Amanita muscaria: chemistry, biology, toxicology, and ethnomycology.
Didier Michelot, Leda Maria Melendez-Howell
Mycological research February 1, 2003 DOI: 10.1017/s0953756203007305 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 258 |
| Key findings | The fly agaric mushroom causes 'pantherina' poisoning syndrome, characterized by central nervous system dysfunction, due to ibotenic acid and muscimol, with historical mystical use. |
Abstract
The fly agaric is a remarkable mushroom in many respects; these are its bearing, history, chemical components and the poisoning that it provokes when consumed. The 'pantherina' poisoning syndrome is characterized by central nervous system dysfunction. The main species responsible are Amanita muscaria and A. pantherina (Amanitaceae); however, some other species of the genus have been suspected for similar actions. Ibotenic acid and muscimol are the active components, and probably, some other substances detected in the latter species participate in the psychotropic effects. The use of the mushroom started in ancient times and is connected with mysticism. Current knowledge on the chemistry, toxicology, and biology relating to this mushroom is reviewed, together with distinctive features concerning this unique species.