amanitins and Hallucinations

Much progress in the areas of identification of active components and elucidation of the toxic mechanisms for the principal poisonous mushrooms has been made in the past decade. This affords a more rational approach to therapeutic management which has consequently resulted in a decrease in the morbidity and mortality associated with these species. However, the effectiveness of a large number of adjuvants for Amanita phalloides poisoning still needs critical laboratory evaluation. The current status of knowledge concerning the toxic potential and contituents of many mushroom species, including the gastroenteric irritants, is inadequate. The problem of geographic variation or genetic strain in the concentration of toxins of many species also requires further investigation. The recent awareness and interest in the pharmacology and toxicology of uncultivated mushrooms in North America and Great Britain should encourage continued active research.

Topics: Amanitins; Animals; Basidiomycota; Disulfiram; Hallucinations; Humans; Irritants; Mushroom Poisoning; Parasympathetic Nervous System; Psilocybin

Four incidents of mushroom poisoning, representing four of the seven established groups of toxic mushrooms, are presented. These case reports illustrate the range of gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms caused by mushroom poisoning and reflect a nationwide increase in reports of serious poisonings in recent years. Severity of poisonings often parallels the time span between consumption and onset of symptoms, with serious poisonings having longer incubation periods. New therapies for amatoxin poisoning may reduce mortality caused by these poisonings.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Adult; Aged; Amanitins; Child; Diarrhea; Female; Hallucinations; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mushroom Poisoning; New York; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Thioctic Acid; Time Factors