This is not a mushroom you want to mess around with

Of central interest with respect to the chemical properties of mushrooms is the fact that many species produce  secondary metabolites that render them toxic, mind-altering, or even  bioluminescent. Though there are only a small number of deadly species, several have particularly severe and unpleasant symptoms. Toxicity likely plays a role in protecting the function of the basidiocarp: the mycelium has expended considerable energy and protoplasmic material to develop a structure to efficiently distribute its spores. One defense against consumption and premature destruction is the evolution of chemicals that render the mushroom inedible, either causing the consumer to vomit the meal or avoid consumption altogether.

Galerina autumnalis

Galerina autumnalis is a deadly poisonous mushroom. They are often found growing on wood, and when on the ground have a preference for mossy habitats. This group is most noted for toxic species which are occasionally confused with hallucinogenic species of Psilocybe.  Galerina autumnalis can be identified by its brown cap, with a relatively small fragile annulus (ring) on the stipe (stem). The lower part of the stipe is usually darker brown, sometimes with apparent floccules, or little tufts of hyphae. Above the annulus, the stipe is usually lighter tan in color and lacks ornamentation. The gills are about the same color as the top of the stipe and darken with age. The mushrooms are usually not very big, with the caps only about an inch or two in diameter and the stipes are usually less than 2 inches . The spore print is a rusty brown.

The toxin in Galerina is a relatively small protein of eight amino acids, a cyclopeptide called a-amanitin.  A-amanitin works by slowly attacking the enzyme RNA polymerase. Although RNA polymerase occurs in all body cells, the cells of the liver are particularly affected because the body tries to sequester toxins in the liver, and those cells are damaged the most. The a-amanitin ultimately affects the central nervous system and kidneys. Unlike many fungal toxins it does not cause symptoms right away. As long as 6-24 hours after ingestion there may be an early feeling of unease, followed by violent cramps and diarrhea. On the third day, there is a remission of symptoms, but this is a false remission. On the 4th to 5th day the enzymes increase, and liver and kidneys are severely affected. Death often follows if a liver transplant or other heroic measures are not performed. There is no cure for ingestion of the poison once it gets this far, but doctors are getting much better at treating the symptoms.

Amanitas Muscaria

Amanita muscaria, the highly visible and strikingly beautiful mushroom, also known as the Fly Agaric, is yellow to red in color and speckled with white. Amanita muscaria is probably humanity’s oldest entheogen. This is the mushroom almost always found in fairy tales with its big red cap and speckled appearance. Amanita muscaria is a mushroom found throughout the northern hemisphere. It has been found to be psychoactive by oral ingestion and inhalation, though it has been listed as a poison by the FDA because the Amanita family of mushrooms is responsible for about 90% of all mushroom-related deaths.  The infamous Death Cap is the biggest culprit.

The entheogen constituents of A. muscaria as well as properly made acetates and 10x extracts are ibotenic acid, muscamol, and possibly muscazone, at least according to Ott. Muscamol appears to be the primary intoxicant.  Effects typically appear within 30 minute to 2 hours after ingestion and last for several hours. Nausea and vomiting are quite common, but the principle effects are on the central nervous system: confusion, visual distortion, a feeling of greater strength, delusions and convulsions. Drowsiness is also common and many who ingest these mushrooms fall asleep and can not be easily awakened.

Panther cap

Amanita pantherina Panther Cap. Another member of the Death Cap family, this is also very poisonous, although not normally fatally so. The name presumably comes from the spotted cap, which is mid-brown, with very obvious white veil remains dotted upon it. The stipe has a fleecy ring near the top, and the bulbous base has a ring-like rim in well-developed specimens. This is rather rare in Guernsey, and sometimes confused with the much commoner Blusher, Amanita rubescens, but unlike the latter, this species never bruises red. It is found in wooded areas and parks.

The most important factors contributing to intoxication are confusion of toxic mushrooms with edible species, and non-specific mushroom poisoning. The genus Amanita has a global distribution and is one of the most well-known genera of macrofungi. Active toxins present in the panther cap (A. pantherina) (DC ex Fr.) Secr are ibotenic acid and muscimol, which are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is likely that other substances also participate in the psychotropic effects. Symptoms onset occurred after 120 min with central nervous system (CNS) depression, ataxia, waxing and waning obtundation, religious hallucinations and hyperkinetic behaviour.

Death angel

Some of the most beautiful, but most deadly fungi are a group of species collectively known as the death angel. A single specimen of any of these three mushrooms, Amanita bisporigera, Amanita virosa, and Amanita verna, can be deadly. All three species are pure white, with white gills that are free from the stalk. All have an annulus, or ring (which is the remnant of the partial veil, which protects the gills as they are developing) around the stalk. All three have a volva, or cup at the base, which is the remnant of the universal veil that surrounded the young fruiting body primordium. Like all Amanita species, they are mycorrhizal, which means they have a symbiotic (mutualistic) association with the host tree.

The toxin in the death angel is a relatively small protein of eight amino acids, a cyclopeptide called alpha-amanitin. Alpha-amanitin works by slowly attacking RNA polymerase, an enzyme in the liver. It ultimately affects the central nervous system and kidneys. Unlike many fungal toxins it does not cause symptoms right away. 6-24 hours after ingestion there may be an early feeling of unease, followed by violent cramps and diarrhea. On the third day, there is a remission of symptoms, but this is a false remission. On the 4th to 5th day the enzymes increase and liver and kidneys are severely affected. Death often follows if a liver transplant or other heroic measures are not performed. The same toxin is, coincidentally, found in a completely unrelated mushroom Galerina autumnalis.

Brain Mushroom

Brain Mushroom is a beautiful springtime mushroom frequently found by morel hunters in northern and western areas of the continent. It can be distinguished from other false morels by its brainlike, reddish brown, irregular cap, and by the fact that its stem is not massive in proportion to its cap. In dry weather conditions, these mushrooms can blacken and dry up–and last for an amazingly long time on the forest floor.

Gyromitrin is a hemolytic toxin (i.e. it destroys red blood cells) in humans, other primates, and dogs. It is toxic to the central nervous system and damages the liver and gastrointestinal tract. It may act by interfering with transaminases, particularly those having a pyridoxal phosphate cofactor. Vitamin B6 is used in the treatment. As in cyclopeptide poisoning, a relatively long latent period ensues (6 to 12 hours) between ingestion and symptoms. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, distention, weakness, lassitude, and headache; if the condition is severe, these may develop into jaundice, convulsions, coma, and death. Methemoglobinuria and very low blood sugar are found in laboratory tests.

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