Mushroom Poisoning: Toxins

Further findings of Amanita poisoning concluded the involvement of three classes of toxins called oligopeptides: amatoxins, a slow poison, as mentioned above with " a group of nine similar in structure to bicyclic octapeptides; phallotoxins, a quick poison, a group of six bicyclic hetapeptides; and virotoxins, a derivative of phallotoxins with the similar affects, five individual substances of monocyclic heptapeptides".

Some people involved in a poisoning event can experience anything from a upset stomach to becoming a fatality because of a certain toxin found in mushrooms that could have been avoided if they had followed a few safety guidelines. Here are some: "(1) Eat only one kind at a time so that if any difficulty should develop, the cause is known. (2) Eat only young or freshly matured specimens free from insect larvae and decay. The presence of worms should be suspected if there are pinholes in the flesh of the mushroom; often the worms themselves are all too obvious. (3) Cook the specimens well. The edibility ratings may not hold for raw specimens. (4) Eat only small amounts when testing a species for the first time. Do not overindulge under any circumstances. There is always a danger of indigestion from eating too much of any food. (5) Have all members of the family test each new kind for themselves. (6) The most important precaution, however, is to be critical when selecting specimens, making sure they are correctly identified".

People prefer edible mushrooms that they are familiar with to the unsafe varieties, which may have the same physical properties that could mislead consumers. "There are some mushrooms that are distinctive in appearance, difficult to confuse with poisonous species, and are relatively tasty". Thus, consumption of poisonous varieties is not uncommon, which can be fatal if not treated properly. Mushroom poisoning range in symptoms, from mild stomach upset to dizziness to death within hours after consumption. The time depending on the specie of mushroom. An array of mushroom poisoning is due largely to "gastrointestinal irritants". Consumption of these sorts will result in "nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea within 20 minutes to 40 minutes of ingestion". However, the most popular specie with its deadly poisonous reputation is the Amanitas.

"The fatality rate for Amanita poisoning is about 50%." Other reports have stated that Amanita related poisoning has increased to 90%. Others are the Orellanine, which is found in cortinarius orellanus, a web-veil fungus; with this, symptoms do not show up until its too late. Psilocybin, Psilocin, and Indole Derivatives are used as fantasy drugs all over the world, as well as in some religious ceremonies. We should also be aware of Amanita Smithiana and Paxillus Involutus, which were discovered recently because they are hard to find and show similar characteristics of other edible species. Coprine, a toxin found in Tippler's Bane, coprinus atramentarius, although edible, would not go well with alcohol. This particular mushroom has Antabase which is a chemical commonly used to help alcoholics quit drinking.

Sources:

Dr. Bidnychenko, Yuri

The Mushroom Hunter's Field Guide

Mushrooms of Northeast

NAMA