Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and while many varieties are edible, some are poisonous and even deadly. Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are ingested, and symptoms can range from gastrointestinal discomfort to liver failure and death. Only about 3% of known mushroom varieties are poisonous, but it can be difficult to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms as they often share similar colours and shapes. Poisonous mushrooms may be mistaken for edible varieties or hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading to accidental poisoning. Some of the most lethal mushrooms include the death cap (Amanita phalloides) and the destroying angels (A. virosa, A. bisporigera, and A. ocreata).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom species that are toxic | 100 out of thousands of species |
| Number of ingestions in the US annually | 6000 |
| Demographics of ingestions in the US | Over half of ingestions are in children under six years |
| Symptoms of poisoning | Muscle spasms, confusion, delirium, gastrointestinal upset, liver failure, kidney failure, neurologic sequelae, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, anaphylactic reaction |
| Cause of poisoning | Misidentification of poisonous mushrooms as edible, intentional ingestion |
| Prevention | Familiarize oneself with mushrooms and similar-looking toxic species, only eat mushrooms bought from reputable sources |
| Treatment | Contact poison information centre, seek medical attention, bring a sample of the mushroom |
| Types of toxic mushrooms | Amanita (Death Cap, Destroying Angel, Fool's Mushroom), Galerina, Lepiota, Conocybe, Clitocybe, Inocybe, Gyromitra, Verpa bohemica, Agaricus xanthodermus |
| Types of toxins | Amatoxins, Psilocybin, Muscarine, Coprine, Allenic norleucine, Gyromitrin |
| Effects of Psilocybin mushrooms | Euphoria, sensory distortion, hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, intense changes in mood and feeling, flashbacks, accidental poisoning |
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What You'll Learn
Poisonous mushrooms are hard to identify
Poisonous mushrooms can be extremely hard to identify, and it is critical that you are able to accurately name the fungus and be 100% sure of what it is before consuming it. Many mushrooms that are poisonous have similar-looking edible counterparts, and even experts can struggle to tell the difference. For example, the Galerina and Psilocybe species are both small, brown, and sticky, and can be found growing together. However, Galerina contains amatoxins, the same poison found in the deadly Amanita species.
There are some rules of thumb for identifying edible mushrooms, such as the fact that they should have a few loose flecks left over from the veil that covered the mushroom when it was young. They will also have a bulbous skirt around the stem and a cup at the base of the stem, known as the volva, which could be hidden underground. However, these rules are not always accurate, and many edible mushrooms do not follow them. For example, the rule that 'mushrooms growing on wood are safe' is not true, as some deadly mushrooms, like the Funeral Bell, grow on wood. Similarly, while some recommend avoiding mushrooms with white gills, this is not always a sign of a poisonous mushroom. For example, the edible Hericium erinaceus mushroom has white gills.
Even photos of mushrooms can be misleading, as it can be hard to identify a mushroom from its appearance alone, especially if it is small. It is recommended that you take photos of mushrooms and send them to experts for identification, rather than attempting to identify them yourself.
While many mushrooms are not toxic, some that are toxic can be deadly, so it is important to be able to identify mushrooms with certainty before consuming them.
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Amanita phalloides, or death cap, is deadly
Amanita phalloides, or death cap, is a deadly poisonous mushroom. It is, in fact, the most poisonous of all known mushrooms and is responsible for the majority of mushroom-related deaths worldwide. It is estimated that as little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human.
The principal toxic constituent of the death cap is α-amanitin, a bicyclic octapeptide that irreversibly binds RNA polymerase II, thus preventing protein synthesis and causing cell death. The liver is the principal organ affected, as it is the organ first encountered after absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, though other organs, especially the kidneys, are susceptible.
The death cap is a member of the genus Amanita, which contains all of the deadly poisonous Amanita species identified thus far. Other members of this genus include the destroying angels (A. virosa, A. bisporigera, and A. ocreata) and the fool's mushroom (A. verna).
The death cap is similar in appearance to several edible mushroom species, including the paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) and A. princeps, commonly known as "white Caesar". This increases the risk of accidental poisoning, as people may mistake the death cap for these edible species.
Symptoms of Amanita phalloides poisoning include gastrointestinal manifestations of intoxication leading to dehydration and hepatotoxicity. Treatment consists of providing supportive care, promoting renal elimination of amatoxins, interrupting enterohepatic recirculation of amatoxins, and administering proposed antidotes such as intravenous silibinin, which is licensed in Europe and currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States.
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Some mushrooms are toxic when raw
While mushrooms are delicious and nutritious, some varieties can be toxic and even deadly. Poisonous mushrooms can cause anything from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe liver damage and even death. It is difficult to identify poisonous mushrooms as they often look and taste similar to edible varieties.
The most common dangerous mushrooms belong to the Amanita genus, especially Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the "death cap" mushroom. This mushroom is considered the most poisonous in the world and is responsible for 90% of global mushroom-related fatalities. It contains toxic compounds called amatoxins that damage liver cells and cause life-threatening hepatorenal dysfunction when ingested.
Other toxic mushrooms include Chlorophyllum molybdites, commonly known as "greengills," which cause intense gastrointestinal upset. Clitocybe dealbata, which is sometimes mistaken for an oyster mushroom, contains muscarine and can be toxic. Verpa bohemica, also known as "thimble morels" or "early morels," have also been known to cause toxic effects in some individuals.
False morels, or Gyromitra spp., are another type of mushroom that is deadly poisonous if eaten raw. They contain a toxin called gyromitrin, which can cause neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and destruction of blood cells. Even true morels can be toxic if eaten raw, causing gastrointestinal upset.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is important to only consume mushrooms purchased from a store or obtained from a mushroom expert. Mushroom gatherers should familiarize themselves with both edible and toxic mushroom species to avoid accidental poisoning.
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Magic mushrooms are hallucinogenic
While most mushrooms are not deadly, there are some species that are toxic and can cause poisoning. The majority of mushroom poisonings occur when toxic mushrooms are misidentified as edible ones. Some of the most lethal mushrooms include the death cap, the destroying angel, and the fool's mushroom, all of which belong to the genus Amanita.
However, not all mushrooms are harmful. Magic mushrooms, for example, have been used by humans for thousands of years for recreational, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which produces psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects. These effects can include altered sensorium, euphoria, and perceptual changes such as visual and auditory hallucinations. The effects of magic mushrooms typically begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last for up to six hours.
It is important to note that the use of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as the amount consumed, past experiences, and expectations. While rare, negative experiences or "bad trips" can occur, especially if consumed in a stressful or unfamiliar environment. Additionally, consuming a large amount or a strong batch of magic mushrooms can lead to more severe consequences, including life-threatening symptoms.
The history of magic mushrooms dates back thousands of years, with potential depictions in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, magic mushrooms were used by native peoples for religious, divinatory, and healing purposes. Even in modern times, magic mushrooms continue to be used recreationally and are being explored for their potential therapeutic benefits.
Overall, while most mushrooms are non-toxic, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consumption to avoid potential poisoning. Magic mushrooms, in particular, are known for their hallucinogenic properties and have played a significant role in various cultures throughout history.
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Mushroom poisoning symptoms vary
Mushroom poisoning occurs when someone ingests a toxic mushroom species. While many mushroom species are edible, there are about 100 species that are toxic and can cause poisoning. Poisoning can occur due to misidentification of a toxic mushroom as an edible species, or in the case of children, accidental 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 (mycologist).
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary depending on the mushroom species and the toxin ingested. The onset of symptoms can occur anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours after ingestion, with some symptoms lasting for months. Generally, mushrooms that cause symptoms early (within 2 hours) are less dangerous than those that cause symptoms later. The most common symptoms of mushroom poisoning include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Other symptoms include muscle spasms, confusion, and delirium, liver failure, kidney failure, and neurologic issues. In some cases, mushroom poisoning can result in death, with the most toxic species being those from the Amanita genus, including the death cap (A. phalloides), which causes 95% of mushroom poisoning deaths.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if mushroom poisoning is suspected, and to have the mushroom identified by a mycologist if possible. Treatment for mushroom poisoning is typically guided by symptoms and may include supportive care, fluid and electrolyte replacement, and activated charcoal to limit toxin absorption.
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