Michael Davis
Poisonous mushrooms are fungi that contain toxic substances, and consuming them can lead to poisoning. While many mushroom poisonings result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort, some mushrooms contain toxins that can cause organ failure and even death. The majority of fatal poisonings are caused by the Amanita phalloides mushroom, also known as the death cap. Other poisonous mushrooms include the webcap, destroying angel, and autumn skullcap. Mushroom poisoning is often the result of misidentifying a toxic mushroom as an edible species, as some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties. To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consumption and seek expert advice if unsure.
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What You'll Learn
The Death Cap is the most deadly mushroom
Of the approximately 100,000 known fungi species found worldwide, about 100 of them are poisonous to humans. However, only a few of the 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms are actually fatal when ingested. One of these deadly mushrooms is the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), which is considered the deadliest mushroom in the world.
The Death Cap is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom, one of many in the genus Amanita. It is similar to the edible paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) and A. princeps, commonly known as "white Caesar". The Death Cap is found throughout Europe and closely resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. The large fruiting bodies (mushrooms) appear in summer and autumn; the caps are generally greenish in colour with a white stipe and gills. The cap colour is variable, including white forms, and is thus not a reliable identifier.
The principal toxic constituent of the Death Cap is α-Amanitin, which causes liver and kidney failure. Its heat-stable amatoxins withstand cooking temperatures and quickly damage cells throughout the body. Within 6 to 12 hours after consumption, violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea appear, causing rapid loss of fluid from the tissues and intense thirst. Signs of severe involvement of the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system soon follow, including a decrease in urinary output and a lowering of blood sugar. This condition leads to coma and death in more than 50% of incidents. It is estimated that as little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human.
The Death Cap has been involved in the majority of human deaths from mushroom poisoning, possibly including Roman Emperor Claudius in 54 AD and Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI in 1740. It has also been the subject of much research, and many of its biologically active agents have been isolated.
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Amanita phalloides is the scientific name for Death Cap
Amanita phalloides is the scientific name for the Death Cap mushroom. It is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom, one of many in the genus Amanita. It is considered the most poisonous of all known mushrooms and is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related fatalities every year.
The Death Cap is found throughout Europe and has spread to other parts of the world since the late twentieth century. It is often found in mixed deciduous woods, particularly under oak and beech trees. The large fruiting bodies (mushrooms) appear in summer and autumn, and the caps are generally greenish in colour with a white stipe and gills. However, the cap colour can vary, including white forms, so it is not a reliable identifier.
The Death Cap resembles several edible mushroom species commonly consumed by humans, including Caesar's mushroom and the straw mushroom. This increases the risk of accidental poisoning, as people may mistake it for an edible variety. It is also similar to the paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) and A. princeps, commonly known as "white Caesar".
The principal toxic constituent of the Death Cap is α-Amanitin, a bicyclic peptide called an amatoxin. This toxin causes liver and kidney failure by inhibiting RNA polymerase II, a vital enzyme in the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA). The liver is the principal organ affected, as it is the first organ encountered after absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms of Death Cap poisoning typically appear 6 to 12 hours after ingestion, with violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea. This leads to rapid fluid loss and intense thirst. Signs of severe involvement of the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system soon follow, and death occurs in more than 50% of cases. Early treatment is essential to prevent liver damage and increase the chances of survival.
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Mushroom poisoning symptoms and treatment
Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of different toxins that vary in toxicity. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can range from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to death in about 10 days. The most common consequence of mushroom poisoning is gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
The period between ingestion and the onset of symptoms varies dramatically between different toxins. Some toxic mushrooms can cause symptoms within 20 minutes to 4 hours of ingestion, while others may not cause symptoms until days or weeks later. For example, the poison orellanin found in webcap mushrooms can take 2 days to 3 weeks to cause symptoms, which often leads to a misdiagnosis. Amatoxins, found in death cap mushrooms, can cause symptoms within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion, including violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Without prompt and knowledgeable medical treatment, the fatality rate for Amatoxin poisoning is about 50%. Other early symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include headache, dizziness, sweating, and drowsiness.
If left untreated, mushroom poisoning can lead to organ failure, including liver and kidney damage, and even death. In cases of severe poisoning, hospitalization may be required, and treatment is usually guided by symptoms. Supportive treatments may include attempts to eliminate the irritants and replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Activated charcoal may be useful to limit absorption, and IV fluid treatment can slowly flush the toxins from the system. In cases of liver failure, liver transplantation may be required, although other specific treatments such as N-acetylcysteine, high-dose penicillin, silibinin, and IV lipid emulsion have not shown consistently positive results.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is important to only consume mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer. Mushroom gatherers should familiarize themselves with the mushrooms they intend to collect and any similar-looking toxic species. Some rules of thumb for avoiding toxic mushrooms include avoiding mushrooms with red on the cap or stem and avoiding any mushrooms that smell chemically or like iodine or Indian ink.
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How to identify poisonous mushrooms
It is challenging to identify poisonous mushrooms, and even experts can struggle. There are between 50 and 100 species of mushrooms that are toxic to humans, and many of them look similar to edible mushrooms. It is important to be able to name the fungus and be 100% sure of what it is before consuming it. Here are some tips for identifying poisonous mushrooms:
Learn about the mushrooms in your area
The types of mushrooms that grow in an area depend on the location. For example, the Alabama Mushroom Society has 18 common edible mushroom species listed on its website. It is important to learn about the wild mushrooms that grow in your region before attempting to eat any. There are field guides available for different geographic areas that can be helpful.
Identify the mushroom family
Learning about the different mushroom families can help with identification. For example, the Agaric family has both edible and toxic members. Edible Agarics have pink to brown/black gills, a white cap, and usually a stout stem with a skirt. If you bruise the cap and it stains bright chrome yellow, it is probably poisonous; if it stains pale yellow, pink, or red, it is likely edible. However, there is a further test to establish toxicity: smell. Edible Agarics smell pleasant, whereas toxic Agarics smell chemically, like Indian ink or iodine.
Another family is the Bolete family, which includes Boletus, Suillus, and Leccinum. These mushrooms do not have gills but sponge-like pores and generally stout stems. To determine toxicity, check for any red on the mushroom, including the cap, stem, or pores. If there is any red, treat the mushroom as poisonous. Another test is to cut the mushroom in half vertically; if the flesh stains blue, it is poisonous.
Identify key features
Some mushrooms have key features that help distinguish them from similar-looking poisonous mushrooms. For example, Chanterelles have "folds" rather than gills on the underside of their caps, whereas the poisonous Jack O'Lantern mushroom has gills. The folds of a Chanterelle look like wrinkles, and they run along the stem of the mushroom, ending unevenly at various points. In contrast, the gills of the Jack O'Lantern end abruptly at the same spot along the stem. The Jack O'Lantern mushroom is also bioluminescent, glowing a soft greenish light at night.
Another example is the True Morel, which has a pitted cap and a smooth hollow stem. Its poisonous look-alike, the False Morel, has a wavy and crumpled cap and a nearly solid stem.
Avoid mushrooms with certain characteristics
Some general rules for avoiding poisonous mushrooms include:
- Avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva.
- Avoid mushrooms with red on the cap, stem, or pores, and those that stain blue when cut.
- Avoid mushrooms that smell chemically, like Indian ink or iodine.
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Toxic mushrooms resemble edible mushrooms
While only a few of the 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms are fatal when ingested, many of these toxic fungi bear a striking resemblance to edible mushrooms, making them extremely dangerous. The similarity in terms of colour and general morphology between toxic and edible mushrooms often leads to misidentification, which is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning.
One of the most well-known toxic mushrooms is the death cap (Amanita phalloides), which is considered the deadliest mushroom in the world and is often mistaken for edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms. Death caps contain amatoxins, which are heat-stable and cause severe symptoms, including violent abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and rapid loss of fluids, eventually leading to organ failure and death.
Another toxic mushroom, the Conocybe filaris, is a common lawn mushroom in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It resembles edible mushrooms and causes lethal organ failure if ingested. Similarly, the Autumn Skullcap (Galerina marginata), found in the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Australia, has been mistaken for hallucinogenic Psilocybe mushrooms due to their similar appearance, resulting in poisonings and even deaths.
To avoid misidentification, it is crucial to learn about the different families of fungi and their distinctive characteristics. For example, the Agaric family includes both edible and toxic members, with the toxic ones often smelling like Indian ink, iodine, or chemicals. Boletes, on the other hand, are generally identified by their sponge-like pores and stout stems, and any red colouring or rapid staining of blue indicates toxicity.
Additionally, the Milkcaps, or Lactarius family, typically exude a milky substance from their gills, which can be extremely acrid or hot. Most Milkcaps are toxic, so it is advisable to avoid any fungi that 'lactate' until you can confidently recognise the individual members of this family.
Proper identification of wild mushrooms is of utmost importance to avoid severe consequences. Inexperienced foragers should always seek guidance from an expert mycologist when searching for mushrooms in the wild.
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Frequently asked questions
Poisonous mushrooms are a type of fungus that contains toxic substances. There are about 100 known species out of the 100,000 known fungi species.
Symptoms can vary from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to organ failure and death. They may appear within 6-12 hours or take days to manifest.
It is difficult to identify poisonous mushrooms by sight alone. Some general rules to follow are to avoid mushrooms with red on the cap or stem, and to avoid any with a bulbous structure called a volva. If you are unsure, do not consume it.
Do not wait for symptoms to occur. Seek immediate medical attention and contact a poison control centre. Provide a description of the mushroom, including colour, texture, cap appearance, and any symptoms you are experiencing.
