Here is a little of what to look for if you suspect
poisoning from mushrooms or toadstools


Never eat any "mushroom" that is of uncertain origin.
FAR MORE toadstools and mushrooms are poisonous than are edible.
Phalloid poisoning
Caused by Amanita species the name is derived from amanita phalloides
the Death cap. Amatoxins and phallotoxins are found in higher quantities in A,verna A,virosa and the lepiota species helveola,scobinella and galerina.

Phalloid poisoning is responsible for around 90% of fatal mushroom related poisoning.
Onset is between 6 and 24 hours,although sometimes longer,after ingestion . Vomiting and diarrhoea cause massive fluid and mineral loss for 48 hours followed by extreme exhaustion and severe leg cramps.
stoppage of urine leads to liver damage through self poisoning. Death occurs by the 5th or 6th day through hepatic failure and /or brain damage If caught early enough the treatment is effective and the fatality rate is reduced to around 10%.
Victim should be rushed to the nearest large hospital and if vomiting administer large quantities of water(never milk or alchohol).
The poisons involved are the phallotoxins including phalloidin,phalloin,phallisin,phallicin and phallicidin.the Amatoxins involved are named by the Greek alphabet (alpha to omega amanin) as well as amanin and amanalin.

Paraphalloid poisoning similar in appearance to phalloid poisoning onset is at 3 to 10 hours after ingestion characterised by vomiting followed by failure of blood circulation.Death is caused by brain damage and/or hepatic failure
Muscarine poisoning
Derived from Amanita muscaria the fly agaric which in fact only contains a very small amount of muscarine as does A pantherina the panther cap. Large quantities are actually found in inocybe and clitocybe species.
Symptoms are sometimes present while eating but usually within 2hrs Excessive salivation and lacrimation (watery eyes) along with Vomiting ,diarrhoea and loss of blood pressure then a slowing pulse and shivering.
Pupils contract accompanied by sight disorders.
Atropine is an effective antidote but not for panther cap or fly agaric (both contain mycoatropine)
Psychotropic poisoning
is caused by Panther cap,Amanita regalis and Fly agaric which contain poisons Mycoatropine(psychotonic....stimulating alertness and euphoria) and psilocybine(psychodysleptic..alters conciousness)
for which the active toxins have not been identified yet.
Poisoning often resembles alcoholic intoxication.
victim will feel nausea after 30 mins to 3 hours accompanied by vomiting ,headache and quickened heartbeat with persistent dilation of pupils.person will become talkative and will probably laugh,weep,strike them self and keep running back and forth.
Patient also faints then recovers from time to time,scream,hallucinate then awaken with no memory of recent events.
The Panther cap is deadly poisonous.

Treatment is as follows induce vomiting then take victim to hospital give water (do not give milk or alcohol).
Chlorpromasine type drugs and physostygmine are administered latter is antidote to mycoatropine.
If treated properly the effects are supposed to wear off after two to three days.There are possible "flash back" effects apparent which can last for many years.
Orellanin poisoningOrellanin is found in all the cortinarius species so all should be avoided. Until recently they were considered edible mainly because the effects can take as long as 17 days to become apparent
The toxin orellanin is more powerful than those in the death cap,it is comprised of 10 compounds the most important being grzymalin.
Symptoms are acute or chronic kidney damage over abundant urination which slows then eventually stops.Person will then have stomach pains accompanied by vomiting with a dry feeling mouth and excessive thirst.Death is generally through liver failure.
Treatment is only possible in hospital where an artificial kidney can be supplied.

Most of the toxic effects from funghi and mushrooms are to do with the digestive system.being similar to food poisoning so if in doubt leave it well and truly alone.
the mushroom expert

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