. Orellanine, found in certain species of Cortinarius mushrooms, can cause kidney failure if ingested. Other toxins include psilocybin, muscarine, coprine, and gyromitrin, each with its own specific effects.
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance found in certain mushrooms, is often referred to as "magic mushrooms." While some people use psilocybin recreationally for its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects, it can also cause disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, and adverse side effects may require medical treatment. It is important to note that the identification of psilocybin mushrooms can be challenging, and even professionals sometimes mistake poisonous mushrooms for psilocybin-containing varieties. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and only consume mushrooms that have been properly identified by experts.
Mushroom toxicity has been known for millennia and is believed to have caused the deaths of several historical figures, including the Roman Emperor Claudius. Today, most mushroom poisonings occur due to the ingestion of wild mushrooms, with up to 6000 cases reported annually in the United States. Children under six years of age account for more than half of these exposures. To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is essential to familiarise oneself with both edible and toxic mushroom species before consuming wild mushrooms. Additionally, some toxins are heat-stable, so cooking toxic mushrooms may not always render them safe to eat.
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Misidentification of poisonous mushrooms
Mushroom poisoning is often the result of mistaking a toxic mushroom for an edible one. While many mushroom species are harmless, about 100 out of the 100,000 known fungi species worldwide are poisonous to humans. Poisonous mushrooms contain differing toxins, the most common of which is amatoxin, which blocks DNA replication and causes cell death. Amatoxin poisoning can lead to liver and kidney failure and neurologic issues, and it has a mortality rate of 10-15%. Other toxins include orellanine, which causes kidney failure, and psilocybin, which is a hallucinogen.
Mushroom poisonings can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe manifestations like liver and kidney failure. The severity of poisoning depends on the species, toxins, and amount ingested. Some mushrooms, like the Devil's bolete, can lead to strong gastrointestinal symptoms even when cooked, while others, like the lurid bolete, can be detoxified through thorough cooking. However, some toxins, such as amatoxins, are thermostable and cannot be neutralized by cooking.
The most common reason for misidentification is the close resemblance between toxic and edible mushroom species in terms of colour and morphology. For example, the Deadly Galerina, a highly toxic mushroom, can be mistaken for the psychedelic Psilocybe cubensis due to their similar cap structure and habitat. Similarly, the toxic Yellow Stainer can be confused with the edible Field Mushroom, and the Ivory Funnel, which contains muscarine, can be mistaken for the Common Funnel. The Amanita phalloides, or Death Cap, is often misidentified due to its resemblance to the Asian paddy-straw mushroom, Volvariella volvacea, leading to many fatal poisonings.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before consumption. Mushroom gatherers should familiarize themselves with both the mushrooms they intend to collect and similar-looking toxic species. When in doubt, it is best to refrain from consuming the mushroom. Reputable courses, expert consultations, and thorough guidebooks can provide knowledge and reduce the risk of misidentification.
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Symptoms of mushroom poisoning
Gastrointestinal symptoms typically appear within 20 minutes to 4 hours of ingestion. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which usually pass after the irritant has been expelled. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Some mushrooms cause delayed gastrointestinal symptoms, with initial symptoms of gastroenteritis appearing 6 to 12 hours after ingestion. These initial symptoms then subside for a few days, followed by liver failure and sometimes renal failure. The most toxic mushroom in this category is Amanita phalloides, which causes 95% of mushroom poisoning deaths. Other mushrooms with similar effects include Galerina, Lepiota, and Conocybe species.
Mushrooms that contain ibotenic acid and muscimol can cause symptoms such as confusion, visual distortion, a feeling of greater strength, delusions, convulsions, and drowsiness. These symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours of ingestion and last for several hours.
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, do not wait for symptoms to occur before seeking medical attention. Contact your local poison control center or a healthcare professional for advice.
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Treatment for mushroom poisoning
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, it is important to contact Poison Control immediately. You can do this online or by phone. While waiting for help to arrive, it is important to remain calm and follow any first aid advice provided by Poison Control.
If the ingested mushroom is identified as Gyromitra, pyridoxine (B6) should be administered to control seizures. Benzodiazepines may be used as an adjunct. For Amatoxin poisoning, activated charcoal is often used to limit toxin absorption. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), silibinin, and penicillin may also be considered. Amatoxin poisoning is associated with a high risk of liver failure, so patients may require liver transplantation.
For Cortinarius ingestion, hemodialysis may be necessary, and in rare cases of renal failure, dialysis may be required. Agitation caused by hallucinogenic mushrooms can be treated with benzodiazepines. Anticholinergic poisoning may also be treated with benzodiazepines, and in rare cases, physostigmine may be administered.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but many are. Mushroom poisoning is usually the result of mistaking a toxic mushroom for an edible one. Some mushrooms are also hallucinogenic drugs, commonly known as "magic mushrooms".
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, mushroom poisoning can lead to liver and kidney damage, and even death.
Only eat mushrooms bought from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer. Do not pick and consume wild mushrooms unless you are an expert. If you suspect that you or someone in your care has eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek immediate medical attention.
Magic mushrooms are mushrooms that contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin. They are commonly used as a recreational drug, but they are illegal in most places.
Research suggests that magic mushrooms are not addictive. However, they can cause disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. In rare cases, consuming a large amount of magic mushrooms can lead to death.
