Amanita muscaria in the evolving novel psychoactive substances landscape - toxicological risks and clinical implications: a narrative review
Frontiers in Pharmacology May 26, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1838212 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Context archaeology Narrative review Recreational drug Public health Harm reduction Mood Heroin Neuropharmacology Adverse effect |
| Key findings | Amanita muscaria is increasingly used recreationally and for self-therapy, with emerging reports of intentional consumption, heterogeneous dosing, and adverse health outcomes ranging from mild neurological symptoms to severe intoxication requiring hospitalization. |
Abstract
The rapid evolution of the novel psychoactive substances market has blurred the boundaries between synthetic “designer drugs” and other emerging psychoactive products distributed outside traditional regulatory frameworks. Recently, increasing recreational and self-therapeutic interest in Amanita muscaria has led to its growing presence within the broader landscape of substances used in patterns similar to novel psychoactive substances. Widely available through online platforms and social media, it is promoted for stress reduction, mood improvement, sleep enhancement, and analgesic purposes, despite limited clinical evidence and established toxicity risks. This narrative review synthesizes available clinical and toxicological evidence on A. muscaria and its reported adverse health outcomes. Emerging reports indicate increasing intentional consumption, heterogeneous dosing practices, and presentations ranging from mild neurological symptoms to severe intoxication requiring hospitalization. Online narratives and informal harm reduction advice contribute to normalization of use and potential underestimation of risks. Within the context of novel psychoactive substances research, A. muscaria represents a regulatory and public health challenge: a non-synthetic psychoactive substance integrated into digital drug markets and self-experimentation cultures. The absence of standardized management guidelines and systematic surveillance complicates clinical response. Greater awareness of its toxicological profile, patterns of misuse, and emergency management strategies is needed to inform clinicians, toxicologists, and public health authorities.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Ibotenic Acid and Muscimol in Amanita muscaria: Chemistry, Sources of Variability, Analytical Determination, and Toxicological Significance Molecules September 13, 2026
- Safety and Efficacy of Natural and Conventional Psychiatric Treatments: A Comparative Review of Mushroom-Derived Compounds and Medicinal Plants in the Management of Mental Disorders Molecules September 7, 2026
- Amanita Muscaria Mushrooms: An Online Retail Assessment of Branded Retailers, 2025. Substance Use & Misuse September 19, 2026
Cites 18
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- Toxicity of muscimol and ibotenic acid containing mushrooms reported to a regional poison control center from 2002-2016. Clinical Toxicology February 1, 2019
- Toxicological and pharmacological profile of Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam. – a new rising opportunity for biomedicine Pharmacia November 26, 2020
- Prolonged psychosis after Amanita muscaria ingestion. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift May 1, 2006
and 13 more in the library