Amanita muscaria: chemistry, biology, toxicology, and ethnomycology

Neurotoxicity associated with the medicinal mushroom product-Diamond Shruumz: A case report

Medicinal mushrooms are widely available as health supplements, and the federal government does not currently require these products to be examined for quality and contents. This places consumers at risk for unintentional ingestion of other substances, including toxic mushroom species. We describe a case report of an ingestion of an edible medicinal mushroom product likely contaminated with muscimol, the primary toxin of Amanita muscaria. A 17-year-old female presented with altered mental status, mydriasis, salivation, and myoclonic jerks that were refractory to benzodiazepines. She was intubated for airway protection and had spontaneous improvement of all her symptoms with return to baseline within 8 hours of presentation. She disclosed ingestion of the chocolate bar brand "Diamond Shruumz" that has been recalled for muscimol contamination. She was discharged home the day after presentation without symptom recurrence. This case displays the toxidrome of muscimol ingestion consistent with prior reports in the literature from muscimol containing mushroom ingestion. To our knowledge, this is among the first reports of Amanita muscaria ingestion from a commercially available medicinal mushroom product.

Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Muscimol

Muscimol (3) is a psychoactive isoxazole present in various Amanita mushrooms, along with ibotenic acid and muscarine. It is structurally related to GABA and acts as a GABAA agonist with great affinity. Muscimol use dates back to Siberian shamanic cultures as an entheogen, where it was ingested orally to exert psychoactive effects. Although not approved for clinical use, its potential and use as a research tool in neuroscience is of immense value, with 3H-muscimol being used as a radioligand in GABA receptor research. Since its discovery in the early 60s, many research groups have worked on the synthesis of the compound. Recent research suggests the potential use of muscimol in neuropathic pain relief and other potential uses are also being studied. In this review, we will cover the history, chemistry, pharmacology and overall importance of the compound.

Selected detrimental and essential elements in fruiting bodies of culinary and toxic medicinal macroscopic fungi growing in the Bohemian Forest, the Czech Republic

Selected wild-growing edible fungi (Boletus edulis, Neoboletus luridiformis, Cantharellus cibarius, Macrolepiota procera, Amanita rubescens, Russula virescens, Lycoperdon perlatum, and Flammulina velutipes) along with the poisonous medicinal species Amanita muscaria were collected from five sites in the Bohemian Forest, the Czech Republic and analyzed regarding the contents of 19 elements (Ag, Al, As, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Tl, and Zn) in their fruiting bodies. The contents of the elements as well as bioconcentration factors (ratios of the element content in dry matter of the mushroom to the content in the soil; BCF) were significantly species dependent. In general, the analysis revealed the most intensive accumulation of Cd, Rb, Ag, Cu, Se, and Zn in the studied mushrooms. B. edulis accumulated Ag, Se, Cd, Rb, Cu, and Zn with average BCF of 31, 25, 18, 13, 3.9, and 2.6, respectively. On the other hand, A. rubescens accumulated Cd, Rb, Ag, Cu, Zn, and As (BCF of 41, 27, 4.8, 3.3, 2.1, and 1.4). The data concerning the detrimental elements in sporocarps of edible mushrooms indicate no negative effect on human health if the fungi are consumed occasionally or as a delicacy.

A guide to mycetisms: A toxicological and preventive overview

Fungi are often considered a delicacy and are primarily cultivated and harvested, although numerous species are responsible for intoxication due to toxin content. Foodborne diseases are a significant public health concern, causing approximately 420 000 deaths and 600 million morbidities yearly, of which mushroom poisoning is one of the leading causes. Epidemiological data on non-cultivated mushroom poisoning in individual countries are often unrepresentative, as intoxication rarely requires emergency intervention. On the other hand, the lack of specialist knowledge among medical personnel about the toxicological manifestations of mushroom consumption may result in ineffective therapeutic interventions. This work aims to provide an easy-to-consult and wide-ranging tool useful for better understanding the variability of mushroom intoxications, the associated symptoms, and the main treatments for the most severe cases, given the absence of a complete species mapping tool toxic. Moreover, we establish an effective collection network that describes the incidence of mushroom poisonings by reporting the species and associated toxicological manifestations for each case. In conclusion, we highlight the need to establish appropriate primary prevention interventions, such as training the affected population and increasing consultancy relationships between mycological experts and specialised healthcare personnel.

The perception of fungi among Karajá indigenous children and adolescents from Brazil

BACKGROUND

Environmental perception involves the interpretation and interaction of individuals with their surroundings, influenced by cultural, social, and individual factors. Analyzing the environmental perception of children and adolescents contributes to fostering awareness and ethical behavior toward the environment. Indigenous communities, such as the Karajá from Brazil, possess significant environmental knowledge due to their connection with nature, providing distinctive insights into biodiversity and natural interconnections. In this study, the perception of fungi among Karajá indigenous children and adolescents was investigated.

METHODS

The study involved 229 elementary school students from the Macaúba, Fontoura and Santa Isabel do Morro communities, located on Bananal Island, Brazil. Students were encouraged to draw what they knew about fungi and answer where they learned about fungi and what name they give to these organisms. The drawings were analyzed considering seven categories.

RESULTS

The term most used to refer to fungi was hedoro(u) (56%), followed by fungus (21%) and mushroom (11%). Most students said they had learned about fungi in nature (38%) and at school (36%). The most represented organisms were in fact fungi (93%), mainly being portrayed in nature (94%). Most participants did not attribute any ecological function to fungi (83%), although 16% of them recognized fungi as decomposers and 1% as phytopathogenic agents. Negative aspects, particularly food contamination, were more frequently represented (13%) than positive aspects (4%). The drawings identified two morphological types: mushrooms (87%) and mold (13%). Among these mushrooms, 68% possibly represent the Amanita muscaria species.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the children and adolescents showed that they noticed the fungi around them, the group's concept and understanding were limited to the figure of the mushroom and the negative aspects related to food contamination. Strong association of the fungi with the A. muscaria is noteworthy, since it does not occur in the environment in which the participants live, suggesting that external stimuli, such as TV or the internet, can influence their perception more than the nature they are exposed to.

Poisoning from Ingestion of Fungus-Infected Cicada Nymphs: Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Patients in Thailand

The current data regarding poisoning associated with ingestion of fungus-infected cicada nymphs are limited. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who ingested fungus-infected cicada nymphs and were referred to the Ramathibodi Poison Center for consultation from June 2010 to June 2022. Thirty-nine patients were included for analysis. Most were men (53.8%). Mean age was 40.2 ± 15.0 years. All nymphs were ingested as a health/food supplement. Thirty-one patients (79.5%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms. Median time from ingestion to symptom onset was 5 h. Twenty-nine patients (74.4%) reported neurological symptoms, including tremor, myoclonus, muscle rigidity, nystagmus/ocular clonus, drowsiness, dysarthria, seizure, and confusion. Some complained of dizziness, urinary retention, and jaw stiffness. Most patients (94.9%) were admitted to the hospital. Median hospital stay was 3 days. Ibotenic acid was detected in the blood and urine samples of one patient. All received supportive care. Four patients developed infectious complications. No deaths occurred. Consuming fungus-infected cicada nymphs may cause poisoning in humans. Gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms were common. Ibotenic acid might be the underlying cause. The main treatment is supportive care and appropriate management of complications. Education of the general public is advocated to prevent the incidence of this type of poisoning.

Mushrooms to live or die: toxicity of some Basidiomycota using Artemia franciscana

Consumption of wild mushrooms has increased in recent years; however, not all of them are edible and there is no precise information on those that may cause poisoning. Therefore, studies to obtain data about their toxicity are needed. For this purpose, we used the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, a crustacean employed in toxicity tests and with wide application in the toxin detection, including mycotoxins. Mushrooms were collected in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, with which aqueous extracts were prepared. Dilutions of the stock solution of each extract were made to final concentrations of 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL. Potassium dichromate (PD) was used as positive control and artificial seawater as negative control. The median lethal dose (LD50) of extracts on nauplii of A. franciscana was calculated. The aqueous extracts obtained from Amanita amerivirosa, A. muscaria, Chlorophyllum molybdites, and Leucopaxillus amarus showed a LD50 < 70 µg/mL, similar to PD (LD50 = 37 µg/mL). This is the first indication of the probable toxicity of Leucopaxillus amarus in humans. Cantharellus cibarius and Scleroderma texense caused the lower toxicity to the nauplii. The brine shrimp bioassay was effective in evaluating the toxicity of Basidiomycota. Scleroderma texense has been reported to be toxic, but it was not for this crustacean nauplii, and probably not to humans either, as recent literature has reported.

The potential of psychedelics for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a currently incurable but increasingly prevalent fatal and progressive neurodegenerative disease, demanding consideration of therapeutically relevant natural products and their synthetic analogues. This paper reviews evidence for effectiveness of natural and synthetic psychedelics in the treatment of AD causes and symptoms. The plastogenic effects of serotonergic psychedelics illustrate that they have efficacy for addressing multiple facets of AD pathology. We review findings illustrating neuroplasticity mechanisms of classic (serotonergic) and non-classic psychedelics that indicate their potential as treatments for AD and related dementias. Classic psychedelics modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission and stimulate synaptic and network remodeling that facilitates synaptic, structural and behavioral plasticity. Up-regulation of neurotrophic factors enable psychedelics to promote neuronal survival and glutamate-driven neuroplasticity. Muscimol modulation of GABAAR reduces Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and psychedelic Sig-1R agonists provide protective roles in Aβ toxicity. Classic psychedelics also activate mTOR intracellular effector pathways in brain regions that show atrophy in AD. The potential of psychedelics to treat AD involves their ability to induce structural and functional neural plasticity in brain circuits and slow or reverse brain atrophy. Psychedelics stimulate neurotrophic pathways, increase neurogenesis and produce long-lasting neural changes through rewiring pathological neurocircuitry. Psychedelic effects on 5-HT receptor target genes and induction of synaptic, structural, and functional changes in neurons and networks enable them to promote and enhance brain functional connectivity and address diverse mechanisms underlying degenerative neurological disorders. These findings provide a rationale for immediate investigation of psychedelics as treatments for AD patients.

Nature's Own Pharmacy: Mushroom-Based Chemical Scaffolds and Their Therapeutic Implications

Mushrooms are new potential sources of valuable medicines, long neglected because of difficulties experienced in their cultivation. There is a large variety of medicinal mushrooms which possess significant therapeutic properties and are used as medications for various diseases because they contain several novel highly bioactive components. Medicinal mushrooms can be identified based on their morphology, size, mass, and the color of the stalk, cap and spore, and attachment to the stalk. Medicinal mushrooms possess a variety of important biological activities and are used as antioxidants, hepatoprotectors, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial agents, among others. This review provides a basic overview of the chemical scaffolds present in mushrooms and their therapeutic implications in the human body.

Analysis of the Ibotenic Acid, Muscimol, and Ergosterol Content of an Amanita Muscaria Hydroalcoholic Extract with an Evaluation of Its Cytotoxic Effect against a Panel of Lung Cell Lines In Vitro

The fungus Amanita muscaria is universally recognizable for its iconic appearance; it is also widely regarded as poisonous, inedible, and even deadly. In spite of that, there have been documented cases of use of A. muscaria-containing preparations against various diseases, including cancer, to no apparent ill effect. The search for compounds that can be used to treat cancer among various plants and fungi has been intensifying in recent years. In light of this, we describe an HPLC HILIC analytical method for the evaluation of the content of the anticancer compound ergosterol (ERG) and the neuroactive alkaloids ibotenic acid (IBO) and muscimol (MUS) that contribute significantly to the unpleasant physiological syndrome associated with A. muscaria consumption. A 'homemade' A. muscaria tincture made using 80-proof rye vodka as the solvent, an A. muscaria extract made with a standardized water-ethanol solution as the solvent, and fractions obtained from the second extract via liquid-liquid extraction with nonpolar solvents were analyzed. The study also presents the results of capillary zone electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection and UHPLC-MS/MS analyses of the IBO and MUS content of the two native A. muscaria extracts and an evaluation of the standardized extract's cytotoxic effect against a small panel of lung cell cultures in vitro. Our results show that the standardized extract has a significant cytotoxic effect and does not contain the compounds of interest in any significant quantity.

Determination of ibotenic acid and muscimol in species of the genus Amanita section Amanita from China

The genus Amanita sect. Amanita harbors approximately 150 species in the world, and 27 species have been recognized in China. Some of the species in China have continuously caused poisoning. The responsible toxins should be ibotenic acid (IBO) and muscimol (MUS). However, species of the section Amanita containing IBO and MUS and their systematic positions are unclear. In this study, the contents of IBO and MUS in 84 samples of 24 species in section Amanita were detected using UPLC‒MS/MS, and the distribution of toxin-containing species in the molecular phylogeny was analyzed by the combined (ITS, nrLSU, RPB2, TUB2 and TEF1-α) dataset using maximum likelihood (ML) analysis and Bayesian inference (BI). Our results indicated that 10 of the 24 species contained IBO and MUS ranging from 0.6125 to 32.0932 and 0.0056-5.8685 g/kg dry weight, respectively. Among these 10 species, the toxins of eight species, including Amanita altipes, A. concentrica, A. flavopantherina, A. griseopantherina, A. pseudopantherina, A. rubrovolvata, A. subglobosa and A. sychnopyramis, were detected for the first time. In addition, the IBO and MUS contents of A. subglobosa in different growth stages showed that both toxins decreased in the mature stage. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all species of sect. Amanita from China were divided into 5 groups. And IBO- and MUS-containing species were gathered in clades Ⅰ and Ⅳ, but not all of the species in the two clades contain the toxins. No presence of IBO and MUS in the species of clades Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅴ were confirmed.

A Review of the Chemistry and Biological Activities of Natural Colorants, Dyes, and Pigments: Challenges, and Opportunities for Food, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceutical Application

Natural pigments are important sources for the screening of bioactive lead compounds. This article reviewed the chemistry and therapeutic potentials of over 570 colored molecules from plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, algae, and marine sources. Moreover, related biological activities, advanced extraction, and identification approaches were reviewed. A variety of biological activities, including cytotoxicity against cancer cells, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-microbial, antiviral, and anti-protozoal activities, have been reported for different pigments. Considering their structural backbone, they were classified as naphthoquinones, carotenoids, flavonoids, xanthones, anthocyanins, benzotropolones, alkaloids, terpenoids, isoprenoids, and non-isoprenoids. Alkaloid pigments were mostly isolated from bacteria and marine sources, while flavonoids were mostly found in plants and mushrooms. Colored quinones and xanthones were mostly extracted from plants and fungi, while colored polyketides and terpenoids are often found in marine sources and fungi. Carotenoids are mostly distributed among bacteria, followed by fungi and plants. The pigments isolated from insects have different structures, but among them, carotenoids and quinone/xanthone are the most important. Considering good manufacturing practices, the current permitted natural colorants are: Carotenoids (canthaxanthin, β-carotene, β-apo-8'-carotenal, annatto, astaxanthin) and their sources, lycopene, anthocyanins, betanin, chlorophyllins, spirulina extract, carmine and cochineal extract, henna, riboflavin, pyrogallol, logwood extract, guaiazulene, turmeric, and soy leghemoglobin.

Lessons on fruiting body morphogenesis from genomes and transcriptomes of Agaricomycetes

Fruiting bodies (sporocarps, sporophores or basidiomata) of mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes) are among the most complex structures produced by fungi. Unlike vegetative hyphae, fruiting bodies grow determinately and follow a genetically encoded developmental program that orchestrates their growth, tissue differentiation and sexual sporulation. In spite of more than a century of research, our understanding of the molecular details of fruiting body morphogenesis is still limited and a general synthesis on the genetics of this complex process is lacking. In this paper, we aim at a comprehensive identification of conserved genes related to fruiting body morphogenesis and distil novel functional hypotheses for functionally poorly characterised ones. As a result of this analysis, we report 921 conserved developmentally expressed gene families, only a few dozens of which have previously been reported to be involved in fruiting body development. Based on literature data, conserved expression patterns and functional annotations, we provide hypotheses on the potential role of these gene families in fruiting body development, yielding the most complete description of molecular processes in fruiting body morphogenesis to date. We discuss genes related to the initiation of fruiting, differentiation, growth, cell surface and cell wall, defence, transcriptional regulation as well as signal transduction. Based on these data we derive a general model of fruiting body development, which includes an early, proliferative phase that is mostly concerned with laying out the mushroom body plan (via cell division and differentiation), and a second phase of growth via cell expansion as well as meiotic events and sporulation. Altogether, our discussions cover 1 480 genes of Coprinopsis cinerea, and their orthologs in Agaricus bisporus, Cyclocybe aegerita, Armillaria ostoyae, Auriculariopsis ampla, Laccaria bicolor, Lentinula edodes, Lentinus tigrinus, Mycena kentingensis, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Schizophyllum commune, providing functional hypotheses for ~10 % of genes in the genomes of these species. Although experimental evidence for the role of these genes will need to be established in the future, our data provide a roadmap for guiding functional analyses of fruiting related genes in the Agaricomycetes. We anticipate that the gene compendium presented here, combined with developments in functional genomics approaches will contribute to uncovering the genetic bases of one of the most spectacular multicellular developmental processes in fungi. Citation: Nagy LG, Vonk PJ, Künzler M, Földi C, Virágh M, Ohm RA, Hennicke F, Bálint B, Csernetics Á, Hegedüs B, Hou Z, Liu XB, Nan S, M. Pareek M, Sahu N, Szathmári B, Varga T, Wu W, Yang X, Merényi Z (2023). Lessons on fruiting body morphogenesis from genomes and transcriptomes of Agaricomycetes. Studies in Mycology 104: 1-85. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.104.01.

Accidental colourful mushroom poisoning - delirium, delusions and dreams

We report a case of a woman presenting with acute onset of delirium following ingestion of Amanita muscaria mushrooms for anxiolytic effect. Immediate diagnosis was obtained after taking a detailed history and confirmation with online poison database images. She fully recovered with supportive treatment and was discharged 24 hours after presentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on A muscaria mushroom poisoning in the UK.

Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative Activity of Benzopyran-4-One-Isoxazole Hybrid Compounds

The biological significance of benzopyran-4-ones as cytotoxic agents against multi-drug resistant cancer cell lines and isoxazoles as anti-inflammatory agents in cellular assays prompted us to design and synthesize their hybrid compounds and explore their antiproliferative activity against a panel of six cancer cell lines and two normal cell lines. Compounds 5a-d displayed significant antiproliferative activities against all the cancer cell lines tested, and IC₅₀ values were in the range of 5.2-22.2 μM against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, while they were minimally cytotoxic to the HEK-293 and LLC-PK1 normal cell lines. The IC₅₀ values of 5a-d against normal HEK-293 cells were in the range of 102.4-293.2 μM. Compound 5a was screened for kinase inhibitory activity, proteolytic human serum stability, and apoptotic activity. The compound was found inactive towards different kinases, while it completely degraded after 2 h of incubation with human serum. At 5 μM concentration, it induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 by 50.8%. Overall, these findings suggest that new benzopyran-4-one-isoxazole hybrid compounds, particularly 5a-d, are selective anticancer agents, potentially safe for human cells, and could be synthesized at low cost. Additionally, Compound 5a exhibits potential anticancer activity mediated via inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis.

Reasons, Form of Ingestion and Side Effects Associated with Consumption of Amanita muscaria

In recent months, there has been a new trend involving the consumption of Amanita muscaria. The aim of this article was to investigate the reasons for consumption, the form taken and the adverse symptoms that were indicated by those consuming Amanita muscaria. After analysing 5600 comments, 684 people were included in the study, who, in social media groups such as Facebook, stated the purpose of consuming the mushroom (n = 250), the form of mushroom they were taking (n = 198) or the adverse symptoms they experienced (n = 236). The gender of the subjects differentiated the parameters analysed. In the study group of women, the main purpose of consuming Amanita muscaria was to reduce pain, as well as to reduce skin problems, while in men it was mainly to relieve stress, reduce the severity of depressive symptoms and reduce insomnia (p < 0.001). With regard to the form of mushroom ingested, tincture was predominant in the women's study group, while dried was predominant in the men (p < 0.001). In terms of side effects, women reported primarily headaches, while men reported nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and drowsiness (p < 0.001). Advanced research on Amanita muscaria should be carried out to make the community aware of the toxicity of this fungus.

Indole Alkaloids from Psychoactive Mushrooms: Chemical and Pharmacological Potential as Psychotherapeutic Agents

Neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress represent a substantial long-term challenge for the global health systems because of their rising prevalence, uncertain neuropathology, and lack of effective pharmacological treatments. The approved existing studies constitute a piece of strong evidence whereby psychiatric drugs have shown to have unpleasant side effects and reduction of sustained tolerability, impacting patients' quality of life. Thus, the implementation of innovative strategies and alternative sources of bioactive molecules for the search for neuropsychiatric agents are required to guarantee the success of more effective drug candidates. Psychotherapeutic use of indole alkaloids derived from magic mushrooms has shown great interest and potential as an alternative to the synthetic drugs currently used on the market. The focus on indole alkaloids is linked to their rich history, their use as pharmaceuticals, and their broad range of biological properties, collectively underscoring the indole heterocycle as significant in drug discovery. In this review, we aim to report the physicochemical and pharmacological characteristics of indole alkaloids, particularly those derived from magic mushrooms, highlighting the promising application of such active ingredients as safe and effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Amanita muscaria extract potentiates production of proinflammatory cytokines by dsRNA-activated human microglia

Recent interest in mushrooms and their components as potential therapies for mental health, along with recent government and health authority approvals, has necessitated a more comprehensive understanding of their effects on the cellular microenvironment of the brain. Amanita muscaria has been ingested as a treatment for a variety of ailments for centuries, most notably those affecting the central nervous system and conditions associated with neuroinflammation. However, the effects of these extracts on neuroinflammatory cells, such as microglia, are unknown. The effect of commercially-sourced A. muscaria extract (AME-1) on human microglial cell line (HMC3) expression of surface receptors such as CD86, CXCR4, CD45, CD125 and TLR4 was determined by flow cytometry. AME-1 upregulated expression of all of these receptors. The effect of AME-1 on HMC3 production of IL-8 and IL-6 was determined and compared to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], substance P and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), all known activators of HMC-3 and primary microglia. HMC3 produced both IL-8 and IL-6 when activated with LPS, TNF and poly(I:C) but not when they were activated with substance P. Although AME-1 at higher concentrations increased IL-8 production of HMC3 on its own, AME-1 notably potentiated HMC3 production of IL-8 in response to poly(I:C). AME-1 altered expression of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) mRNA but not surface protein by HMC3. AME-1 also did not significantly alter expression of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) or melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), both cytosolic sensors of dsRNA. Metabolomics analysis showed that AME-1 contained several metabolites, including the autophagy inducer, trehalose. Like AME-1, trehalose also potentiated HMC3 poly(I:C) mediated production of IL-8. This study suggests that A. muscaria extracts can modify HMC3 inflammatory responses, possibly due to their trehalose content.

Two Cases of Severe Amanita Muscaria Poisoning Including a Fatality

Ingestion of Amanita muscaria mushrooms results in transient central nervous system excitation and depression mediated by its components, ibotenic acid and muscimol. The mushroom is distributed worldwide and ingestions occur with some frequency. Although these ingestions have traditionally been considered benign, serious complications can occur. We present 2 cases of serious toxicity, including a fatality. The first case was a 44-y-old man who presented to the emergency department (ED) after cardiopulmonary arrest approximately 10 h after ingesting 4 to 5 dried A muscaria mushroom caps, which he used for their mind-altering effects. Despite successful resuscitation, he remained unresponsive and hypotensive and died 9 days later. The second case was a 75-y-old man who presented to the ED after accidentally consuming one large A muscaria mushroom cap he foraged in Eastern Turkey. The patient initially presented to the ED with hallucinations followed by lethargy, and he was intubated for airway protection. The patient's condition gradually improved, and he made a full recovery. A muscaria ingestion should not be considered benign as serious outcomes do occur. An understanding of how the main neuroactive chemicals, ibotenic acid and muscimol, affect the brain can help anticipate outcomes. Several high-risk features that portend a more serious course are identified.

The protective effect of muscimol against systemic inflammatory response in endotoxemic mice is independent of GABAergic and cholinergic receptors

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome plays an important role in the development of sepsis. GABAergic and cholinergic pathways activation are considered important for inflammatory response regulation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12, IL-10, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-derived nitric oxide (NO) are important inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Muscimol, an active compound from the mushroom Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam., is a potent GABA_A agonist, inhibits inflammatory response via activating GABA_A receptor and vagus nerve. However, the effect of muscimol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammatory response is still unclear. Therefore, we studied the effects of muscimol on systemic inflammatory response and survival rate in endotoxemic mice. Mice endotoxemia was induced by LPS. Muscimol was given to mice or RAW264.7 cells 30 min before LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p., or 10 ng/mL, respectively). Mice received GABAergic and cholinergic receptor antagonists 30 min before muscimol and LPS. Muscimol decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12, iNOS-derived NO, and increased IL-10 levels and survival rate after LPS treatment. Muscimol significantly decreased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity, increased IκB expression, and decreased pIKK expression in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. GABAergic and cholinergic antagonists failed to reverse muscimol's protection in LPS-treated mice. In conclusion, muscimol protected against systemic inflammatory response in endotoxemic mice may be partially independent of GABAergic and cholinergic receptors.

Intracellular sequestration of cadmium and zinc in ectomycorrhizal fungus Amanita muscaria (Agaricales, Amanitaceae) and characterization of its metallothionein gene

Amanita muscaria is an ectomycorrhizal mushroom that commonly grows at metal-polluted sites. Sporocarps from the lead smelter-polluted area near Příbram (Central Bohemia, Czech Republic) showed elevated concentrations of Cd and Zn. Size exclusion chromatography of the cell extracts of the sporocarps from both polluted and unpolluted sites indicated that substantial part of intracellular Cd and Zn was sequestered in 6-kDa complexes, presumably with metallothionein(s) (MT). When the cultured mycelial isolates were compared, those from Příbram were more Cd-tolerant and accumulated slightly less Cd and Zn than those from the unpolluted site. The analysis of the available A.muscaria sequence data returned a 67-amino acid (AA) MT encoded by the AmMT1 gene. Weak Cd and Zn responsiveness of AmMT1 in the mycelia suggested its metal homeostasis function in A.muscaria, rather than a major role in detoxification. The AmMT1 belongs to a ubiquitous peptide group in the Agaricomycetes consisting of 60-70-AA MTs containing seven cysteinyl domains and a conserved histidyl, features observed also in a newly predicted, atypical 45-AA RaMT1 of the Zn-accumulator Russula bresadolae in which the C-terminal cysteinyl domains VI and VII are missing. Heterologous expression in metal-sensitive yeast mutants indicated that AmMT1 and RaMT1 encode functional peptides that can protect cells against Cd, Zn, and Cu toxicity. The metal protection phenotype observed in yeasts with mutant variants of AmMT1 and RaMT1 further indicated that the conserved histidyl seems to play a structural, not metal binding role, and the cysteinyls of the C-terminal domains VI and VII are important for Cu binding. The data provide an important insight into the metal handling of site-associated ectomycorrhizal species disturbed by excess metals and the properties of MTs common in Agaricomycetes.

Dual-wavelength multimodal multiphoton microscope with SMA-based depth scanning

We report on a multimodal multiphoton microscopy (MPM) system with depth scanning. The multimodal capability is realized by an Er-doped femtosecond fiber laser with dual output wavelengths of 1580 nm and 790 nm that are responsible for three-photon and two-photon excitation, respectively. A shape-memory-alloy (SMA) actuated miniaturized objective enables the depth scanning capability. Image stacks combined with two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF), second harmonic generation (SHG), and third harmonic generation (THG) signals have been acquired from animal, fungus, and plant tissue samples with a maximum depth range over 200 µm.

Non-peptide secondary metabolites from poisonous mushrooms: overview of chemistry, bioactivity, and biosynthesis

Covering: up to June 2021A wide variety of mushrooms have traditionally been recognized as edible fungi with high nutritional value and low calories, and abundantly produce structurally diverse and bioactive secondary metabolites. However, accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms can result in serious illnesses and even death. Chemically, mushroom poisoning is associated with secondary metabolites produced in poisonous mushrooms, causing specific toxicity. However, many poisonous mushrooms have not been fully investigated for their secondary metabolites, and the secondary metabolites of poisonous mushrooms have not been systematically summarized for details such as chemical composition and biosynthetic mechanisms. The isolation and identification of secondary metabolites from poisonous mushrooms have great research value since these compounds could be lethal toxins that contribute to the toxicity of mushrooms or could provide lead compounds with remarkable biological activities that can promote advances in other related disciplines, such as biochemistry and pharmacology. In this review, we summarize the structures and biological activities of secondary metabolites identified from poisonous mushrooms and provide an overview of the current information on these metabolites, focusing on their chemistry, bioactivity, and biosynthesis.

Mycotherapy: Potential of Fungal Bioactives for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders and Morbidities of Chronic Pain

Mushrooms have been used as traditional medicine for millennia, fungi are the main natural source of psychedelic compounds. There is now increasing interest in using fungal active compounds such as psychedelics for alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders including major depressive disorder, anxiety, and addiction. The anxiolytic, antidepressant and anti-addictive effect of these compounds has raised awareness stimulating neuropharmacological investigations. Micro-dosing or acute dosing with psychedelics including Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin may offer patients treatment options which are unmet by current therapeutic options. Studies suggest that either dosing regimen produces a rapid and long-lasting effect on the patient post administration with a good safety profile. Psychedelics can also modulate immune systems including pro-inflammatory cytokines suggesting a potential in the treatment of auto-immune and other chronic pain conditions. This literature review aims to explore recent evidence relating to the application of fungal bioactives in treating chronic mental health and chronic pain morbidities.

Utilizing the DNA Aptamer to Determine Lethal α-Amanitin in Mushroom Samples and Urine by Magnetic Bead-ELISA (MELISA)

Amanita poisoning is one of the most deadly types of mushroom poisoning. α-Amanitin is the main lethal toxin in amanita, and the human-lethal dose is about 0.1 mg/kg. Most of the commonly used detection techniques for α-amanitin require expensive instruments. In this study, the α-amanitin aptamer was selected as the research object, and the stem-loop structure of the original aptamer was not damaged by truncating the redundant bases, in order to improve the affinity and specificity of the aptamer. The specificity and affinity of the truncated aptamers were determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and the affinity and specificity of the aptamers decreased after truncation. Therefore, the original aptamer was selected to establish a simple and specific magnetic bead-based enzyme linked immunoassay (MELISA) method for α-amanitin. The detection limit was 0.369 μg/mL, while, in mushroom it was 0.372 μg/mL and in urine 0.337 μg/mL. Recovery studies were performed by spiking urine and mushroom samples with α-amanitin, and these confirmed the desirable accuracy and practical applicability of our method. The α-amanitin and aptamer recognition sites and binding pockets were investigated in an in vitro molecular docking environment, and the main binding bases of both were T3, G4, C5, T6, T7, C67, and A68. This study truncated the α-amanitin aptamer and proposes a method of detecting α-amanitin.

The seven ways eukaryotes produce repeated colour motifs on external tissues

The external tissues of numerous eukaryote species show repeated colour patterns, usually characterized by units that are present at least twice on the body. These dotted, striped or more complex phenotypes carry out crucial biological functions, such as partner recognition, aposematism or camouflage. Very diverse mechanisms explaining the formation of repeated colour patterns in eukaryotes have been identified and described, and it is timely to review this field from an evolutionary and developmental biology perspective. We propose a novel classification consisting of seven families of primary mechanisms: Turing(-like), cellular automaton, multi-induction, physical cracking, random, neuromuscular and printing. In addition, we report six pattern modifiers, acting synergistically with these primary mechanisms to enhance the spectrum of repeated colour patterns. We discuss the limitations of our classification in light of currently unexplored extant diversity. As repeated colour patterns require both the production of a repetitive structure and colouration, we also discuss the nature of the links between these two processes. A more complete understanding of the formation of repeated colour patterns in eukaryotes will require (i) a deeper exploration of biological diversity, tackling the issue of pattern elaboration during the development of non-model taxa, and (ii) exploring some of the most promising ways to discover new families of mechanisms. Good starting points include evaluating the role of mechanisms known to produce non-repeated colour patterns and that of mechanisms responsible for repeated spatial patterns lacking colouration.

Breaking the paradigms of residual categories and neglectable importance of non-used resources: the "vital" traditional knowledge of non-edible mushrooms and their substantive cultural significance

INTRODUCTION

One of the main goals of ethnomycological studies has been understanding the role of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) in diverse cultures. To accomplish such a purpose, the local knowledge of WEM and their cultural importance have been evaluated and compared using qualitative and quantitative methods. However, few studies have documented these aspects in non-edible mushrooms, because they are considered to be in a category of residual cultural importance. To make up for this lack of investigation, this paper analyzes the traditional knowledge of non-edible mushrooms to understand their cultural role and break it down to its components. The analysis of this topic shows how this knowledge represents a good strategy to prevent mushroom intoxications in humans.

METHODS

This study was carried out in two communities residing in La Malintzi National Park, Tlaxcala, Mexico. Mushroom species indicated as non-edible were collected during 13 ethnomycological expeditions and seven requests. To get an insight into the local knowledge about these mushrooms, we used ethnographic techniques, 91 free listings and 81 semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

In total, we collected 178 specimens of wild mushrooms recognized as non-edible by locals, which corresponded to 103 species belonging to 45 genera. People who participated in the study had a vast and deep understanding of non-edible mushrooms. For them, the most important species were Amanita muscaria, Neoboletus aff. erythropus, Xerocomellus chrysenteron, and Suillus tomentosus. Two uses were the most mentioned by respondents: as an insecticide and for medicinal purposes. Of note, however, is that A. muscaria was reported as edible years ago. To avoid possible intoxication, all non-edible mushrooms were included in the general category of "poisonous mushrooms." Non-edible species are seen as a cosmogonic counterpart ("twins") of the edible species that they resemble. We obtained 101 specific recognition criteria, useful only when comparing paired species: edible vs non-edible. The most culturally important non-edible groups were differentiated by clear and precise characteristics, which were reflected in the nomenclature and allowed their classification into specific ethnotaxa.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that non-used resources can be the object of a deep traditional knowledge and have a vast cultural importance. In the case of wild non-edible mushrooms in particular: the species are named; they are the subject of vast traditional knowledge which is based on their edible/non-edible duality; this knowledge is widespread but has limited consensus, there is little lexical retention; and this knowledge is vital to avoid fatal intoxications. In consequence, both deadly species and species that share similarities with the most important edible mushrooms have a high cultural importance.

The Deceptive Mushroom: Accidental Amanita muscaria Poisoning

Amanita muscaria is considered to be one of the most remarkable and beautiful mushrooms. It has a red or orange cap covered with small white plaques and its distinctive appearance makes accidental and severe intoxication very rare. Its consumption is sometimes used as a means of suicide or it can be consumed for its psychedelic effects, and in some cases, it can be mistaken for edible species. In this paper, we will discuss a patient who fell into a coma after accidental Amanita muscaria poisoning. Rapid identification of the mushroom allowed the regression of symptoms and discharge from the hospital on the fourth day after consumption.

LEARNING POINTS

Amanita muscaria is one of the most remarkable mushrooms for its distinctive appearance, but sometimes it can be mistaken for edible species.Amanita muscaria is a highly poisonous mushroom; the primary effects usually involve the central nervous system, and in severe poisoning, symptoms may manifest with coma and in rare cases lead to death.The rapid and correct identification of this mushroom is important for optimal risk assessment and in order to prescribe the best therapy.

Human Poisoning from Poisonous Higher Fungi: Focus on Analytical Toxicology and Case Reports in Forensic Toxicology

Several families of higher fungi contain mycotoxins that cause serious or even fatal poisoning when consumed by humans. The aim of this review is to inventory, from an analytical point of view, poisoning cases linked with certain significantly toxic mycotoxins: orellanine, α- and β-amanitin, muscarine, ibotenic acid and muscimol, and gyromitrin. Clinicians are calling for the cases to be documented by toxicological analysis. This document is therefore a review of poisoning cases involving these mycotoxins reported in the literature and carries out an inventory of the analytical techniques available for their identification and quantification. It seems indeed that these poisonings are only rarely documented by toxicological analysis, due mainly to a lack of analytical methods in biological matrices. There are many reasons for this issue: the numerous varieties of mushroom involved, mycotoxins with different chemical structures, a lack of knowledge about distribution and metabolism. To sum up, we are faced with (i) obstacles to the documentation and interpretation of fatal (or non-fatal) poisoning cases and (ii) a real need for analytical methods of identifying and quantifying these mycotoxins (and their metabolites) in biological matrices.

Toxicological and pharmacological profile of Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam. – a new rising opportunity for biomedicine

Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a basidiomycete. Its main psychoactive constituents are ibotenic acid and muscimol, both involved in ‘pantherina-muscaria’ poisoning syndrome. The rising pharmacological and toxicological interest based on lots of contradictive opinions concerning the use of Amanita muscaria extracts’ neuroprotective role against some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, its potent role in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia and other socially significant health conditions gave the basis for this review. Facts about Amanita muscaria’s morphology, chemical content, toxicological and pharmacological characteristics and usage from ancient times to present-day’s opportunities in modern medicine are presented.

Development of a RP-HPLC Method for Separating and Quantifying Muscimol in Different Developmental Stages of the Fungus Amanita muscaria

A simple RP-HPLC method was designed for the quantification of muscimol (5-(aminomethyl)-isoxazol-3-ol) present in five aqueous extracts of Amanita muscaria each from a different developmental stage. Results show that the maximum concentration of muscimol (1,210 mg/ml) was found in the young mushroom stage of development. Moreover, it was also found that this concentration progressively decreases as the fungus ages. The developed method is a simple but effective method for the quantification of muscimol, a widely important metabolite for the pharmaceutical industry as a possible treatment for tardive dyskinesia and Parkinson’s disease.

What is the form of muscimol from fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) in water? An insight from NMR experiment supported by molecular modeling

The biologically active alkaloid muscimol is present in fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria), and its structure and action is related to human neurotransmitter _γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA). The current study reports on determination of muscimol form present in water solution using multinuclear ¹ H and ¹³ C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments supported by density functional theory molecular modeling. The structures of three forms of free muscimol molecule both in the gas phase and in the presence of water solvent, modeled by polarized continuous model, and nuclear magnetic isotropic shieldings, the corresponding chemical shifts, and indirect spin-spin coupling constants were calculated. Several J-couplings observed in proton and carbon NMR spectra, not available before, are reported. The obtained experimental spectra, supported by theoretical calculations, favor the zwitterion form of muscimol in water. This structure differs from NH isomer, previously determined in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. In addition, positions of signals C3 and C5 are reversed in both solvents.

Gut Mycobiota and Fungal Metabolites in Human Homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that microbiota play an important role in host's homeostasis. Thus far, researchers have mostly focused on the role of bacterial microbiota. However, human gut is a habitat for several fungal species, which produce numerous metabolites. Furthermore, various types of food and beverages are rich in a wide spectrum of fungi and their metabolites.

METHODS

We searched PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify clinical and pre-clinical studies on fungal metabolites, composition of human mycobiota and fungal dysbiosis.

RESULTS

Fungal metabolites may serve as signaling molecules and exert significant biological effects including trophic, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial actions. Finally, research suggests an association between shifts in gut fungi composition and human health. Changes in mycobiota composition have been found in obesity, hepatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

CONCLUSION

The influence of mycobiota and dietary fungi on homeostasis in mammals suggests a pharmacotherapeutic potential of modulating the mycobiota which may include treatment with probiotics and fecal transplantation. Furthermore, antibacterial action of fungi-derived molecules may be considered as a substitution for currently used antibacterial agents and preservatives in food industry.

Direct Analysis of Psilocin and Muscimol in Urine Samples Using Single Drop Microextraction Technique In-Line with Capillary Electrophoresis

The fully automated system of single drop microextraction coupled with capillary electrophoresis (SDME-CE) was developed for in-line preconcentration and determination of muscimol (MUS) and psilocin (PSC) from urine samples. Those two analytes are characteristic active metabolites of Amanita and Psilocybe mushrooms, evoking visual and auditory hallucinations. Study analytes were selectively extracted from the donor phase (urine samples, pH 4) into the organic phase (a drop of octanol layer), and re-extracted to the acidic acceptor (background electrolyte, BGE), consisting of 25 mM phosphate buffer (pH 3). The optimized conditions for the extraction procedure of a 200 µL urine sample allowed us to obtain more than a 170-fold enrichment effect. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.05–50 mg L⁻¹, with the correlation coefficients from 0.9911 to 0.9992. The limit of detections was determined by spiking blank urine samples with appropriate standards, i.e., 0.004 mg L⁻¹ for PSC and 0.016 mg L⁻¹ for MUS, respectively. The limits of quantification varied from 0.014 mg L⁻¹ for PSC and 0.045 mg L⁻¹ for MUS. The developed method practically eliminated the sample clean-up step, which was limited only to simple dilution (1:1, v/v) and pH adjustment.

Sagas of the Solanaceae: Speculative ethnobotanical perspectives on the Norse berserkers

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Norse berserkers were wild warriors of Scandinavia known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. Though many theories have been advanced as to the cause of this state, the most widely believed is that the intoxicating mushroom Amanita muscaria was used.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The following article underlines the issues with this theory and provides an alternate intoxicant that fits with the reports of berserker behaviour much better: Hyoscyamus niger.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature from a variety of disciplines pertaining to history, toxicology, pharmacology, and botany was compiled to frame and support the argument.

RESULTS

H. niger proved to be a more likely intoxicant used to induce the berserker rage state.

CONCLUSIONS

With its anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and symptom profile, H. niger is a much more likely cause of the berserker state than A muscaria. Though there is not enough archaeological and historical evidence to prove or disprove this theory, it provides a novel explanation that is at present the most viable means of understanding the berserkers' trance.

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: A literature review and three case reports

The paper describes diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation and types of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), as well as current approaches to the treatment of this phenomenon using available scientific sources. Three case reports are also presented to demonstrate different types of this disorder. The first case report describes a 23-year old patient with a previous history of cannabis consumption who reported HPDD type I after the use of psilocybin mushrooms with small amounts of alcohol and hash. A month later, after cannabis use, the same visual and auditory distortions appeared again. During the following year, hallucinations recurred with the consumption of natural cannabinoids but not with alcohol intake. The symptoms have reduced within a year. Surprisingly, both other cases belonging to HPDD type II appeared in patients who consumed ecstasy, although MDMA is generally not considered a hallucinogen and hallucinations are not frequently reported after MDMA consumption. In both cases of HPPD type II after the use of ecstasy, the condition was very stressful and frightening. Both patients sought medical help and received tofisopam, lamotrigine and sertraline. After that, in both cases visual impairments have smoothed, but have not passed completely. Scientific sources suggest that HPPD may affect more than 50% of hallucinogen users and this disorder is often underdiagnosed. Therefore, patients suffering from HPPD can present in various clinical settings, and clinicians should be aware of this condition.

Burāq depicted as Amanita muscaria in a 15th century Timurid-illuminated manuscript?

A series of illustrations in a 15th century Timurid manuscript record the mi’raj, the ascent through the seven heavens by Mohammed, the Prophet of Islam. Several of the illustrations depict Burāq, the fabulous creature by means of which Mohammed achieves his ascent, with distinctive features of the Amanita muscaria mushroom. A. muscaria or “fly agaric” is a psychoactive mushroom used by Siberian shamans to enter the spirit world for the purposes of conversing with spirits or diagnosing and curing disease. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the author explores the routes by which Burāq could have come to be depicted in this manuscript with the characteristics of a psychoactive fungus, when any suggestion that the Prophet might have had recourse to a drug to accomplish his spirit journey would be anathema to orthodox Islam. There is no suggestion that Mohammad’s night journey (isra) or ascent (mi’raj) was accomplished under the influence of a psychoactive mushroom or plant.

Mushroom Toxins: Chemistry and Toxicology

Mushroom consumption is a global tradition that is still gaining popularity. However, foraging for wild mushrooms and accidental ingestion of toxic mushrooms can result in serious illness and even death. The early diagnosis and treatment of mushroom poisoning are quite difficult, as the symptoms are similar to those caused by common diseases. Chemically, mushroom poisoning is related to very powerful toxins, suggesting that the isolation and identification of toxins have great research value, especially in determining the lethal components of toxic mushrooms. In contrast, most of these toxins have remarkable physiological properties that could promote advances in chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology. Although more than 100 toxins have been elucidated, there are a number of lethal mushrooms that have not been fully investigated. This review provides information on the chemistry (including chemical structures, total synthesis, and biosynthesis) and the toxicology of these toxins, hoping to inspire further research in this area.

Extreme levels of mycophilia documented in Mazovia, a region of Poland

BACKGROUND

The paper presents documentation of the traditional use of wild edible mushrooms in Mazovia (33,900 km²), a region of Poland.

METHODS

A total of 695 semi-structured interviews were carried out among local informants in 38 localities proportionally distributed throughout the study area (one locality approximately every 30 km), asking which mushrooms they collected and how. The species utilized were identified using visual props, morphological identification of voucher specimens, and DNA barcoding.

RESULTS

Altogether, 92 taxa identified to the species or genus level were recorded, among them 76 species used as food, 21 taxa known as toxic, and 11 taxa used for non-culinary purposes. Out of 76 identified edible fungi species, 47% (36 species) were identified using ITS DNA barcode method. Eleven of them were identified exclusively by molecular analysis. The mean number of edible taxa mentioned per interview was 9.5. Two species new to the mycobiota of Poland, Hydnum ellipsosporum and Paxillus cuprinus, were found. Frequent interaction with mushroom collectors enabled the transcription of local folk taxonomy into proper taxonomic classification and the definition of changes in local preferences concerning wild fungi collection.

CONCLUSIONS

The list of species utilized is the longest regional list of edible mushrooms ever recorded during ethnomycological field research, putting the inhabitants of the studied region at the top of the mycophilia spectrum.

Toxicological profile of Amanita virosa - A narrative review

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Globally, mushroom poisoning leads to a considerable number of deaths annually. However, no definite antidote has been introduced yet.

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A mushroom-poisoning outbreak occurred in 2018 in Iran; this overview presents geographical distribution of Amanita virosa along with studies reporting A. virosa poisonings.

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Also, main toxins of A. virosa, their toxicity mechanisms and pharmacological management of mushroom-poisoned individuals are presented.

Mushrooms account for a part of human diet due to their exquisite taste and protein content as well as their promising health effects unveiled by scientific research. Toxic and non-toxic mushrooms frequently share considerable morphological similarities, which mislead the collectors/consumers, resulting in mycotoxicity. Numerous mushroom species are considered “poisonous” as they produce dangerous toxins. For instance, members of the genus Amanita, especially A. phalloides, A. virosa and A. verna, are responsible for severe and even life-threatening noxious consequences. Globally, mushroom poisoning is a crucial healthcare issue as it leads to a considerable number of deaths annually. However, no definite antidote has been introduced to treat this poisoning. The present article discusses the characteristics of A. virosa in terms of epidemiology, mechanisms of toxicity, poisoning features and management.

Gel with silver and ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles produced with Amanita muscaria extract: physicochemical characterization, microstructure analysis and anticancer properties

Combination therapy remains one of the most promising and intensively developed direction in cancer treatment. This study is aimed to combine and investigate the anticancer properties of silver nanoparticles (NPs) and Amanita muscaria mushroom in gel formulation. For this, hyaluronic acid was used as gel-forming agent, whereas Amanita muscaria extract was used as capping agent during silver and ultrasmall iron oxide (MAg) NPs synthesis. Amanita muscaria compounds formed NP's surface layer and contributed anticancer properties, whereas silver NPs contributed anticancer, fluorescence and photoactive properties to the gel. Physicochemical characterization included X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopies (SEM, cryo-SEM, TEM, confocal fluorescence), spectrofluorometric method, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques, energy dispersive (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies, zeta-potential and rheological measurements. Microstructure analysis of hyaluronic acid/MAg NPs gel was performed by cryo-SEM technique. We showed that hyaluronic acid is a perfect gel-forming agent from both biomedical and technological points of view. It is well-mixed with MAg NPs forming stable gel formulation; high homogeneity of hyaluronic acid/MAg NPs gel was shown by SEM EDS elemental mapping. Microstructure of the gel was found to be highly ordered and consisted of domains from perforated parallel tubular structures. This finding expanded our understanding of gels and broke the stereotype of gel structure as chaotic network of fibers. Cytotoxicity studies performed on 2D and 3D HeLa cell cultures pointed to a high potential of hyaluronic acid/MAg NPs gel for local treatment of cancer. Cell response was found to be significantly different for 2D and 3D cell cultures that was related to their different cytoarhitecture and gene expression. Thus, the results of the cellular spheroids viability showed that they were significantly more resistant to the cytotoxic action of MAg NPs and their gel formulation than 2D cell culture. Hyaluronic acid used as gelling agent in gel formulation was found to increase an effectiveness of active components (MAg NPs, Amanita muscaria extract) probably improving their transport inside HeLa spheroids.