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Mushroom Toxins and Their Symptoms
It seemed like almost every year, when I lived in California, since I became interested in mushrooms, somebody would inevitably die from mushroom poisoning. The reason for this is not because every other species of mushroom is poisonous nor that mushrooms are that difficult to identify. As I said above, relatively few mushrooms are poisonous and of those that are, only a handful will be fatal if consumed. We will go over, in detail, the different types of toxins that are known to occur in mushrooms. These toxins are summarized in the table below, with specific examples of the toxins and some fungi that are known to have these toxins.
Mushroom Toxins, Symptoms and Where They May Occur Toxin Groups Symptoms Fungi
I. Cyclopeptides, e.g., Amanitoxins Violent vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, approximately 12 hours after consumption, which last for days. Remission of symptoms, followed by failure of kidney and liver function, coma and usually death. Species of Amanita in Section: Phalloideae, e.g. A. phalloides, A. verna, A. virosa, Galerina autumnalis, G. marginata and Conocybe filaris
II. Gyromitrin, e.g., Monomethylhydrazine (MMH) Bloated feeling, typically 6-8 hours after consumption of mushroom, followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Victim often experience faintness, loss of muscular control, and fever. In more severe cases, death may occur. Species of Gyromitra, e.g., G. esculenta, G. infula, and species of Helvella and Paxina
III. Orellaine Intense thirst, accompanied by burning and dryness of mouth. Headache, chills, loin or abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Renal damage occurs after a lag period of 3-15 days Some species of Cortinarius, e.g., C. orellanus, C. speciosissimus, C. splendens
IV. Muscarine “PSL” Syndrome (perspiration, salivation, lachrymation) and constriction of pupils, blurred vision, muscle spasms, diarrhea, slow heartbeat and a drop in blood pressure. "Little white or brown mushrooms" that grow in grassy areas. Two common genera are Clitocybe and Inocybe.
V. Ibotenic Acid, Muscimol Muscle spasms and dizziness. Vomiting may also occur if too many mushrooms have been consumed. This is followed by a deep sleep full of fantastic dreams, lasting about two hours Species of Amanita, e.g. A. cokeri, A. gemmata, A. muscaria and A. pantherina and Panaeolus campanulatus.
VI. Coprine (Anabuse-like Reaction) Hot flushes of the face and neck, metallic taste in mouth, tingling sensation in limbs, numbness in hands, palpitations, a throbbing headache, nausea and vomiting. Although unpleasant, consumption of mushroom is not fatal. A rather unique toxin in that symptoms occur only if mushroom is consumed with a drink containing alcohol. Symptoms begin approximately 30-60 minutes after consumption and will continue as long as there is alcohol in the system. Known only from Coprinus atramentarius.
VII. Psilocybin and Psilocin Variable, affecting the senses. Some of the common symptoms include uncontrollable laughter, hallucinations, euphoria and disembodied experience. Species from four agaric genera, Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Conocybe and Gymnopilus.
VIII. Gastrointestinal irritant, composed of a number of unrelated compounds, which produce similar effects Digestive upset within 30-90 minutes of consuming mushroom. Commonest symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, with abdominal cramps. Symptoms clear up within 3-4 hours and complete recovery a day or so later. Many species involved; Agaricus, Amanita, Boletus, Chlorophyllum, Entoloma, Hebeloma, Lactarius, Marasmius, Naematoloma, Russula, Scleroderma, Tricholoma and many others.
You may noticed that there is are a number of redundant symptoms, i.e. vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Thus, these symptoms are not that useful, but do provide an indicator that some sort of poisoning has occurred.
Group I. Phallotoxins and amatoxins: This group of toxins is responsible for most fatalities in mushroom poisonings. Fortunately, they occurs in only a few taxa. The most common known species having these toxins belong in genus Amanita, in the section Phalloideae, and in the genus Galerina. However, it is estimated that 98% of mushroom fatalities is due to consumption of only one species, Amanita phalloides (The Death Cap). Although the latter species does not occur in Hawai‘i, we do have a common species, Amanita marmorata, which belongs in the same section of the genus. Thus, it is likely to contain these toxin. This species can be found growing nearby trees in the Casuarina (Iron Wood), Eucalyptus and Melaleuca (Paper Bark).
The toxins involved are complex polypeptides. It was once believed that both the phallotoxins and amatoxins contributed in poisoning the consumer, but apparently only the latter is responsible. When a phallotoxin are directly injected into mice, they are up to ten times more lethal than cyanide. However, when taken orally, phallotoxins have no effect. Thus, it is only the amatoxins, which is lethal.
When A. phalloides is first ingested, victims describe the taste as mild to quite good, which is probably why large amounts of it is normally consumed. The amatoxin rapidly attacks the intestine, liver and kidney. However, any discomfort from this group of toxins is not immediate. It may be as long as 24 hours before any symptoms occur. This in itself makes treatment of the toxins difficult since the victim often will not connect the sudden illness with the consumption of mushrooms even if they should seek medical help. During this period of time the toxins are already acting upon the cells of the liver, kidney and intestine. The victim will experience diarrhea, profuse vomiting and abdominal pains, which usually last from four to six days. These symptoms will then subside and the the victim will feel better and will often believe that whatever caused the illness has passed. However, this is misleading. Because by this time, the amatoxins will have caused collapse of kidney and liver function. The victim will then eventually go into a coma and death usually follows. Even when death does not occur, the illness lasts several weeks and permanent damage to the liver and kidney is likely.
At this time, there is still not an accepted method by which amatoxin poisoning can be treated once it has been in the victim's system for more than several hours. By the time the symptoms manifest themselves and the victim seeks medical help, massive damage to the kidney and liver has already been done. Thus, if an unknown mushroom has been consumed, it is best to arrive at a correct identification of that mushroom, immediately. Fortunately, amatoxin poisoning is rare in the United States, but because it is rare, many doctors do not connect these symptoms with mushroom poisoning unless their patients mention it first, and often are not experienced in the identification of mushrooms or the effects of their toxins (and this is no discredit to them). Normally, a mycologist is consulted for the identification of the mushroom. If a species containing amatoxins is identified rapidly (within an hour or two after consumption), before it can cause any damage, vomiting is induced in the patient to empty the stomach followed by washing out the stomach.
Group II. Gyromitrin: For many year helvellic acid was assumed to be the cause of blood poisoning. However, we now know that the helvellic acid is harmless. Instead a toxin called monomethylhydrazine (MMH), a product produced from hydrolyzed Gyromitrin, is responsible. MMH is used as rocket fuel and is known to be extremely toxic. The toxin is named for the genus Gyromitra from which it was first isolated. Species of Helvella and Paxina are also known to have this toxin. These genera are not known to occur in Hawai‘i.
This Symptoms of this toxin usually appear approximately 2-12 hours after consumption. MMH causes an initial bloated feelings, followed by nausea, and the usual vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Severe headaches and pain may also occur and linger for some time. In extreme cases, jaundice and convulsion may occur, followed by coma and eventually death after 2-7 days. It is estimated that Gyromitra esculenta is responsible for 2-4% of reported mushroom fatalities. There are, however, reports that some consumers of this species have been unaffected, but but tolerance of individuals, amount of MMH present in fungus and method of cooking may combine to cause widely varying toxic reactions.
The actions of this toxin is somewhat similar to the cyclopeptides in Group I in that it takes affect at the cellular level and causes liver damage. In addition, it is hemolytic and toxic to the central nervous system and irritates the gastro-intestinal tract. Pryridoxine hydrochloride is administered for poisoning by this toxin.
Group III. Orellanin:Consumption of mushrooms containing this toxin has the longest delayed reaction before the appearance of symptoms. In cases where poisoning was severe and culminated in the death of the victim, symptoms were not reported until 3-4 days after mushroom consumption. In milder cases, symptoms sometimes did not appear until 10-17 days after eating the mushroom. Symptoms due to this toxin include intense thirst, accompanied by burning and dryness of the mouth. This is followed by headaches, chills, loin or abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Poisoning from this toxin has so far been restricted to Europe where the species of mushrooms containing orellanin occurs.
Group IV. Coprine (Antabuse-like): Coprinus atramentarius is the only species known to contain this toxin. This species does not occur in Hawai‘i. The effects of this toxin is unusual in that the physical symptoms occur only if the mushroom is consumed with alcohol (ethanol). The consumption of the mushroom, alone, is not toxic. Following consumption of both the mushroom and alcohol, symptoms will begin to occur in approximately 30-60 minutes, and may occur at any time up to five days after consumption of the mushroom.
Symtoms include hot flushes of the face and neck, a metallic taste in the mouth, tingling sensations in the limbs, numbness in the hands, palpitations, a throbbing headache, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms will continue as long as there is any alcohol in the victim's stomach. With the exception of treatment to control arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), recovery is normally spontaneous once the body is rid of the alcohol. This toxin is said to be antabuse-like because antabuse (disulfiram), is prescribed to discourage alcoholics from drinking alcoholic beverages and has symptoms almost identical to coprine.
Group V. Muscarine: Mushrooms containing this toxin are very nondescript and are often referred to as little white or brown mushrooms. Normally, they are found in grassy areas and belong to two common genera, Clitocybe and Inocybe. Both genera are rare in Hawai‘i. Thus, the occurrence of poisoning from these mushrooms is unlikely.
Symptoms begin approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption of toxin. The toxin stimulates the exocrine glands where sweat, saliva and tears are produced and causes what is referred to as PSL (Perspiration, Salivation, Lachrymation) syndrome. Other symptoms include constriction of pupils, blurred vision, muscle spasms, diarrhea, slow heart-beat and a drop in blood pressure. Although rare, death has been known to occur when the victim's heart stops. However, when this has occurred, the victim usually has had a history of cardiovascular disease. The accepted treatment is intravenous injection of atropine.
Group VI. Muscimol, ibotenic acid, pantherin, tricholomic acid, and related compounds: This group of toxins acts on the central nervous system causing the victims to suffer from hallucinations. The most well known species of mushroom, having toxins in this group is Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric). Although neither the scientific nor common name is familiar to the layperson, this species, with its scarlet pileus that is covered with yellowish-white spots, is the model for mushrooms used in many children's books and greeting cards. This species forms mycorrhizae with pine trees and is common in temperate areas of the world. However, it is recorded from Hawai‘i, on the island of Kaua‘i. This mushroom has been known for over 3,000 years and has been used in India and Siberia as a recreational or religious intoxicant.
Symptoms of this toxin include muscle spasms, dizziness, vomiting, followed by a deep sleep with vivid dreams, usually lasting about 2 hours. After waking, the victim often becomes hyperactive, making compulsive and uncoordinated movements, perhaps talking nonstop and have an altered perception of reality. These symptoms are caused by the toxins' effect on the central nervous system. When large amounts of A. muscaria is ingested, it often results in severe illness but even then the victim usually recover.
Group VII. Psilocybin and psilocin: This group of toxins is perhaps the most well known. They are in the LSD family of hallucinogenic compounds. As in the previous group, they have a strong hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system, producing visions and smothering sensations, optical distortions; and some victims have reported experiencing religious or mystical experiences. However, “bad trips” may also occur causing the victim to become anxious to paranoid, and may require considerable reassurance or, more rarely, even tranquilizers. The effects are normally about 4-5 hours, followed by sleep. The quantity ingested, physiological condition, personality and mood of the subject are all apparently involved in the effect. Since as little as 5 mg. of Psilocybe cubensis can cause visual hallucinations in 15 minutes, it is obvious that the ingestion of large quantities of some mushrooms in this group can be fatal or cause severe toxic effects. Perhaps the most important factor is the presence of other toxic compounds in addition to the hallucinogenic agent in a given species. Hallucinations may be suppressed by chlorpromazine, and convulsions by diazepam.
Toxins are found in four common genera of mushrooms: Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Conocybe and Gymnopilus. Species of Psilocybe have been used by Native Americans in Mexico for religious ceremonies.
Group VIII. Gastrointestinal Irritants: This is a group of unrelated toxins. However, they all cause similar symptoms when consumed. Symptoms from the mushroom begin 30-90 minutes following consumption. All cause varying degrees of digestive upset. Commonest symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Normally, symptoms clear up in 3-4 hours and complete recovery several days later. Some cases of fatality have been recorded, but these are usually cases in which large quantities of mushrooms have been consumed or if the victims were young children. There are a number of fungi in Hawai‘i that have these toxins. They include Agaricus, Chlorophyllum, Marasmius, Naematoloma, Foliate, Scleroderma and probably many others. Because we have not identified the toxins that cause these symptoms, treatment has been restricted to emptying the stomach.
Summary of Toxins
The seven group of toxins can be divided into four categories according to the matter in which they affect the consumer:
Toxins belong to Groups I, II, and III. Toxins that cause extensive cellular damage, followed by physical symptoms, which appear only after cellular damage has occurred and is often no longer treatable.
Toxins belong to Groups IV and V. Toxins affect the autonomic system, with symptoms appearing shortly after consumption or when the appropriate substrate enters the system.
Toxins belonging to Groups VI and VII. Toxins affecting the central nervous system and causing hallucination. Symptoms appear shortly after consumption.
Toxins belonging to Group VIII. The unidentified toxins, which cause gastrointestinal discomfort as soon as they are consumed.
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The proof is in the pudding.
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whiterastahippie 
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! i was supposed to go with a friend, but he got drunk 
. well me, being a hardheaded, never stopping capricorn, i went by myself. i figured if i went with four or five bags and picked everything i found, then i could identify them later. well, i got out there, and found shrooms! i felt so pleased with myself 
!
so i think to myself, "if they didn't make me trip, they must be something else right? what are they?" so i look up poisonous shrooms and find out that the amanita virosa, or death angel, looks alot like what i got too. shit! 
"I"M GONNA DIE!" i was scared lemme tell you, it was way to late to go to the hospital, all i could do was wait and see if i started throwing up eventually. i didn't, so work time rolls around (i only work for two or three hours at a time) so i go to work, i go out to eat, eat a huge meal...still waiting to throw up or something....but i feel fine! so finally, later i'm sitting at home with my girl and some friends, and the ten hour mark rolls around...which is when i should start puking my guts out from the amanita right? wrong! i take a hit off the bong and exhale...and...the smoke looks fuuunnyy...i felt...not high at all.... 
i felt wierd. i didn't know what was going on. was i going to die? i mean, i ate the shrooms ten hours ago! ten! okay, so was the weed laced? i asked. no, because nobody else was trippin'! do i have a low tolerance for weed? no, i don't get high off of anything but bong hits with hydro....my tolerance is horrible, i need to back off some. but i can't be trippin'! ten hours??? i have never heard of that before!
just kidding... ive never heard of anything lik it 
Fd3000
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