PHARMACOLOGICALLY AND TOXICOLOGICALLY RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF Amanita muscaria

Abstract

Amanita muscaria, the red fly agaric, is the most famous of all Amanita. The initial history of this fascinating mushroom dates back to at least the 13th century. The use of mushrooms began in antiquity and is associated with mysticism. The collection and consumption of mushrooms and other plants containing psychoactive substances is now very popular, especially among young people who are experimenting with drugs. Ibotenic acid and muscimol are the main active ingredients of this mushroom, but other substances are likely to be involved in the psychotropic effects. A. muscaria also contains some other non-psychotropic substances that are interesting not only for their chemical structure but also for their biological activity. Current knowledge about chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology regarding this fungus is reviewed in this article.