Michael Davis
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of a group of higher fungi that have evolved contemporaneously with plants for millions of years. Hundreds of mushrooms contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Some of the most common mushroom toxins include amatoxin, orellanine, and psilocybin. Amatoxin is the most common toxin that causes severe poisoning and is found in various mushroom species that cause the most fatalities every year. Orellanine is a toxin that causes kidney failure and death if left untreated. Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance found in certain types of mushrooms, commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms'. While mushroom poisoning is usually the result of misidentifying a toxic mushroom as an edible species, the consequences can be severe and, in some cases, deadly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ingestions annually in the United States | 6000 |
| Percentage of ingestions by children under six years | Over 50% |
| Toxins | Amatoxin, Orellanine, Arabitol, Psilocybin, Muscimol, α-Amanitin, Cholinergic |
| Mushroom types | Amanita, Death Cap, Funeral Bell, Deadly Dapperling, Scaly Chanterelle, Alice in Wonderland, Arabitol, Magic Mushrooms, Chlorophyllum molybdites, Green Gill, Pepper Bolete, Horse Mushroom, Clitocybe acromelaga, Clitocybe amoenolens, Deadly Webcap, Fool's Webcap, Autumn Skullcap, Destroying Angel, Fool's Mushroom, Death Cap, Destroying Angel |
| Poisoning symptoms | Loss of muscular coordination, sweating, chills, visual distortions, delusions, euphoria, abdominal cramping, salivation, lacrimation, bronchospasm, bronchorrhea, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, liver failure, kidney failure, delirium, convulsions, hallucinations, anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, vertigo, palpitations, dysrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, methemoglobinemia, hemolysis, erythromelalgia, dermatitis, cramping |
| Preventative measures | Familiarize with the mushrooms and their toxic counterparts, boiling, cooking, freezing, or processing |
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What You'll Learn
- Poisonous mushrooms can cause hallucinations, seizures, and even death
- Amatoxin is the most common toxin causing severe mushroom poisoning
- Mushrooms can be mistaken for their edible counterparts, leading to poisoning
- Toxins in mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal issues, liver and kidney failure
- Some mushrooms are abused for recreational purposes, causing unpredictable behaviour
Poisonous mushrooms can cause hallucinations, seizures, and even death
Poisonous mushrooms can cause a variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, liver failure, kidney damage, and in some cases, even death. However, the specific symptoms depend on the species of mushroom and the type of toxin ingested. Some toxins can cause hallucinations, seizures, and other neurological effects, while others can lead to more general systemic effects such as loss of muscular coordination, sweating, and chills.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms, such as those containing psilocybin, can induce sensory distortions, euphoria, and hallucinations. While these mushrooms are not typically associated with fatalities, they can lead to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. In rare cases, they may also cause protracted psychosis and suicidal ideation. It is worth noting that the effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms can be unpredictable, and they may cause dangerous behaviour that leads to injuries. Additionally, dried hallucinogenic mushrooms may contain other substances that affect their safety profile.
Some of the most toxic mushrooms belong to the Amanita genus, commonly known as "death caps". These mushrooms contain amatoxins, which block DNA replication and lead to cell death, particularly in frequently replicating cells such as those in the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. Amatoxin poisoning can be treated if quick professional care is sought, but it often results in liver failure and death. Other highly toxic mushrooms include the funeral bell and the deadly dapperling, which also produce amanitin.
Mushroom poisoning often occurs due to the misidentification of toxic mushrooms as edible species, especially when they have similar colours and morphologies. For example, foragers looking for morels may mistakenly consume Gyromitra, which can cause seizures due to the presence of the toxin gyromitrin. It is important for mushroom gatherers to familiarise themselves with both edible and toxic mushroom species to prevent accidental poisoning. Additionally, proper preparation methods for cooking wild mushrooms are crucial, as some toxins, such as amatoxins, are thermostable and cannot be neutralised by cooking.
The effects of mushroom poisoning can vary widely, and some toxins may not produce symptoms for several days. For example, orellanine, a toxin found in certain Cortinarius species, typically causes no symptoms for 3-20 days after ingestion, with kidney failure becoming symptomatic around day 11. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention and identify the ingested mushroom species promptly to ensure appropriate treatment.
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Amatoxin is the most common toxin causing severe mushroom poisoning
Mushrooms are dangerous because they contain toxins that can cause poisoning in humans. While most mushroom poisoning incidents result in mild gastrointestinal upset, severe poisonings can occur and can be life-threatening. Amatoxin is the most common toxin causing severe mushroom poisoning.
Amatoxin is a subgroup of at least nine cyclic peptide toxins found in three genera of deadly poisonous mushrooms: Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota. It is a rare but significant cause of acute liver failure, with amatoxin-containing mushrooms accounting for 95% of deaths from mushroom ingestion worldwide. Amatoxins interfere with protein synthesis by inhibiting RNA polymerase II, a vital enzyme in the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA). Without mRNA, cell metabolism stops, leading to cell death. This can affect cells in the liver, heart, and kidneys, resulting in fatal outcomes.
The symptoms of Amatoxin mushroom toxicity include nausea, stomach cramps, heavy watery diarrhea, dehydration, increased liver enzymes and bilirubin, blood clotting disorders, and hepatic encephalopathy, which is a decline in brain function due to severe liver disease. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount consumed, with children absorbing higher doses of the toxin compared to adults and experiencing higher morbidity and mortality.
The treatment for Amatoxin mushroom toxicity involves supportive care, including the administration of intravenous fluids to correct fluid imbalances and electrolyte and blood sugar imbalances. Activated charcoal is also used to trap the poison and reduce damage, and medications such as penicillin and silymarin may be given to limit liver damage. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary, and dialysis may be required if kidney failure occurs.
To prevent Amatoxin mushroom poisoning, it is important to properly identify mushrooms before consumption and be aware of the toxic species, especially those resembling edible mushrooms, such as the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), which is often mistaken for the paddy straw mushroom. Additionally, certain specialty laboratories can measure serum concentrations of amatoxin in the blood to aid in diagnosis, and monoclonal antibody-based lateral flow immunoassays have been developed to quickly detect amatoxins.
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Mushrooms can be mistaken for their edible counterparts, leading to poisoning
Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are ingested, often due to their resemblance to edible varieties. This misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, as foragers may unknowingly consume poisonous mushrooms that share similarities in colour and morphology with safe, edible species.
One example of this is the death cap mushroom, which closely resembles edible straw and Caesar mushrooms. This mushroom is highly toxic, and ingestion can lead to violent abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea, causing a rapid loss of fluids and intense thirst. Other severe symptoms include liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage, which can lead to coma and death.
Another instance of toxic mushrooms being mistaken for edible ones is the case of English author Nicholas Evans, who mistakenly served the deadly webcap mushroom to his relatives. This mushroom contains the poison orellanin, which initially causes flu-like symptoms but can lead to kidney failure and death if left untreated. Four of Evans' relatives required kidney transplants as a result of ingesting these mushrooms.
In addition to the death cap and webcap mushrooms, there are other toxic mushrooms that closely resemble edible varieties. For instance, the destroying angel mushrooms, which are several species of all-white mushrooms in the Amanita genus, can be easily confused with edible button and meadow mushrooms. Amanita bisporigera, a species within the destroying angel group, is considered the most toxic mushroom in North America. Symptoms of ingesting this mushroom include vomiting, delirium, convulsions, diarrhoea, liver and kidney failure, and often death.
Furthermore, the autumn skullcap mushroom, while not always mistaken for an edible variety, has been consumed by those seeking hallucinogenic mushrooms. This mushroom is poisonous and can be deadly if eaten.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial for mushroom foragers to educate themselves about the mushrooms they intend to collect, as well as any similar-looking toxic species. Additionally, some toxins are heat-stable, so cooking methods may not always eliminate the danger.
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Toxins in mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal issues, liver and kidney failure
Mushroom poisoning occurs when someone ingests mushrooms that contain toxins. The most common consequence of mushroom poisoning is gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, some mushrooms contain toxins that can cause severe and deadly effects, including liver and kidney failure.
Amatoxin is the most common toxin that causes severe poisoning and is found in various mushroom species, including Amanita, also known as the "death cap." Amatoxin blocks the replication of DNA, leading to cell death, particularly in cells that replicate frequently, such as those in the kidneys and liver. This can result in liver failure and, eventually, central nervous system damage. Other mushrooms that contain amatoxins include Galerina and Lepiota species. Amatoxins are responsible for more than 95% of mushroom-related fatalities in the United States.
Orellanine is another toxin found in some mushroom species, including Cortinarius. Orellanine has a long latency period, sometimes taking up to 3 weeks to cause symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis. The toxin causes kidney failure and can be deadly if left untreated.
In addition to these specific toxins, some mushrooms can cause cholinergic toxicity due to their muscarine content. Species containing muscarine include Clitocybe and Inocybe. While Amanita muscaria contains small amounts of muscarine, the levels are typically not sufficient to cause cholinergic symptoms. However, cholinergic effects such as abdominal cramping, sweating, increased salivation and tears, bronchospasm, and slow heart rate can occur within 30 minutes of ingestion.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before ingestion. Many toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible species in terms of colour and morphology, leading to accidental poisoning. Familiarizing oneself with both edible and toxic mushroom species is essential for safe mushroom foraging. Additionally, some toxins are heat-stable, meaning boiling, cooking, or processing may not eliminate their toxicity.
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Some mushrooms are abused for recreational purposes, causing unpredictable behaviour
While most mushroom poisonings are a result of misidentification, some mushrooms are intentionally consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. These mushrooms are often referred to as "magic mushrooms" and contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical. The effects of psilocybin vary widely, ranging from euphoria to disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, and panic. Some people may experience changes in sensory perception and thought patterns that last longer than the typical 4 to 12 hours.
Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance, meaning that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes it has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.8 million Americans ages 12 and older used hallucinogens, including psilocybin, in 2023, with adults ages 18 to 25 being the most frequent users.
The only way to eliminate the risk of adverse effects from psilocybin is by not consuming it. However, some people choose to abuse these mushrooms for recreational purposes, which can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour. For example, people may experience delusions or a feeling of strength, which could result in injuries. Additionally, dried magic mushrooms may contain other substances, further affecting their safety profile.
It is important to note that mushrooms containing psilocybin can be easily mistaken for other poisonous mushrooms, which can result in poisoning. Therefore, consuming any type of wild mushroom comes with inherent risks and can have serious health consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are dangerous because they contain toxins that can cause poisoning, sometimes leading to death. There are many different species of mushrooms, and they produce different toxins that can cause various types of harm. Poisoning occurs when nontoxic mushrooms are mistaken for toxic ones, which look very similar.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary depending on the species of mushroom and the toxin ingested. Some common symptoms include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include headaches, vertigo, palpitations, seizures, and in severe cases, liver and kidney failure, or central nervous system damage.
No, not all mushrooms are dangerous. However, it is important to identify toxic mushrooms to avoid accidental poisoning. Some mushrooms are also consumed for recreational purposes due to their hallucinogenic effects, such as "magic mushrooms," which contain the substance psilocybin.
