Laura Smith
Amanita is a genus of about 600 species of agarics, including some of the most toxic mushrooms worldwide, as well as some edible species. Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is one of the most recognisable and distinctive mushrooms in the world. It has been used by indigenous peoples of Siberia and northern Europe and Asia for its psychoactive compounds, such as muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can cause hallucinations. Poison control centres have reported cases of accidental ingestion of Amanita, which can be severe or even fatal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genus | Amanita |
| Species | A. fulva, A. vaginata (grisette), A. calyptrata (coccoli), A. crocea, A. rubescens (blusher), A. caesarea (Caesar's mushroom), A. jacksonii (American Caesar's mushroom), A. albocreata (ringless panther), A. atkinsoniana, A. citrina (false death cap), A. excelsa, A. flavorubescens, A. franchetii, A. longipes, A. onusta, A. rhopalopus, A. silvicola, A. sinicoflava, A. spreta, A. volvata, A. brunnescens, A. cokeri (Coker's amanita), A. crenulata, A. farinosa (eastern American floury amanita), A. frostiana, A. muscaria (fly agaric), A. pantherina (panther cap), A. porphyria, A. abrupta, A. arocheae, A. bisporigera (eastern NA destroying angel), A. exitialis (Guangzhou destroying angel), A. magnivelaris, A. ocreata (western NA destroying angel), A. phalloides (death cap), A. proxima, A. smithiana, A. subjunquillea (East Asian death cap), A. verna (fool's mushroom), A. virosa (European destroying angel) |
| Number of Species | 600 |
| Toxicity | Some species of Amanita are toxic and can cause liver failure and death. Amanita is responsible for approximately 95% of fatalities resulting from mushroom poisoning. |
| Toxins | Amatoxins, muscarine, ibotenic acid, muscimol, α-Amanitin |
| Psychoactive | Yes |
| Psychoactive Compounds | Muscimol, ibotenic acid, muscarine |
| Psychoactive Effects | Hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, coma, temporary insanity, death |
| Use by Indigenous Peoples | Used as an entheogen by indigenous peoples of Siberia, Uralic-speaking peoples of western Siberia, and Paleosiberian-speaking peoples of the Russian Far East. Used in pre-Christian rituals in northern Europe and Asia during the winter solstice. |
| Legal Status | Legal in most places, including the U.S. except Louisiana |
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What You'll Learn
Amanita mushrooms are toxic and psychoactive
Amanita is a genus of around 600 species of agarics, including some of the world's most toxic mushrooms, as well as some edible varieties. The genus is responsible for about 95% of mushroom poisoning fatalities, with the death cap species alone accounting for half of these deaths. The most potent toxin present in these mushrooms is α-Amanitin.
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap covered with distinctive white warts. It is one of the most recognizable fungi in the world and is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere. It is considered to be one of the most toxic mushrooms in the Amanita genus.
The primary active ingredients in Amanita muscaria are muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine. Muscimol and ibotenic acid are the main compounds responsible for the mushroom's psychoactive effects. Muscimol is a central nervous system depressant that may engage GABA receptors to deliver sedative-hypnotic, depressant, and hallucinogenic psychoactivity. It is Amanita muscaria's most potent psychoactive agent and is ten times stronger than ibotenic acid. Ibotenic acid interacts with glutamate receptors, making it more stimulating and energizing. When mushrooms contain more ibotenic acid than muscimol, users typically report confusion, agitation, and euphoria.
Amanita muscaria has been used as an entheogen by indigenous peoples of Siberia and northern Europe and Asia. It has also been used in shamanic rituals, where the shaman would consume and share the mushrooms with participants, who would experience visions and hallucinations.
Despite its distinctive appearance, accidental ingestion of Amanita muscaria does occur, and it is considered a highly poisonous mushroom. Poisoning cases have resulted in symptoms such as hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and comas. In rare cases, ingestion can lead to death.
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They are used in shamanic rituals and as an insecticide
Amanita is a genus of about 600 species of agarics, including some of the most toxic mushrooms worldwide, as well as some edible species. The name Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is derived from its traditional use as an insecticide.
The fly agaric mushroom is native to the temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere and is now also found in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a large, white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap covered with distinctive white warts. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world.
Amanita muscaria was widely used as an entheogen by the indigenous peoples of Siberia. It was also used in shamanic rituals in northern Europe and Asia during the winter solstice. The shamans would collect the mushrooms and return to their villages, entering their dwellings through the smoke hole on the roof. They would then consume and share the sacred mushrooms with the participants, who would experience visions and hallucinations. Among the Sami (Laplander) people, the hallucinations associated with ingesting fly agaric gave the sensation of flying in a "spiritual sleigh" pulled by reindeer or horses.
The active compounds in Amanita muscaria are largely unregulated and do not exist on the DEA's drug scheduling list, making it federally legal in the US. However, the FDA has not approved it for human consumption, and it can cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. It is considered a deliriant rather than a psychedelic because it acts primarily on receptors that can cause an ethereal, dreamlike, and sedative state.
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Amanita muscaria is the most common species
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap covered with distinctive white warts. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world, largely due to its distinctive appearance and its prevalence in popular culture. It is native to the temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, though it has now also been naturalised in the Southern Hemisphere.
A. muscaria contains the psychoactive compounds muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine. Muscimol is a central nervous system depressant that may engage GABAa receptors to deliver sedative-hypnotic, depressant, and hallucinogenic psychoactivity. It is A. muscaria's most potent psychoactive agent and is ten times stronger than ibotenic acid. Ibotenic acid interacts with glutamate receptors, making it more stimulating and energising. Muscarine exists in trace quantities (0.02% dry weight) and is the weakest psychoactive compound in this spotted species.
A. muscaria was widely used as an entheogen by many indigenous peoples of Siberia, particularly among the Uralic-speaking peoples of western Siberia and the Paleosiberian-speaking peoples of the Russian Far East. It was also used in pre-Christian rituals practised in northern Europe and Asia during the winter solstice.
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They are often mistaken for edible mushrooms
Amanita mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi, some of which are highly toxic and can be deadly if consumed. However, they are often mistaken for edible mushrooms, which has led to unfortunate incidents of poisoning. The Amanita genus includes over 600 species, and while some are prized for their culinary and medicinal value, others can cause severe health issues, including liver and kidney damage, hallucinations, and even death. The challenge lies in the fact that even experts sometimes find it difficult to distinguish between the toxic and non-toxic varieties, as some edible mushrooms have look-alikes that are deadly. One of the most notorious toxic species is Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the Death Cap. This mushroom has a frighteningly similar appearance to several edible species, particularly the highly prized and delicious Amanita caesarea, the Caesar's Mushroom. Both have bulbous bases, white gills, and a ring on the stem, but the Death Cap has a paler cap, often with a greenish tint, while the Caesar's Mushroom has a brighter, more orange or red cap. Another dangerous imposter is Amanita virosa, the Destroying Angel, which can be confused with the edible Ringless Honey Mushroom (Armillaria tabescens). Both have white caps and stems, but the Destroying Angel lacks the honey-coloured gills and ring on the stem that characterise the edible variety.
The consequences of mistaking a toxic Amanita for an edible mushroom can be dire. Amanita poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, liver and kidney failure, coma, and death. It is important to remember that even a small amount of a toxic Amanita mushroom can be dangerous, and cooking or boiling does not eliminate the toxins. Therefore, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming any wild mushrooms unless they have been positively identified by an expert. To reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, it is important to follow some basic guidelines when foraging for wild mushrooms. Always carry a reliable field guide and learn to identify the key features of both toxic and edible mushrooms. Look for distinctive characteristics such as the colour and shape of the cap, the presence or absence of a ring on the stem, the colour of the gills or pores, and the type of spore print.
Additionally, be wary of mushrooms with bulbous bases, white gills, and rings on the stems, as these features are common to both toxic and edible varieties. When in doubt, it is always best to leave the mushroom alone and seek expert advice. While most mushroom enthusiasts are familiar with the dangers posed by toxic Amanita species, it is important to remain vigilant and informed. By learning to identify both the toxic and edible varieties, foragers can minimise the risk of accidental poisoning and safely enjoy the culinary and medicinal benefits that mushrooms have to offer. It is also worth noting that cultural and regional differences can play a role in mushroom identification and consumption. What may be considered an edible delicacy in one region might be regarded as toxic in another, so it is always advisable to seek local expertise and knowledge when foraging for wild mushrooms in new areas. In conclusion, the Amanita genus of mushrooms demands respect and caution. While some species are prized for their culinary and medicinal value, others are notoriously toxic and can lead to severe health consequences, including death.
By learning to identify both the desirable and dangerous varieties, foragers can minimise the risk of poisoning and safely enjoy the wonders of the fungal world. Remember, when it comes to wild mushrooms, knowledge is power, and caution is survival.
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Amanita muscaria is legal in most places
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a distinctive mushroom with a bright red cap and white spots. It is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere but has now spread to the Southern Hemisphere. This mushroom has been used for centuries for its spiritual and medicinal properties, particularly by indigenous Siberian peoples and in shamanic practices.
The active compounds in Amanita muscaria, such as muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, are largely unregulated and not specifically addressed in controlled substance laws in most states. However, the potential health risks and psychoactive effects of these mushrooms may lead to future regulation. The market for Amanita muscaria edibles has grown substantially, with hundreds of brands selling products online and in stores, including vapes, chocolates, and supplements.
It is important to note that Amanita muscaria is a toxic mushroom that can cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. While fatal poisonings are rare, high doses can lead to intense hallucinations, temporary insanity, comas, and even death. Therefore, mycologists discourage anyone other than experts from consuming these mushrooms, and caution should be exercised regarding their legal status.
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Frequently asked questions
Amanita is a genus of about 600 species of agarics, including some of the most toxic mushrooms worldwide, as well as some edible species. The Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap.
The Amanita mushroom contains psychoactive compounds like muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine. It can cause hallucinations, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, and seizures. It has been used as an entheogen by indigenous peoples of Siberia and in pre-Christian rituals in northern Europe and Asia.
No, Amanita mushrooms are highly poisonous and can cause severe intoxication and even death in rare cases. They are considered a deliriant rather than a psychedelic because they act on different receptors than psilocybin or psilocin. The FDA has not approved Amanita muscaria for human consumption, but it is federally legal in the US except in Louisiana.
