5 RISKS OF POISONOUS MUSHROOMS FOR HUMANS - NUTRITION - 2024

The main risks of poisonous mushrooms for humans range from hallucinogenic effects to, in extreme cases, death. They can cause damage to the stomach, liver, or heart.

The medical name for this type of poisoning is mycetism. It is recommended not to collect them for your own consumption if you are not an expert in the field, since the effects can be dangerous to health.

The cause of the toxicity of these fungi are some of its components that negatively affect the human body. In the vast majority of cases, cooking mushrooms does not lower the risk of poisoning.

Among the most well-known poisonous mushrooms, several types of Amanitas stand out, the Leucocoprinus or the Entoloma Sinuatum, also known as “deceptive mushroom”.

The 5 risks of poisonous mushrooms for humans

one-

They are the least dangerous effects that can be suffered from consuming poisonous mushrooms. They are produced by species such as Entoloma, Russula or some kind of Boletus, and the symptoms are usually quite mild.

This type of fungus can cause acute gastroenteritis, with diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. With proper treatment, it is easy to alleviate these symptoms and that they do not pose any problem beyond the discomfort of this type of condition.

2- Damage to the liver

The fungus that is considered the main responsible for liver damage is Amanita, more specifically Amanita Phalloides.

In fact, it is estimated that almost 90% of the poisonings produced by the consumption of mushrooms is due to this species. Poisoning is caused by two compounds called phalotoxin and amatoxin.

The damage that this type of fungus can cause to the liver ranges from mild alterations to death, in cases of acute liver failure.

There have been cases in which a liver transplant or the need to undergo dialysis for life has been necessary. In these cases, the mortality rate ranges between 5 and 10%.

3-

There are several species that present risks to the kidney, with the danger of even leading to death.

Not all fungi that produce these effects are strictly poisonous. Some are edible, such as bluebells (Morchellas), but if they are not cooked enough they can cause very dangerous kidney failure.

Other more dangerous fungi are still those of the genus Cortinarius. These do not have symptoms that affect the stomach, but they do cause increased urination, thirst and kidney failure, which can lead to death or the urgent need for a transplant.

4- Coprinic syndrome

This syndrome is produced by the ingestion of Coprinus mushrooms, although for the symptoms to appear it is necessary that the consumer has also drunk alcohol.

The coprinin present in these fungi causes the body to not be able to metabolize alcohol, which causes an accumulation of alcohol in the body.

Although its symptoms are unpleasant and will undoubtedly make the sufferer have a hard time, they are not fatal and usually disappear in a few days. The patient will suffer from vomiting, sweating, tachycardia, and hypotension.

5- hallucinogenic and delusional effects

There are other types of fungi whose effects affect the brain more and the ability to distinguish reality. These mushrooms can be divided into two classes: delusional and hallucinogenic.

Delusional mushrooms

They are those that cause the so-called "mushroom binge" and their symptoms are usually neurological.

They produce aggressiveness, problems coordinating body movements and, in more severe cases, neurological depression that can lead to coma.

However, they usually do not go beyond causing a few hours of anguish.

Hallucinogenic mushrooms

On many occasions they are ingested voluntarily to cause these effects as a way of entertainment or seeking to alter the perception of reality. The problem comes when the symptoms they cause go further.

Sometimes they can cause seizures, mental confusion or, more serious, psychiatric conditions such as extreme panic, anxiety or mental disorders.

References

1. Rodriguez Morcuende, Jose Felipe. Main types of poisoning by consumption of mushrooms. Recovered from treaty.uninet.edu
2. J. Kletzmayr, G. Sunder-Plassmann, WH Horl, E. Pohanka. Magic, Mushrooms: hope for a cheap high resulting in an end-stage renal failure. (nineteen ninety six). Recovered from watermark.silverchair.com
3. Petruzzello, Melissa. 7 of the World's Most Poisonous Mushrooms. Retrieved from britannica.com
4. The North American Mycological Association. Mushroom Poisoning Syndromes. Retrieved from namyco.org
5. B Zane Horowitz. Mushroom Toxicity. (December 29, 2015). Retrieved from emedicine.medscape.com