"Magic" mushrooms don't cause renal failure

A letter challenges two claims made in a prior report about renal toxicity from psilocybin mushrooms. The first claim—that the authors had recent experience with renal toxicity caused by deliberate ingestion of psilocybin mushrooms eaten for hallucinogenic effects—and the second—that acute renal failure secondary to recreational mushroom use is rarely reported—are each described as problematic. The letter does not provide evidence or data to support its critique, only stating that the claims are problematic without further elaboration.

Study at a glance

Abstract

“We have had recent experience with renal toxicity caused by deliberate ingestion of psilocybin mushrooms, which are eaten for their hallucinogenic effects. Acute renal failure secondary to the recreational use of mushrooms is rarely reported.”1 Each of these statements is problematic. The authors give no …